top of page


The Lifestyle Blog
Welcome to Our Stories
Big Goals. Midlife Chaos. Real Talk.
A place to sort through the mess, chase the dreams, and maybe even enjoy the ride.



Kari Johnson Barroso
Oct 13 min read



Kari Johnson Barroso
Sep 242 min read
Recent Stories
From The Archives
Explore All Lifestyle Topics


The Great Lock-In: 2.5 Week Update
It’s been about two and a half weeks since I started my Great Lock-In Challenge , so it’s time for an update. Like most big goals, it’s...

Kari Johnson Barroso
Oct 13 min read


Adventures in New Music – My First Lecture Recital in a Decade
My first lecture recital in nearly ten years brought me back to new music, electronic works, and sharing with curious students.

Kari Johnson Barroso
Sep 242 min read


Finding My Way Back to Practicing Piano – RCM Celebration of Excellence
From burnout to joy: how preparing for the RCM Level 10 exam reignited my love of music and earned me a Regional Gold Medal and...

Kari Johnson Barroso
Sep 203 min read


My Great LockIn 2025
My TikTok feed is full of people talking about the Great LockIn 2025. Since I’ve finally gotten this blog up and running — and because...

Kari Johnson Barroso
Sep 93 min read


September 1: Five Things I Can’t Live Without — and Five I’d Love to Have
This is the first in what I hope will become a weekly series. I want to share some of the things that keep me happy, productive, and sane...

Kari Johnson Barroso
Sep 23 min read


World Masters in Vegas: Results, Reflections, and What I Ate
I’m writing this on Labor Day 2025, after a long, well-earned sleep following an unforgettable weekend. I am unbelievably excited about...

Kari Johnson Barroso
Sep 24 min read


What I’ve Been Eating to Get Ready for World Masters
From tapioca crepes to chocolate burritos, Kari Johnson Barroso shares what she’s really been eating to stay fueled, balanced, and confident heading into World Masters.

Kari Johnson Barroso
Sep 24 min read


Today marks five days until I compete at the Master World Championships
This will be my fourth time competing at this event, and my sixth time stepping onto the mats at the Las Vegas Convention Center. I’ve...

Kari Johnson Barroso
Aug 272 min read
bottom of page