Dub Lane Kettlebell Fitness Challenge {Photo Requirements}

43 ladies from all around the world have joined me in the Dub Lane Kettlebell Fitness Challenge.  It's an 8 week program using the DVD series, Kettlebody By Brook. We will workout 6 days a week for 30 minutes using either a 7lb or 10 lb kettlebell {some will even be using a 15lb kettlebell}.  We start our Challenge on Monday!!!! {I'm so excited}. 

We have a facebook group that will serve as our sounding board throughout the challenge. We will be posting questions about our workouts, sharing healthy recipes, posting weekly progression photos as well as our weekly progression reports.  We even have "the" Brook Benten in our group to help provide feedback, motivate us and to answer any questions the girls might have. There are not many people that can say they have direct access to the gal they see on their tv 6 days a week. 


Because this was started through my blog, I will be posting weekly Progression Photos and Reports each Sunday. There are a few members of the group that are avid bloggers as well. They will each post on their own personal blogs and link up on Sundays. We hope that you would follow along and help encourage us in your journey. 


While it's too late to sign up for this Fitness Challenge, there's a good chance that I will begin another kettlebell fitness challenge in Jan/February. If it's something you are interested in, please just let me know and I'll get you on the list to contact closer to that date. You can email me at lifeinthedublane {at} yahoo . com. 


FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS: 
For those that are participating in the challenge, here are the weekly progression photo requirements. {while this is posted on our FB page, a few members do not have FB}. 


What you CAN wear: 
**Shorts/Tank
** Shorts/Sports Bra
** Tight workout pants/Sports Bra 
** Tight workout pants/Tanks 
** Bikini 
{long pants not recommended, but accepted}

What you CAN NOT wear: 
**No Baggy clothing such as sweats or large T-Shirts. 
**All photos must show your face. 
No exceptions.

What Body Measurements should you record each week on your progression report? Biceps, Waist and Thighs. If you would like to record and share other measurements for fun and submit them with your weekly report, have fun with it. Buttocks, Calves, Chest, etc. 

These are the Mandatory Measurements. 

Acceptable in Inches/Pounds and Centimeters/Kilos

Please let me know if you have any questions. Can not wait to get started!  Let's DO THIS!!! 

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Burlap Coffee Table {tutorial}

I'm really into burlap lately. I also knew that I wanted a different coffee table. I put the two ideas together and created my new burlap coffee table.  I love it! 

It's the perfect size for the room. Much better than the trunk that we were using prior.   I'm already looking forward to playing board games as a family. 


You may remember the table from when I painted it a nice turquoise and used it on my patio. Yep. Same table.  Until we have the patio area extended it was taking up too much space. Not to mention that next spring I will want to paint something else for outside. Maybe something that's taller so that we can enjoy a family dinner outside.  

Here's what I did.... It was easy. The total, $18. I'm not counting the cost of the table since I pulled it from the patio, but if I did the total would be $25. 

I took my sample paint that I had on hand {but you can pick some up for $1 at your local Lowes or Depot}. 
Since the table top was turquoise I painted it a more neutral tone so that it wouldn't show through the burlap. I chose a light yellow. 
Then I took my sample paint "Bay Leaf" by Martha and painted the bottom portion of the table. 
After that, I had fun with my Antiquing Glaze. 

Next, I took a break and enjoyed a nice cup of sweet ice tea. It was 107* outside. It was hot and I needed break! Not to mention I bought these adorable tumblers at JoAnns for $2.50 {set of 4} while I was getting my burlap. 


I covered the top of the table with Burlap. I bought 2 yards at $3/yd. I cut it to have about a 1 inch over lap on each side. Then I tucked it under and went to town with my staple gun.  While this picture shows just one staple, trust me, there are plenty more!  I made sure to pull it tight without causing it to have too many sways and curves in the burlap threads. 

The last part of covering the top was completing the corners. You can see how easy it is from the photos. 


Then came the last fun part. Finishing it off with decorative nail heads along the edge. 

These ran me $2.49 per pack. I used 4 {one for each side}.  * be sure to use a rubber mallet so that you don't ruin your nail heads. They run about $5 or so. It's nice to have for other projects too. 

Isn't it gorgeous! We have nail head trim on our sofas so I wanted to tie it all together. It could not have turned out more perfect. 

And one last view.... 

What do you think? 

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{Last Call} for the Dub Lane Kettlebell Fitness Challenge

SO excited!  Yes I am. 
We are currently setting at 30 members that are set to go. If you have been on the fence about joining the challenge, now is the time to make your decision.  We start the challenge on 9/5, so act quick if you do want in. 


A few reminders and additional details for those that are in the challenge {and for those that are looking to seal the deal}.  I'm going to make it easy and list them in bullet points. I love bullet points. 

• We start the Dub Lane Kettlebell Fitness Challenge on 9/5/2011.
• If you have not already done so, you need to purchase the Kettlebody by Brook DVD series. Quick Overview: Kettlebody by Brook is a boxed set of three DVDs: Cardio Kettlebell (30-min cardio, power, strength workout), Yogaburn (30-minutes of Power Yoga blended with Athletic Conditioning: cardio, strength, and flexibility), and Bell Body Sculpt (30-minutes of full-body toning, using your body weight and a kettlebell).
  The program is designed to be done sequentially, exercising with Cardio Kettlebell on day 1, Yogaburn on day 2, and Bell Body Sculpt on day 3 then repeat that sequence for days 4, 5, and 6. Take day 7 as a rest day. By following this regiment for 8 uninterrupted weeks, in addition to eating a healthy and balanced diet, you can attain your "Kettlebody by Brook".
• You will also need to purchase your 7lb or 10 lb Contoured Kettlebell. Do not exceed this weight until after you complete the 8 week series. 
• Go pick up a few new workout outfits. The cuter you look and the better you feel while working out means that you will DO better and have more fun. {this is a true fact} 
• Choose the outfit that you will wear in your weekly progression photo. You will wear the exact same outfit every week, so choose something you are comfortable wearing in progression photos. {ie: form fitting is best}. If it gets to big throughout the weeks, good! That's the point!
• There is a Facebook Group that we will use as a sounding board throughout the Fitness Challenge. We will discuss workouts, ask questions, post photos, share healthy recipes and much more. This FB group is currently searchable by the name Dub Lane Kettlebell Fitness Challenge. If you would like to join this group please search the group name and "Ask To Join".  NOTE: This Group will be set to private on 9/3/2011 and will no longer be searchable or available for viewing by nonmembers. Everything posted within the group will remain confidential and will only be shared with members. 
• I will begin posting healthy recipes in our FB group next week. Keep in mind that if you are not currently eating healthy.... change that way of thinking.  While I can not control how you eat or how often you workout, I will not stop encouraging you. Eating healthy is key to seeing results. 
• There will be two winners chosen at the end of the 8 week fitness challenge. One winner will be chosen directly by Brook Benten, the second winner will be chosen by "readers choice". Both winners will receive the Brook Benten's entire DVD collection along with a few other workout essentials! 
• Be sure and read and agree to the Fitness Challenge disclosure before you join. 

The not so nice, but needs to be addressed topic: 

• Any member that does not post weekly progression reports and progression photos will be removed from the group for non participation. While it will be fun, it's also serious business. The more serious you take it, the better the results. 

Now... who want to join and look like this? 

Want In?  Shoot me a quick email at Lifeinthedublane@yahoo.com to let me know you are interested and search our FB group and "ask to join".  

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Pottery Barn Inspired Sand Box {tutorial}

WOW! The response to my Pottery Barn Inspired Sandbox was incredible. Thank you all so much for the love. I know that it has taken me quite a while to get this posted so I apologize. I have received at least one email a day which served as a great reminder. 

I'll admit, the main reason that I have not posted, it strictly because I do not know the measurements of wood. I might be crafty, but I don't measure anything. I strictly go into the store, "see" what I want and then eye the entire project. {eeeks}. 


Before I go any further, I'll just say this. You are going to have to look at the pictures to see the boards I use. I can tell you how long I cut them {and how wide they are}, but that's about it.  Yes, I'm that lame. 


WHAT YOU NEED: 
{1} 4x4 Sheet of Wood. They sell it just like this at Home Depot. 
{5} 7"x8' Boards. {It measures 7'' across and is 8ft long and is about 3/4" thick} They call this a 1"x8"
{5} 1x4 Boards 
{4} 3ft Spindles 
{4} "L" Support Brackets
{1} Box of 1 5/8" Fine Thread Screws
{1} 1/4"Drill Bit
{1} Sander {or piece of sandpaper}
{1} small can of Minwax Walnut Stain} 
{1} Foam Brush to apply stain
{6} Bags of Play Sand
{1} Staple Gun/Staples
{2 Yards} Outdoor Fabric -your choice of design

 Here are a few of the materials so that you have a visual. 

Start by taking your 4x4 sheet of wood. Place it up on something so that you can drill holes in it. These holes let the water drain out should it rain in the sand.  Drill as many as you want. You can see in the below photo that I stuck to a little pattern so that it was even. 

It will leave the wood split in a few areas so you will want to sand it down. You do not want splinters! Ouch!  

 Once the wood is nice and smooth you can lay it down on a flat surface.

Next. Get those 8ft Boards that are 7" across. Get your saw and make your cuts. You will want to have {4} 49" boards. These will be the sides of the base. VERY IMPORTANT: I suggest that you cut each side as you go. We found out the hard way that our board was a little off and our boards didn't line up. Learn from our lesson and cut as you go to make sure that all of your corners match up and do not leave gaps. 


Attach your boards to the base using your screws. Be careful not to have them come out of the bottom of your 4x4 board. Drill straight! 

Ahhh. So pretty! 


After you have all of your bottom base sides on, you will cut and attach your top support boards. Two of the edges are wider to allow for children to sit. The other two sides are cut using 2x4. 
Grab your 7" board and cut two pieces both measuring 46". 
Grab your 2x4 boards and cut two pieces measuring 55 1/2". 
BEFORE YOU ATTACH THE BOARDS TO THE BASE, READ BELOW. 

Next, you will attach your {4} 3ft spindles. Using your "L" Brackets to help secure the spindles
Here's another place that we learned the hard way. Before you attach your top support boards to the base, you might want to measure out and screw your spindles from below. We somehow managed to get the screwdriver under the boards and drill the spindles, however it would have been MUCH easier if we screwed them in prior. {I hope that this makes sense}. 

Once the spindles are in place, you will want to secure them with "L" brackets. We only did this because we know that kids will be kids and will want to swing on the spindles. 

Now we will work on the top. 
You will take your 2x4 boards and make cuts. 
You will cut {2} of them to measure 43". 
You will cut {2} pf them to measure 4ft. 

Attach them to the spindles using three screws on each side. 
You are almost done! 

This is what you will have so far. 


Grab your can of Stain {we used Dark Walnut from Minwax}. Give it a nice coat and let dry!

Be sure and stain the inside "sides". When the sand is in you will not see the bottom; however you will see the sides. 

Lastly, you will want to add your canopy. Using outdoor fabric, stretch across and secure with staples. I decided that I wanted to finish off the interior so I took a few scraps of the left over fabric and stapled to the inside of the 2x4 boards. I made sure to hem it just a bit as I stapled so that frays were not in sight. 

And VERY last, put your sandbox in the permanent location and fill with sand. There's no moving this bad boy once it's filled. 

 I SOOOO hope that this helps someone create one too.  I took pictures along the way hoping that I would create a tutorial. Not really knowing what all the tutorial would entail, I could have planned it out better. 


However, I do hope that you will enjoy it!

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Pottery Barn Inspired Burlap Frames Tutorial

Friends... this was the most thrifty little replication I have ever done. Each frame cost $4. 
And of course without any direct disrespect to my beloved Pottery Barn, I'm just not quite sure who would spend $20-$50 on these frames anyways. 

I bought my frames at Ikea for $4 each. They are 81/2"x11 and came with matting. $4 each for frames with matting... yes please! 


While the matting was a pretty ivory, I did buy them with the intent to cover with burlap. So. That's what I did. 


I happened to have burlap on hand. It's only $4 a yard at JoAnns {in case you are wondering}. I always have some "in stock" for projects. I love the look and the texture it can bring to a room.  I'm also one for neutral colors. You can bring in more vibrant accent pieces. For a girl that changes them out for each holiday, that's important. 


Anyhow, back on subject. These were super easy. For those that might not know where to start, here is a quick tutorial {and not at all fancy I might add}. 

1:  You will need frames, burlap, scissors and a stapler. 
2: Remove you mat from your frame. Have a little helper {see toes} and cut a piece of burlap out that is 1" larger than your mat. 
3: Bring the 1" edging up around your mat and staple into place making sure the long flat side of your staple is facing up towards you {on the back side of the frame}. 
4: This is what it should like now. 

5:  Stick your scissors through a little hole in the middle of the square. Cut up and around until you have a nice little hole in the center. Allow enough room for you to overlap your mat.  Then you will cut a diagonal line towards each of the corners {see photo}. 
6:  Pull around to overlap edges of matting and staple. 
7: This is what it will look like now. {I just got lucky and had this adorable little boy cheesing it up in the background. You may or may not be so lucky}. 
8: Place back into frame. Add picture. 


Told you it was easy. And I did warn you that the tutorial wasn't pretty. 

If you are not a fan of burlap there are plenty of other fabrics you could use. Just think of the possibilities. 


And don't forget... those of you that have Facebook, "like" Life in the Dub Lane. 

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Desk Makeover and Burlap Frames

You can laugh. I have been working on this little corner for m.o.n.t.h.s. I'll admit, with everything that has been going on it has not been on my priority list. However, there are two reasons that I want to show you this little corner haven in my Master bedroom. 

Reason 1: I bought this adorable little cubby desk at goodwill for $15. Just as soon as I got it in the front door I gave it a makeover. Yes, I hauled it out to the backyard first. I don't need another reason to sweep, mop and vacuum more than the usual twice a day. 

I sanded it down and gave it a nice coat of... wait a minute... spray paint. Krylon's Almond to be exact. Love that color. 

I added a $3 piece of hardware to the front even though there isn't a drawer there. For some reason I just felt it needed a little bling bling. 

I love the top! I sealed it with a wax and it's been great!


I also picked up the pair of shelves at Goodwill for $3. I used Krylon's Saddle Tan. With a little distressing I think they turned out perfect!


Reason 2: 
I made these Pottery Barn Inspired Burlap Frames yesterday. Are they not adorable! I love them so much.  I'm going to post the how-to tomorrow. They were super super easy and cheap. As in $4 cheap. 

Also, if you notice, there is an ah-maz-ing canvas print that I got from Easy Canvas Prints. I was contacted by them to receive a print for review! They won me over with the great customer service and had me completely sold when I was got my hands on that canvas. It's going to last a long time... the quality is that good. They are different; something out of the frame. It draws attention to the space and that's what I wanted. Not to mention the print quality is phenomenal.  All in all, I love it and I do highly recommend them.  They are super fast too! 


So that's it folks. My little computer space in an otherwise wasted corner of the master bedroom. 


Oh. I'm working on getting my social media buttons up, but in the meantime, I would love for you to "like" my new Facebook Page. It will be an easy way to find recipes, tutorials, ask questions... etc. 

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Red and Zebra Birthday Dinner

My friend Brook turned 30! {I didn't just write that out... okay}. 


We had her and her hubs over for dinner to celebrate. It was a very casual thing, but it still needed a little bit of schnazy. 


I took the colors red and zebra {like how I just made zebra a "color"} and went to town. I only had a few hours to plan so it was super easy. 

 Yea. I lazied out and just bought 2 boxes of 16 count Rice Krispy Treats and stacked them. The ribbon makes them cute though. Right?!?

 {shh} Don't tell her the fresh flowers were only $2 at walmart. 

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Sneak Peek at Kyah's 2nd Birthday

2nd Birthday.  2nd Birthday. 2nd Birthday. 

I know, I know. I said that same thing over and over again. It's so hard to believe that we are about to celebrate his 2nd Birthday. It feels like we just celebrated his first birthday a few weeks ago. It's insane how fast they grow up. And please... don't tell me that it only goes by faster as the years go by. I've already heard and I will remain in a state of denial. 


This year I was set on having a Frog/Prince theme. For months I had planned on that. He's our little prince and well, to be honest I thought this was the last party that I could have overall say in without him having much input. 
Think again Mama Dub. 


This child is already so opinionated. Granted, you like what you like. A good mommy knows how to take that and roll with it. 


Needless to say, he loves animals. Not just any ole' animal, but Zoo Animals. Elephants are his favorite, followed by Lions, Monkey's Giraffes, Zebras and snakes. Ok, so snakes really are not "zoo" animals, but they are at the zoo so I gotta give him credit for that much. 


So the party theme for this year: {can you guess}....


ZOO! 

The invites for his Dallas Party have been mailed and the Austin invites are going out tomorrow. Yes, we are having 2 parties. One here in Austin for friends and the other will be in Dallas for family. Both on a much smaller scale than last years party where we had 85+ people. 


The party planning is in full force. We only have 19 more days! {excuse me while I grab a tissue}.  

Can't wait to share the party with you soon! 

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