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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nature
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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.
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