How to Teach Kids to Focus on What They Can Control: The Two Circles
A frustrating baseball game led to a simple lesson for my son: how to focus on what he can control and let go of what he can’t.
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
How to Find Direction in Life When Goals Aren’t Enough
Feeling stuck or unsure what comes next? Learn how a personal North Star can help you find direction in life without needing a perfect five-year plan.
Learning Guitar as an Adult: Why I Started at 48
At 48 years old, I decided to learn classical guitar — not because I needed another hobby, but because I missed the feeling of being a beginner again.
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Summer Recipes
Apple Spice Behind the Scenes
Asian-Inspired
Beans
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Grilling
Chautauquas
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Cooking
Emotional Health
Fall Recipes
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Italian Inspired
Kid Friendly
Kool Collectibles
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Leftovers Remix
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nature
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Personal Finance
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Quick Meals
Reflections
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Seeing People
Slammin’ Sides
Slow Living
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Sunday Funday
Sweets
Vegetarian
Winter Recipes
Best Leftover Meatloaf Sandwich – Perfect for Game Day
A crispy, cheesy, saucy leftover meatloaf sandwich that tastes even better the next day. Built on a club roll with BBQ-ranch sauce, melted American, fried onions, and tangy pickles. Easy to make, perfect for game day, and a family favorite in our house.
The Best Rice Krispy Treats
Gooey, buttery, dangerously addictive Rice Krispy treats made the right way.
A Thanksgiving Discovery in the Woods: Finding Our First Geocache
A quiet Thanksgiving walk turned into a surprise adventure when we uncovered a hidden geocache that has been sitting in the woods since 2011. A new family memory, a handwritten note, and a fresh reason to explore the outdoors.
Momentum in the Woods: A Parenting Lesson About Balance and Moving Forward
A walk in the woods with my daughter turned into a lesson about momentum, balance, and why moving forward is almost always easier than standing still.
The Most Important Decision You’ll Ever Make (and It’s Not What You Think)
The best advice I’ve ever given my kids isn’t about work or money. It’s about love—and the choice that shapes the rest of your life.
Rancho Gordo Beluga Lentil Minestrone | A Weeknight Friendly, Hearty Vegetable Soup
A hearty, weeknight friendly lentil minestrone loaded with vegetables, pasta, and Swiss chard. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Tightly Held Opinions, Loosely Held Wisdom
What if the wisest thing you could say today was “I don’t know”? This reflection explores the power of open-mindedness, the discipline of thinking, and why tightly held opinions often get in the way of true wisdom.
NJ Health Salad; Tangy Foil for Every Meal
A crisp, sweet, and tangy chopped salad that tastes like the American cousin of the pickles you find on Asian tables. Bright, refreshing, and the perfect foil for rich or heavy meals. Keeps well for days and upgrades almost anything you serve it with.
Pepperoncini–Balsamic Pot Roast (Italian Beef–Inspired)
A Chicago-inspired pot roast with pepperoncini, balsamic, and deep beef flavor — slow cooked until the meat is tender and the sauce sings.
Tortellini en Brodo (Using Liquid Gold)
A warm, cozy bowl of tortellini simmered in Liquid Gold—simple, soothing, and exactly what you want on a chilly night.
Pork Adovado (For the Best Breakfast Burritos of Your Life)
Deep, rich pork adovado made with ancho and guajillo chiles, chipotle–mango purée, and homemade chicken stock. Slow-braised until tender and perfect for freezing. The ultimate base for the best breakfast burritos.
Shrimp with Mango Chipotle Sauce
A fast, sweet heat shrimp dish tossed in a silky mango chipotle sauce. Bright, bold, and ready in minutes. Perfect for rice bowls, weeknights, and anyone who loves big flavor with no fuss.
Made with Bullet