tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11325637252342114202024-03-05T15:48:06.991-06:00Backstage BalanceBalancing healthy food, fitness and home with a rock n' roll lifestyle.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-84194963622583860292012-02-12T17:58:00.001-06:002012-02-12T17:58:40.217-06:00Please adjust your readers...Backstage Balance has MOVED!
My new home = here. Please check out the blog at its new, self-hosted home!
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your friendship and camaraderie over the years - it means the world to me. See you at my new location!
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-82697918670760709182011-11-30T22:26:00.001-06:002011-11-30T22:32:48.906-06:00BodyPump puns + That song in the VS Holiday 2011 commercialSince the marathon in October, I've enjoyed getting back to the grind with weight training. My gym offers LesMills BodyPump, which is a group class that focuses on high-repetition exercises. It's one hour long and targets pretty much every muscle group, so it works well with my crazy schedule.
A fun aspect of the class is that each track is set to an upbeat, modern, top-40 type song.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-83958255351949732962011-11-13T17:26:00.000-06:002011-11-13T17:26:52.054-06:00What's been going on "backstage."How's it going, America? Just kidding. That's the best sarcastic greeting that I could muster. Hello, and thank you for reading today.
So, as you can imagine, things have been pretty busy (do I sound like a broken record yet?) and a lot has been going on "backstage." Like, this:
Radio performances / live broadcasts at work, in the middle of the workday.
Ringside photo opps at Mondo Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-17352383468089232212011-10-12T23:10:00.000-05:002011-10-12T23:10:37.337-05:00I like it, I love it, I want some more of itHello, friends of the universe. How is October treating you? Does everyone have their Halloween costumes picked out yet, and all that jazz?
I have somehow survived the first 1/3 of October, which began with running a marathon. I'm covering two shows at work tonight - Goo Goo Dolls at one venue, and Robert Randolph & The Family Band at another. And then we've got Smashing Pumpkins tomorrow Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-86605534551095965532011-10-04T23:11:00.000-05:002011-10-04T23:11:33.571-05:0026.2I made it! The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon was Sunday, and aside from a few aches and pains and still being thirsty to this moment, I'm feeling great.
Yes, there was beer at the finish.
Recap to follow soon!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-84071054782254108742011-09-28T23:55:00.001-05:002011-09-28T23:59:51.531-05:00Pikes Peak Challenge 2011, Part 1: Pre-hike travelWelcome to the first of several installments recapping my recent trip to Colorado Springs for the Pikes Peak Challenge, a 13.1 mile hike to the summit and fundraiser for the Brain Injury Alliance.
Packing for the trip was easy, but wow did I have a lot of gear!Hiking boots, long pants, a buttload of sporty clothing, wool socks.Headlamp (yes, really), sunglasses (not to be worn at the same Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-87377777005582123572011-09-25T18:48:00.000-05:002011-09-25T18:48:51.074-05:00Ready as I'm gonna be.Friends of the Blogosphere - hope that you are having a great weekend.
I've had the opportunity to take things (relatively) easy this weekend, starting with a Friday night Brewers game with Zak and my parents. It turned out to be the biggest night to be at Miller Park this season, because they won the game, clinching their post-season playoffs spot - and then the entire stadium stayed to watch Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-27767025789817008572011-09-02T22:07:00.002-05:002011-09-05T14:47:03.503-05:00Psyching yourself up for long runsTonight, as I work from my laptop in the dark, sitting at a table under a big tent at the our outdoor movie series, and semi-watching "The Big Lebowski" on the big screen, I have begun the long and arduous process of psyching myself up.
You see, I have to run a ridiculous amount of miles tomorrow, and I am anxious to say the least. Some of the thoughts running through my mind:
My IT Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-90784039436080801532011-09-01T23:54:00.001-05:002011-09-02T00:00:33.086-05:00September 1st; but first...Can someone tell me how it's already September? I mean, really? Last time I checked, it was mid-July. I think I got sucked into a vortex of work, concerts and marathon training and somehow landed on September 1st. Yikes!
In all seriousness, I love September. The weather is usually remains summer-like around here, with the bonus of the beautiful changing colors of the leaves. I've always enjoyedLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-7878250920990321912011-08-30T23:10:00.000-05:002011-08-30T23:10:42.024-05:00Wrong turn on the Monarch TrailGood evening, friends! What's new? How's your week going so far? Good? Good.
Where to begin... thanks for your awesome comments on how you like your pancakes. Whether they're peanut butter-y, buttermilk 'cakes made by someone else, or of the pumpkin or sweet potato variety - I love that with the right ingredients, pancakes can be a healthful meal (in cake-form), and fun to Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-37326415874086529332011-08-23T21:02:00.000-05:002011-08-23T21:02:44.500-05:00Love is a blueberry pancakeGood evening. How was your Tuesday?
Today, I opted to work from home, and had a couple of very positive conference calls. Music industry folks can get as stressed out as any others, so I always get a little anxious about phone conferences, but today's folks were awesome. Down to earth, funny and most importantly, gave me some great suggestions for the shows we have with their artists. It was Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-55968027708149634572011-08-22T23:10:00.001-05:002011-08-22T23:11:19.142-05:00Road trip adventures: Grand Rapids, MIIt is 10PM.
I finished my run at 8PM.
I still haven't showered.
I'm kind of gross that way :-)
I chose to do some work (I'm sick, I know), catch up on blogs, and write this post instead of showering. Aren't you glad? (sarcasm).
How was your weekend, blog friends? Zak and I took a road trip to Grand Rapids (MI), to visit his sister and her family. We used to hang out with them frequently Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-41657807371824192772011-08-18T23:14:00.002-05:002011-08-22T21:13:07.594-05:00SmoooooooooothieWho's blogging two nights in a row? This girl!
How are you doing tonight? I am relaxing with some Sour Patch Kids and the latest episode of Jersey Shore. Because it's a Thursday.
By the way... Is it just me, or does "The Situation" kinda look like 90s MTV star Pauly Shore?
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No? Maybe? Hard to tell without that bandana.
Today at work, I spent some quality time Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-18321960412428314272011-08-17T23:41:00.001-05:002011-08-17T23:44:53.861-05:00Joe Rogan = awesomeGood evening, friends. How's this week treating you?
Mine has included working on plans for several interesting shows... for privacy purposes I won't mention artist names just yet (not until the night of the concerts, yo), but I've spent the most time on a) an alternative rock band I swooned over as a teen, b) some righteous guitar dudes, touring in a pack and c) an awesome singer-songwriter Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-5701501426981777962011-08-11T00:47:00.000-05:002011-08-11T00:47:56.724-05:00Four weeks 'til Pikes PeakIn exactly four short weeks, I will be crashing on my sister's futon in Colorado Springs, resting up for our 3AM wakeup call for the 2011 Pikes Peak Challenge!
This event is a 13.1 mile hike to the summit of Pikes Peak, one of America's most iconic mountains. Funds raised by hikers benefit victims of traumatic brain injury, through the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado. An important Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-14282517866799441992011-08-08T21:32:00.000-05:002011-08-08T21:32:01.087-05:00All in a day's eats.Happy Monday, everyone. How was your day?
Mine was okay... I finished about 80% of what I set out to do at work, survived a technology fail with my laptop (knock on wood!), while nursing a sore IT band / knee with a bag of frozen peas under my desk (classy, I know). More on the knee issue later.
Not to whine, but it was kind of a rough day. Tonight, I arrived at home absolutely famishedLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-74124932560173732562011-08-02T22:15:00.000-05:002011-08-02T22:15:28.917-05:00Healthified Pizza + Encino Man MusingsHow's everyone doing?
I loved reading all of your comments from my Challenge Nation race recap! Anne, Alison, Paige, Steph, & Sarah - holla :-) One thing that's stinky about using Blogger is that there isn't a way to reply to each comment. I am working on switching over to a different blogging format altogether - a format that allows replies to comments - so stay tuned!
We Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-48136996749448725382011-07-27T00:23:00.000-05:002011-07-27T00:23:14.546-05:00Recap: Challenge Nation Milwaukee Urban Scavenger RaceGood evening, friends - hope that you all are well! Things have gotten busy again, but tonight I've made some time for blogging.
Lately, I haven't totally slipped up on food photography...
Even though most meals consumed on the go :-)
Meal on wheels!
Since I've begun marathon training, I've felt a real change coming on. It's hard to describe, but definitely a change for the better, like Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-15679820193434546882011-07-15T00:11:00.002-05:002011-07-15T15:09:55.249-05:00Milwaukee's Storm the Bastille Run: A 5k PR!Doesn't this post title read all funky and robotic? A 5k PR! A 5k PR! It's like running has it's own coded, secret language.
It means what it says, though - tonight I hit a personal record for a 5k distance!
The race: Storm the Bastille 5K Run / Walk, at Milwaukee's Bastille Days, which is the largest North American French-themed outdoor festival. Who knew?
The course: Beautiful Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-2036131255636947092011-07-13T22:16:00.002-05:002011-07-13T22:30:57.666-05:00Tiger balm rocks my socksToday has been a good day. Tonight has been a good night.
I opted to work from home today and got a zillion tasks accomplished, which is always a good thing. The dogs weren't *too* barky, and I even tried out the outdoors office.
Can't beat the view.
Tonight, I treated myself at Elements Therapeutic Massage (Elm Grove, WI) and it was freakin' wonderful. While I haven't been too Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-50055160272375851612011-07-12T23:57:00.000-05:002011-07-12T23:57:23.178-05:00Summerfest Rock N Sole Half Marathon recapThanks for all of your supportive comments and enthusiasm about the half marathon this weekend! You guys are the best :-)
So - the big question - how was the Summerfest Rock N Sole Half Marathon? Let's start at the beginning. Sunday morning, I headed downtown and met Stefanie and Nicole. We joked around nervously, and took advantage of a photo opportunity. Like we'd ever miss one?
Then, weLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-14787191168788783972011-07-09T20:46:00.002-05:002011-07-09T20:48:30.403-05:00Race ReadyI think I'm ready to run this freakin' half marathon! It's 8PM, and in 12 hours the race will start. Cra-zay.
Today was all about preparation for the race. Though it goes against my rule of "nothing new" for race day, I picked up a new gear belt from REI. Which of course meant trying on three different ones in the mirror and making an ass of myself in front of fellow shoppers and REI's Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-84050558464224422822011-07-07T17:50:00.000-05:002011-07-07T17:50:04.202-05:00Sound Bites 7/07: New songs from Mumford and SonsMumford & Sons, the incredibly versatile folk rock band that took the pop music world by a storm last year with "Little Lion Man" (an epic song to run to) and "The Cave," are back with a new song "Home." Click here to check it out.
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"Home" is kind of beautiful and romantic, isn't it? I'm really digging this new song. Kudos to Tarik at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee forLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-27133049592400673722011-07-06T21:00:00.007-05:002011-07-06T21:14:18.171-05:00Easy Black Bean Dip for OneHello, blog friends! How was your Wednesday?
Tonight, I'd like to share one of my favorite go-to recipes for a quick weeknight meal: black bean dip! This is great with raw veggies, tortilla chips or by itself and eaten with a spoon. The recipe doesn't get any easier, and I'd like to think that eating a healthified version of bar food is rock n' roll. You know, the black beans are higher Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132563725234211420.post-81279103841779292142011-07-05T20:54:00.000-05:002011-07-05T20:54:04.961-05:00I didn't know what to make for dinner, so I made...Something green...
Topped with something golden and delicious. Annie's Shells with Aged Cheddar.
It's like the sun.
The broccoli was especially fantastic tonight, thanks to a dill seasoning I sprinkled on top before steaming in the microwave. This simple meal came together in under 15 minutes!
Hope that everyone had a kickin' Fourth of July weekend! What did you do?
My schedule was packed.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425349256582839817noreply@blogger.com2