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.
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
Onion Broth Udon with Shabu-Shabu Beef | Sweet Onion, Smoky Bacon & Mushroom “Noodles”
A cozy onion broth udon inspired by a bowl I used to order during my Wall Street days — now a family favorite. Sweet onions, smoky bacon, mushroom “noodles,” tender shabu-shabu beef, and a quick 국밥 twist for the leftovers.
Rooting for the Hopeless: A White Sox Reflection
A funny, heartfelt look at what it means to cheer for the White Sox when they’re historically awful. From a lifelong baseball bucket list to a superfan yelling her heart out, this is a tribute to showing up even when your team can’t seem to win.
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.
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.
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🥣 Umami for Breakfast: Miso Oats with Tender Pork & Runny Egg
Oatmeal goes savory in this fiber-packed, flavor-loaded bowl. Leftover pork melts into miso-soaked oats, topped with a runny egg, scallions, and a generous spoon of chili crisp — because love tastes like heat.
Pasta with Cici (Chickpeas)
Velvety chickpeas, a slow-cooked tomato broth, and ditalini pasta all in one pot. This cozy, rustic meal tastes like an Italian grandmother made it—with just the right texture and plenty of love.
Your True Nature Calling
What Jane’s Addiction—and Perry Farrell’s lyrics—taught me about empathy, language, and seeing people for who they really are. A tribute to music that still hits harder than ever.
The Death Clock Is Ticking (Carpe Diem, Motherfucker)
I put a death clock on my desk—not to be dark, but to stay honest. Life doesn’t last forever. So the question is: what are you doing today that actually matters?
The Case for the Thigh: Garlicky Chicken with Chickpeas & Polenta
Why settle for bland? This one-pan chicken thigh dinner layers roasted garlic, chickpeas, shiitake mushrooms, and a splash of red wine — all simmered down into something you’ll want to spoon over creamy polenta and eat straight outta the pan.
Pasta Meets Chickpea Stew—and It Works
What happens when silky chickpeas, golden broth, and ruffly pasta come together in one bowl? This dish—part stew, part pasta, all comfort.
Meat Candy in Lettuce Wraps: Reverse-Seared Pork Chops with Sticky Rice and Ssamjang Drizzle
A pork chop experiment turned flavor explosion. These bone-in beauties were brined for 48 hours, reverse-seared, butter-basted, and grilled to caramelized perfection—then sliced thin and wrapped in Boston lettuce with sticky rice, spicy pickles, and a thick ssamjang drizzle. It’s equal parts comfort food and Korean BBQ energy, built for hands-on eating and big flavor payoffs.
Rustic Pork & Cranberry Bean Stew with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tomatoes
A hearty, nourishing stew that marries tender pork, creamy cranberry beans, shiitake mushrooms, and a splash of aged balsamic. Perfect for cold nights.
Becoming What You Can’t Yet See
Frank Losi was loud, opinionated, and larger than life—and he believed in me before I knew how to believe in myself. This is a tribute to the man who helped me make the leap from employee to business owner, and what it means when someone sees your potential before you can.
The Ultimate Italian Chopped Salad with Creamy Avocado
This fresh Italian chopped salad is bursting with color and flavor—crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, mozzarella, and creamy avocado. Tossed with red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, it’s the perfect healthy meal or side dish for any season. Learn how to prep and dress this vibrant salad in just minutes!
Rooting for the Hopeless: A White Sox Reflection
A funny, heartfelt look at what it means to cheer for the White Sox when they’re historically awful. From a lifelong baseball bucket list to a superfan yelling her heart out, this is a tribute to showing up even when your team can’t seem to win.
The Shin Gold Banger – A Late-Night Ramen That Eats Like a Meal
A warming, deeply satisfying ramen that takes the humble Shin Gold packet and turns it into something special with tender grilled chicken, roasted corn, creamy beans, and silky egg noodles.
Made with Bullet