Build Your Business Like an Artist: A Creative Leadership Mindset
The best leaders don't just manage—they create. Here's how Rick Rubin's The Creative Act changed the way I think about leadership, company culture, and building Apple Spice.
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
The Two Circles That Changed My Life
A difficult baseball game became the perfect opportunity to teach my son one of the most valuable Stoic lessons: focus your energy on what matters and what you can control.
Why Everyone Needs a North Star (More Than Goals)
Looking back at old journals, I discovered the difference between goals and a North Star—and how life can move in the right direction even when plans don't.
Starting Classical Guitar at 48 — Why I’m Learning Something New (and Hard)
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.
Posts
All
Summer Recipes
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
Orzo with Rancho Gordo Puglia Lentils and Calabrian Chilies
An Italian comfort dish with Rancho Gordo lentils, orzo, Calabrian chili paste, and a splash of balsamic. Simple ingredients, deep flavor, and a kid-approved favorite.
Life Feels Better with Music On
A quiet afternoon, a favorite song, and a few old photos reminded me how much better life feels with music playing in the background.
Late Summer Pasta with Bocconcini Bombs
Sweet Campari tomatoes, roasted garlic, pesto, and creamy bocconcini come together in this Rao’s-inspired pasta that tastes like peak summer in a bowl.
You’re Not Talking to Everyone. You’re Talking to the Ones Who Are Listening.
When you speak from the heart in a world wired for snark, some people won’t get it. But that doesn’t mean you stop showing up with sincerity. This post is about leading with kindness anyway.
The Hardest Part of Inheriting Isn’t the Money
We think the hard part of inheritance is dividing money. But the real challenge is speaking up before things fall apart—and living with the discomfort of being the one willing to do it.
A Reddit Comment That Made Me Think About My Kids
It didn’t ruin my day. But it showed me how I want my kids to show up—online and off.
From Prison to Peace: What It Feels Like When a Business Finally Turns the Corner
I used to dread walking through the doors of the business I built. Now, I get to write bonus checks with pride—and sleep at night. Here’s how we turned a barely-surviving mess into something solid, sustainable, and worth showing up for.
🥣 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 Rancho Gordo Cici (Chickpeas)
Velvety Rancho Gordo 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.
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?
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 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.
Made with Bullet