Secret Bookcase Doors REVEALED!

As I am carrying out my construction stint in Colorado, I am living at my parent's house (and am learning that life is full of regressions and progressions... My current explanation for my life circumstances is that I'm "re-inventing myself" - how's that for a euphemism?... And not in a Miley way, puhlease!)

But my insecurities aside, my parent's house underwent a remodel over the past year and a half and is now finding itself left in the awkward phase where none of the old furniture fits with the new style (omg, SO awkward!).  But it has been extremely fun for me to help with the shopping for new pieces within this "fresh palate" in my off hours :).  And believe me, I've got PLENTY of ideas...

I'm still trying to make "fetch" happen with this... Update to follow.

I'm still trying to make "fetch" happen with this... Update to follow.

Another change that occurred during the remodel was that my "childhood bedroom" was eliminated.  Have no fear, I garnered a larger room in the process, so I'm not complaining one bit!  However, when my room was basically split in two and half of it went to my new room, the other half going to my sister's room, we also lost some features that I found myself weirdly sad about after the fact.  You see, growing up, my sister and I had this thing called a Jack and Jill bathroom set up in which our rooms were connected by an adjoining shower/toilet area but we had our own sink/vanity areas in our respective rooms.  With the remodel and the purging of my old bedroom, so went the convenience of our joining rooms.  I'm not sure if I'm explaining this well or not so I've included a CRUDE (#imnotanartist) drawing of what it looked like before and after.  Sorry about what a sorry floorplan "illustration" this is.

I had quite a laugh after I finished drawing this… The
proportions are so off it’s not even funny

I had quite a laugh after I finished drawing this… The proportions are so off it’s not even funny

Ok, do you all have it?  Now, the part that made me kind of sad was that I could no longer easily talk to my sister.  Even though we were only an adjoining wall away, I would have had to go ALL THE WAY AROUND the "horseshoe" just to speak to her, and it made me triste when I thought about all of those times growing up when we would communicate by way of the bathroom route (that sounds worse than I mean, LOL) instead of through conventional means.  So I convinced the authorities that be (see: my father) about creating a "secret door" in the adjoining wall through which we could still chat between our rooms like we used to.  Aren't we just the most precious sisters/bff's EVER? :)  The solution I came up with was a secret door within a custom bookcase that would go in my sister's room.  And to my astonishment, my dad agreed!  (I think I got him to by playing the "family" card... and a healthy dose of pouting, of course).  So, do you see that place on the atrocious drawing above where I made a little star/asterisk on the "After" drawing?  That is where an opening for the secret door currently exists.  The bookcase will go along the wall on the right side of the line that the asterisk is on and will open into my closet/bathroom area.  And now, I have been assigned the task of figuring out how all of this is going to work and doing so within a fairly restricting budget.   Here is a photo of my "blank canvas."

Secret Bookshelf Door Before Photo.JPG

And here are some sick-nasty secret doors I found in and amongst the world wide web which, I am hoping will help me to figure this whole thing out and get it completed/installed before my extended family comes for Thanksgiving.  The 65 day countdown starts: NOW.  

Secret Bookcase Door 2.jpg
Faux Bookcase Door.jpg
Secret Bookcase Door 1.jpg
Hope you're in on the "house secrets" lest you have to answer nature's call on the fly at this residence.. 

Hope you're in on the "house secrets" lest you have to answer nature's call on the fly at this residence.. 

Secret Bookcase Door 13.jpg
Secret Bookcase Door 11.jpg
Secret Bookcase Door 6.jpg
Secret Bookcase Door 8.jpg
Secret Bookcase Door 10.jpg
Sliding Secret Door Bookcase.jpg
Secret Bookshelf Door.jpg

Views from both perspectives:

Secret Room Behind Bookcase.jpg
Secret Room Behind Bookshelf.jpg

And my favorite... even though it won't work for this application... But oh my god do I want to sit in that little cubby at the top of that giant bookcase and just perch (is that weird?).   You wouldn't want to be a new guest playing hide and seek in this home..

Secret Bookcase Door 7.png

What do you all think?  Is it going to be radical or likely impossible?

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S.A.M.C.R.O.

Is posting about the Sons of Anarchy on this blog just a total contradiction?  I was debating this briefly and then I realized, absolutely not!   Allow me to elaborate in two words: Charlie Hunnam.

Charlie Hunnam Sons of Anarchy.jpg

Mmm Mmm.  He plays the show's main character, Jax (a sexy name for a sexy man) and he does so, superbly.  You may recognize this pretty face from Green Street Hooligans where he was also frankly, hot as all hell too.. In a totally opposite and equally badass way. Just like the honey badger, Mr. Hunnam's characters don't give a sh*t which is EXACTLY what makes him SO FINE...  And if you weren't convinced of his appeal after my lusting, Hollywood has validated it by making him the official "Christian Grey" in the upcoming 50 Shades of Grey movie.  But alright, enough of my celeb crushing/love manifesto. 

I do want to educate you all about why this show is so gosh darn "Charming."  If that word choice seems out of place, I challenge you to watch the show to figure out why I chose it :).  The show, albeit incredibly violent, portrays a love story riddled with complications but enduring and a brotherhood bond that supersedes friendship to the level of acting as a family.  Mostly though, the show has inspired me to want to get a Harley one day and cruise up the California coast with the wind in my hair. And if that's not a compelling reason to watch, I don't know what else to tell you stubborn TV elitists ;).   

 

I will look exactly like that too.

I will look exactly like that too.

For all you existing fans, you've earned your patches in my book but let me throw some show trivia at you (non-watchers can "tune out" for this next paragraph): The show was written by Katey Sagal's (reference: Married With Children wife) real life husband, Kurt Sutter.  Kurt Sutter is also in the show and plays the character Otto.  Katey Sagal plays one of the show's main characters, Gemma, who is Jax's (ahem, Charlie Hunnam's) mother.  And... Katey Sagal's real life sister-in-law, McNally Sagal, also acts in the show, playing the hospital administrator.

Sons of Anarchy Katey Sagal Kurt Sutter.JPG

Fortunately for you, I've kindly prepared a collection of how to achieve that "Hot Biker Chic" look for all you patient readers:

Unfortunately for me, I've already purchased three items from this collection. 

And, I've gathered some motorcycle-inspired home décor photos in keeping with the theme of this bloggity blog:

Motorcycle Inspired Decor.jpg
Dark Bathroom.jpg
Dark Living Room.jpg
Bohemian Home Black and White.jpg
70's Bohemian Home Decor.jpg
Rock and Roll Bedroom.jpg
Bohemian Chair with Dream Catcher.jpg
Motorcycle Glam Kitchen.jpg

The season 6 premiere airs tonight in just a few hours (yes, I meant to get this post out sooner) on FX and you know where I'll be: Sittin' bright eyed and bushy tailed in front of my television set, dreaming of becoming Jax's old lady. 

FEAR THE REAPER Y'ALL!

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What's All That Junk In Your Trunk?

This past weekend I went to watch my alma mater's football team kick some A$$.  They did not disappoint which was QUITE the welcome sight if you knew my team.  Perhaps you have heard of them?  The University of Colorado Buffaloes (we have a live buffalo as our mascot)?  *Little known fact:  The buffalo is actually a female despite popular perception as males would be too aggressive and fast for the handlers that run the buffalo around the stadium before every home game.  But enough bragging, last year my beloved Buffs (the games of which my family has had season tickets to and of which I have been attending, since I was 7 years old) were placed on several worst college football teams lists and experienced their worst record to date (oops!)... So a win for the team nearly brought tears to my eyes.. (I only wish I was joking!).

Ralphie Colorado Buffaloes.jpg

Both of my parents and myself attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and we have all remained uber fans for years and years.  Our seats have also improved DRAMATICALLY since those old days when the biggest thing my sister and I looked forward to at the games was getting candy from the old man who always wore headphones during the game and sat next to us.  He would sneak it to us when my parents weren't looking (it wasn't creepy, I swear)!  He gave off the vibe of a grumpy old man and never spoke to us but would give us these bags he made with candy and peanuts at the beginning of the game.  We got to him, I'm sure of it!  I'm sure you're all bored of my nostalgic reminiscing, but have no fear: What I'm about to hit you all with is "The Art of Tailgating." 

The Art of Tailgating.jpg

I have a lot of experience in this field and am going to be selective about what I post regarding such (in an effort to appeal to the largest amount of people, of course... Come on!).  My parents plan an epic tailgate for every home game along with 15 other families that includes an organized caravan to the tailgate lot, a theme based on the visiting team's origin, fresh cut sunflowers because they are the team's colors, table cloths, custom tents and most importantly, excellent wine and choice seafood (one of the group members is a seafood distributor for crying out loud!)

I had the privilege of attending this notorious tailgate this past weekend and was impressed as per usual.  So today I thought I would share some inspirational photos and tips for throwing a "proper" tailgate.   

*Unlike most of my posts when I say that finding photos was hard, this was quite the opposite and I am still not totally pleased with my editing choices... Which means, I will probably need to do another post for when the Broncos go to the Superbowl this year and I throw a Superbowl party.

Using the actual tailgate for a tailgate... I approve!

Using the actual tailgate for a tailgate... I approve!

Vintage Plaid Grill

Vintage Plaid Grill

I actually own both the above and below and have yet to use any of the elements.. But I bet they would be awesome!  Maybe one day... 

Vintage Plaid Ice Chest and Thermos

Vintage Plaid Ice Chest and Thermos

 Why GO to the bar, when you can bring the bar to you?  Props you party people!

 Why GO to the bar, when you can bring the bar to you?  Props you party people!

OBVIOUSLY they're at a polo match not a football game.. but they are definitely perfecting the "art."

OBVIOUSLY they're at a polo match not a football game.. but they are definitely perfecting the "art."

Some cute table "cloth" ideas:

Football Table Cloth.jpg
Astroturf Table Cloth.jpg
Got to applaud the homemade tailgate tent..

Got to applaud the homemade tailgate tent..

And now for the main event.... The FOOD, of course! 

BEST FOOTBALL SNACK EVER.

BEST FOOTBALL SNACK EVER.

These look bomb.  Just sayin'.. Shrimp wrapped chorizo bites. Salivating..

These look bomb.  Just sayin'.. Shrimp wrapped chorizo bites. Salivating..

Football Rice Krispy Treats... Well done.

Football Rice Krispy Treats... Well done.

What I'm going to officially call a "smorgasbord" of football-related hors devours:

Football Snacks.jpg

And if you're a real over-achiever and like to go above and beyond, I won't judge.. But I will demand an invitation, if you can pull off this: 

This right here is the content of my dreams.

This right here is the content of my dreams.

And with that, I wish you all a Happy Tailgating.. Because that actually is a verb.

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Friday Finds

You guys, I am too tired for words, literally.  Lifting, squatting, blah blah in 98 degree heat outside leaves Keeley Kraft a neglected blog.  And I feel so bad about it.  But I promise, I am going to get my biznaz together this weekend so that this blemish of a blogging week will be forgotten and hopefully forgiven.  Until then, however, since I feel completely out of words, I'm going to give you a little compilation of my favorite "finds" from the week. 

And also, just a quick hurrah before we part ways... Did anyone see the Broncos/Ravens game last night??  Yeah boys and YEAH PEYTON!  Gonna be a good season! 

I hope you all have splendid weekends! 

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Can You Dig It?

So, I came onto the scene (didn't you know that construction sites are the sceniest places of all?) starting at the ground floor (pun intended... And for future reference, almost all puns on this blog are intended although I will continue to point them out when they are made for those who are slow on the "puntake" - and because I crack myself up, obvi!).  ANYWAYZ, the building we are building is to be intended for industrial use and will be completed with three loading docks, 20,000 square feet and will be 20 feet high. No easy feat by anyone's measurements (construction pun) and not exactly glamorous either.  But fun as hell for me! 

So the crew and I have been working on digging the foundation and getting it set up for a concrete pour.  Here's a photo of me killing it on the ol' Bobcat...

Can you tell by my massive grin that I "dig" this stuff?  (Pun count: 3)

Can you tell by my massive grin that I "dig" this stuff?  (Pun count: 3)

Actually I am terrible on the ol' Bobcat and only managed to pick up a quarter of a load for my max haul and killed the engine more times than I can count... leading to me being pulled from the task that I had high hopes would become part of my wheelhouse.. Sad day.  But, I suppose, one must walk before they can run.   And most importantly, enough about me and my issues.  There is no whining on the job site and subsequently there should be no whining on the blog site either! 

And here are some Instagrammed photos of the job site too.  Bet that's a first for an Instagram!

There is literally dirt for dayz if there ever was such a thing... 

There is literally dirt for dayz if there ever was such a thing... 

Magic will soon happen in those boxes you see..

Magic will soon happen in those boxes you see..

I've also created a Buzzfeed-style list for 10 interesting things I have learned about construction after day 2 on the job:  

  1. A building is based upon grids, upon grids, upon grids, upon grids, upon grids... upon grids.
  2. TOW stands for "Top of Wall," T.O.F. stands for "Top of Floor" and TOB stands for "Top of Base" (some construction lingo for ya that I haven't quite yet found out why it's useful to turn into an acronym - maybe time will tell?)
  3. A mix of waste oil and "crap" diesel (which also happen to smell like crap) can be used to line the inside of the wood molds used for pouring concrete so that the concrete doesn't stick to the mold when the wood is removed - sort of a "Pam Cooking Spray" approach to pouring concrete   - It's really amazing how much it seems construction is like cooking and also amazing how much I do not really do cooking, like ever.. Hmm.. And don't you dare say men/women's domains.. OR ELSE.  
  4. Lunch is called "lunchee" and it NEVER begins a minute past the designated lunch time.
  5. Fashion is not a factor at work. At all.  
  6. Men ARE actually MUCH stronger than women.  Face it, it's a fact.
  7. "Getting your hands dirty" should be meant ONLY as an expression... because it does not even scratch the surface in describing the state of one's hands at all times on the job.  
  8. Two showers a day actually is a thing. (My 3 showers a week can no longer cut it... Oops, did I just say that out loud?) 
  9. Measure twice, cut once.  Otherwise, you could end up VERY SORRY.
  10. Wear sunscreen.  Because right now, I'm VERY SORRY I didn't. 

And since most of you have probably already gone to sleep after reading about all of this stuff, I am going to follow your lead and do the same.   When we wake up tomorrow it will be Friday (or maybe it already is for you, Reader, wherever you are in the world!)

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