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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Listening to the Forest: A Photo Journal of Curiosity and Presence
A fall walk through the forest reveals deer, nurse logs, wild persimmons, and even the most poisonous mushroom in North America. A reflection on slowing down, noticing, and why Ferris Bueller was right.
The Creek Was Low, but the Forest Was Full
On a September walk, I found a forest full of surprises — seedlings sprouting late, fungi bleeding liquid, ants feasting on mushrooms. Each moment carried a question, and each question carried a lesson.
Quicker Eggplant Parmesan (Mark Bittman’s Version) with Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce
Eggplant Parmesan doesn’t have to be complicated — this version is layered with golden eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and Marcella Hazan’s perfect tomato sauce for a dish that’s as comforting as it is classic.
RIP 2025 Mets: Season Recap of a $340 Million Collapse
The 2025 Mets were built for a World Series run. Instead, they unraveled after June 12, finishing with one of the league’s worst records since that date. No magic, no comebacks, and $340 million spent — this season will be remembered as an epic fail.
Marcella Hazan’s Perfect Tomato Sauce
Discover Marcella Hazan’s legendary three-ingredient tomato sauce — simple, rich, and unforgettable. A recipe so good, it could inspire The Marvelous Sauce.
Turkey, Bean & Pepper Jack Quesadilla — A Leftovers Remix
This Turkey, Bean & Pepper Jack Quesadilla started as a fridge raid and turned into a warm, golden, and unexpectedly perfect lunch. Creamy beans, smoky turkey, melty cheese, and a sprinkle of kosher salt made it the kind of quick bite worth remembering.
Heirloom Tomato & Basil Bruschetta
Fresh, juicy heirloom tomatoes meet crispy rosemary bread in this simple bruschetta recipe. A drizzle of olive oil, a hint of garlic, and a touch of basil turn it into the perfect summer bite.
Ayocote Blanco e Farro Minestra – Italian Soup with Beans, Farro, and Vegetables
A nourishing Italian-inspired soup made with ayocote blanco beans, farro, zucchini, spinach, and a Pecorino rind. Comforting, healthy, and perfect for a dreary day.
The Snowball and the Bike: Teaching Kids the Power of Compound Interest
A new bike, a little umpire money, and the lesson that time does the heavy lifting. Here’s how I’m teaching my kids that saving before 20 is the real snowball effect — with a simple tool to show the magic of compounding.
Abundance Signals: Walnuts, Mosquitoes, and the Forest’s Long Game
On my September 23 walk, the forest announced its changes loud and clear — walnuts thudding down in a mast year, mosquitoes in last-call mode, pawpaw perfume gone, and late-blooming smartweed still holding on. These abundance signals remind me that the woods don’t whisper their shifts; they proclaim them.
Curried Tarragon Chicken Salad with Apples & Pecans
Leftover chicken breast just got an upgrade. This Curried Tarragon Chicken Salad is creamy, crunchy, a little sweet, a little spicy — with apples, pecans, golden raisins, and a Serrano kick. Tarragon brings its underappreciated magic, making this sandwich far from ordinary.
Be Thankful for the Hard Times
Some months feel like steps backward. Sales dip, streaks stall, and losses pile up. Gratitude and process are what keep me steady — even in the hard times.
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