I Don’t Recognize America Anymore
A veteran reflects on state power, anonymity, and why America no longer feels like the country he believed in.
Embracing Enough: Welcome to Lou LaMedica’s Personal Blog
"Embracing Enough" is my exploration of a life well-lived—where gratitude meets growth. From mindset and parenting to small business insights, easy family recipes, and personal finance, this blog shares practical wisdom on appreciating what we have and finding fulfillment in the everyday.
Featured Posts
Make the Good Stuff Happen Automatically
What if the key to long-term health, savings, and peace of mind isn’t discipline, but removing decisions? A reflection on building a life that works automatically.
52 Weeks Under the Bar: How Strength Training After 50 Changed My Life
A year of small, steady habits transformed my strength at 50. From rowing to barbell training, here’s how I became stronger than I was in my 40s.
Living Well Within Our Means
We’ve learned that living well isn’t about having the biggest house or the flashiest things. It’s about shaping what you have into enough, planning with purpose, and choosing experiences that last longer than stuff ever could.
Your Gut Knows the Way
From culinary school to combat zones, parenting through COVID to rebuilding a business—this is the story of trusting my gut when nothing else made sense.
Breadcrumbs for a Life Well Spent
Journaling helps me live with intention. From food to finances to bird calls in the woods, here’s how I track what matters and leave breadcrumbs worth following.
How I’m Going to Teach My Kids to Drive (Assume Everyone Else Is an Idiot)
Driving is the most dangerous daily task. These seven driving commandments will help new drivers stay safe, avoid accidents, and keep their insurance rates low.
Posts
All
Apple Spice Behind the Scenes
Asian-Inspired
Beans
Books
Breakfast
Business
Grilling
Chautauquas
Coaching
Comfort Food
Communication
Cooking
Emotional Health
Fall Recipes
Family
Gratitude
Grief
Habits
Health
Holiday Traditions
Italian Inspired
Kid Friendly
Kool Collectibles
Leadership
Leftovers Remix
Light Vibes
Meal Prep
Mindset
Music
My Story
Nature
nature
Nostalgia
Parenting
Patience
Personal Finance
Process
Purpose
Quick Meals
Reflections
Sales & Strategy
Sandwiches
Seafood
Seeing People
Slammin’ Sides
Slow Living
Soups
Sports
Sunday Funday
Sweets
Vegetarian
Winter Recipes
Katherine Hepburn’s Brownies (Fudgy, Classic, One-Bowl Recipe)
I made Katherine Hepburn’s brownies with my son, chasing that perfect glossy batter. What we ended up with was a great dessert—and a small moment worth keeping.
Then and Now: What I Learned by Reading My Journal from 7 Years Ago
A seven-year-old journal entry becomes a time machine—revealing how ambition softened into presence, and what it really means to live intentionally.
How a Simple Bird Feeder Changed How I See the World
A quiet reflection on how a backyard bird feeder changed the way I notice the world — and why paying attention might be one of the most underrated mental health practices we have.
Hatch Green Chile Pork Stew
A deeply comforting Hatch green chile pork stew—roasted chilies, browned pork, and a silky sauce that eats like warmth in a bowl.
I Don’t Recognize America Anymore
A veteran reflects on state power, anonymity, and why America no longer feels like the country he believed in.
Sloppy Joe Cheesesteaks (Not Quite a Chopped Cheese)
A Sloppy Joe–cheesesteak hybrid that borrows the chopped-cheese technique without copying it. Deeply browned beef, a clingy savory sauce, and cheese melted directly into the mixture make this a kid-friendly, cold-weather crowd pleaser.
Orecchiette with White Beans, Sausage, and Broccoli Rabe
A cozy, Southern Italian–inspired pasta with orecchiette, sausage, creamy white beans, and broccoli rabe—finished loose and glossy for maximum comfort.
Make the Good Stuff Happen Automatically
What if the key to long-term health, savings, and peace of mind isn’t discipline, but removing decisions? A reflection on building a life that works automatically.
Hearty Sausage & King City Pink Bean Pasta Fagioli
A hearty, slow-simmered pasta fagioli made with Italian sausage and King City Pink Beans. Comfort food for cold winter days, cooked low and slow.
Sweet and Herby Grilled Pork Loin Chops with Fresh Orange Finish
Simple grilled pork chops seasoned with herbs and finished with fresh orange juice. Sweet, juicy, and perfect for easy family dinners.
Vinyl, Beginner’s Mind, and the Albums That Slow the Room Down
Vinyl collecting doesn’t have to be expensive or performative. I buy records that slow the room down and invite full, front-to-back listening.
Poached Cod with King City Pink Beans, Bacon & Greens
Tender poached cod resting on smoky King City pink beans, bacon, and greens in a comforting winter broth.
Made with Bullet