Sunday, January 4, 2026

Why do they do this?



There are a few things that are really irritating me, so I need to vent.

Since seriously getting back into social media and creative stuff online, I am becoming increasingly annoyed by the software companies who drastically change programs, making them totally different.  For instance, my graphics program which we updated a few years ago, is completely different than the version I had when I first started.  

I worked hard to learn how to do all the basics and a bit beyond.  The newer version is so different that I am having to learn this program all over again.  Same goes for the video software.  It is beyond irritating.  Good thing I have time on my hands and need to keep my mind occupied.

And I'm really irritated with having to do a lot of things exclusively on the mobile phone.  When I wanted to update my profile on Instagram, I could not do it on my computer.  It could only be done on my mobile phone.  Why?

Speaking of my mobile phone, almost every time they update it, something is wrong that was not wrong before the update.  Don't they test these changes they make them?

Food delivery is also becoming irritating with the same thing.  I've recently noticed that some restaurants have special deals that you can only get if you order on your mobile phone.  I love my phone, but I'm one of those strange people who wants to use my phone as a phone.  I love my computer more.  For one thing . . . the keyboard a phone does not have.  It is a personal preference that should be respected.

OK . . . I'm done venting.

Hope you are having an awesome weekend!  Check out my new blog posts listed below . . . lots of new recipes as usual. 


NEW BLOG POSTS

Subtropical Gardening

12 Things You Should Never Compost, According to Gardening Experts

Want to Grow Peppers Inside?


Labelladiva

20 Ways to Make Your House Smell Better


Peace Love Happiness

Just Another Chapter

Shine From Within


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Frosting and Icing Recipes

Potato Stacks

French Onion Pot Roast

Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings

Tamale Pie

Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Chicken Marsala

Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake

Deviled Egg Dip

Pecan Sandies

Key Lime Pound Cake

Apple Fritter Cake

Fresh Apple Cake

Onion Rings Extravaganza

Chili Relleno Casserole

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole 

Leftover Ham -n- Potato Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole



Thursday, January 1, 2026

Happy New Year

 



Cheers to a new beginning!  Prayers for all to have peace, love,  prosperity and happiness this year.

It was fun watching all the countries experience the new year and their festivities.  I started as New Zealand hit midnight.  So many spectacular fireworks, but my favorite was Australia and Rio was my second.  

That is what I did for New Years Eve.  It was a nice, relaxing day, evening and I watched the Times Square Ball come down one more year.





NEW BLOG POSTS


Subtropical Gardening

Why Houseplants are More Likely to Die in the Winter + Practical Winter Care Tips

The Complete (And Easy!) Guide to Snake Plant Care

How to Attract Birds in Winter

Get Your Christmas Cactus To Bloom Big


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies

Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Ham Ravioli Bake

Lasagna Casserole

Tiramisu Cheesecake Dessert

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Creamy Garlic Noodles {Homemade Pasta Roni}

Carrabba’s Champagne Chicken

New Year's Eve Recipes - A Collection

Scalloped Potatoes with Pork Chops

Hush Puppies

Fudgy Chocolate Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Black Forest Dump Cake

Banana Bread Dump Cake

Easy Oreo Dump Cake

Creamy Crab Pasta

Snickerdoodle Cake

Blueberry Turnovers

Cheesecake Crowns

Black-Eyed Peas




Monday, December 29, 2025

All About The Attitude

 


Florida will be getting a glimpse of winter this week and we will see lows in the 40's for a few days.  I don't like it, but it is better than some of you guys experiencing snow.  The hope is that it will go away since I do not have a heater (and don't want one).  But I do have a lot of heavy clothes that usually works for me unless we get in the 30's.  No worries here for now, it is all about the positive attitude.

My blog focus for the next day or so is all about New Years Eve, food, traditions, etc.  My black eyed peas have already been purchased and I will start the soaking process tomorrow.  Other than that, I think a pork tenderloin sounds good and will last a few days.  No sweets this holiday week since I have blood labs due this coming month and I want the doctor to be happy.

Hoping that everyone is enduring the cold weather and bad storms in the US, not sure about the other parts of the world.  Have a good week!



NEW BLOG POSTS


Subtropical Gardening

How to Propagate Succulents (for More Free Plants!)

Jump-Start Spring by Forcing Bulbs Indoors

The #1 Reason Houseplant Leaves Turn Yellow & The Instant Fix


Fabulous Frugalista

Understanding Food Expiration Date Labels Made Simple


Peace Love Happiness

One day at a time


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Lemon Cake

Buttermilk Biscuit Ham Pot Pie

Collection of Ham Posts from Baking to Leftover Ham Recipes UPDATED

Ham & Egg Pockets

Farmhouse Chicken Cornbread Casserole

Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Country Potato Pancakes

Skillet Lasagna

Pecan Cobbler

Better Than Starbucks Lemon Loaf Copycat Recipe

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops With Mushrooms





Saturday, December 27, 2025

Let them eat cake!

 




It has been a quiet, peaceful Christmas week.  Of course I had my terrible grief moments and momentarily lost it, but I pulled myself together fast.  Progress is getting over the moment quickly.  I'm happy!

Yes, I'm craving a beautiful, delicious cake.  You can tell by all the cake posts!  And I have not posted all the recipes I have found.

Doing research for my blog posts has really been enjoyable.  For most people, it would be considered work, but for me it is fun.  I have always been a geek like that, loving work and being the classic workaholic.  Not a bad way to be.  

Have a fabulous weekend!




NEW BLOG POSTS


LaBelladiva

A Lifetime of Memories Packed Away for Another Year


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Cannoli Cake Semi-Homemade

Chocolate Cheesecake

Cheesy Country Ham Grit Balls

Cake Mix Cookies

Tagliatelle Pasta (Homemade)

Honoring the cheesecake and searching for the perfect one

Root Beer Bundt Cake

Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork

Turkey Leftovers UPDATED

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Mississippi Pot Roast Slow Cooker

Limoncello Cake

Lemon Ricotta Cake

Italian Cream Cheese Cake

Come-Home-to-Mama Chocolate Cake



Friday, December 26, 2025

Happy to be living in Florida!

 


We are enjoying the beautiful weather that makes us Floridians happy to be living in Florida.  Loving these open window days!  Much of the south has been experiencing very nice warm weather, however, our friends in the north are having awful weather.  The news was showing the travel difficulties at a time when everyone is going back home from the holidays.  So sorry for you guys!

My lifestyle change of no sugar didn't work so well for Christmas.  One of my Christmas gifts to myself was a pumpkin pie.  Not just one piece, but a whole pie.  Treating myself on special days helps me stay on track when I know the treat is coming soon.  But I did go a little overboard on the treat.

Facebook gave me the gift of keeping me out of my account.  Too many problems with Facebook.  When it finally comes back, I think I'm done with it.  I will learn how to use Instagram instead since I don't hear of too many problems even though they are owned by the same company.  Maybe it is a better program.

Looking forward to a new year, even though I made much progress this year.  It is nothing more than going from one day to the next, psychologically a new chapter in the book of life, a new beginning.

Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday week and being grateful for all your blessings.  I know I am so grateful for all the good Lord has blessed me with . . . especially those awesome memories that still make me happy and sad and always will.  Love and miss you Captain and Kiki.



NEW BLOG POSTS


Gina's Italian Kitchen

The Best Way To Store Cookies To Keep Them Fresh

How to Make Homemade Pasta

Italian Almond Cookies (Amaretti)

Chocolate and Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Lemony Butter Cookies

Sausage Gravy Breakfast Lasagna

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta




Subtropical Gardening

7 Smart Ways to Use Old Potting Soil, According to Gardening Experts

Composting Methods That Turn Food Scraps Into Garden Gold

Great Ways To Use Coffee Grounds In The Fall

How to Propagate Fruit Trees

Pine Cone Bird Feeders




Fabulous Frugalista

What Happens To Your Fridge Food When The Power Goes Out


Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Merry Christmas Animal Lovers and everyone else!

 

Merry Christmas!


Hope you all are having a wonderful joyous Christmas.

Here is an old Christmas video I made that never gets old:



Since I am a huge animal lover, I am always looking for others on You Tube and I found the cutest ever Merry Christmas video from a big time animal lover.  They are special and precious!  Hope you enjoy it as I have.



Happy Birthday Jesus!



Christmas is sad without
The Captain and my sweet Kiki,
but I'm OK, I have awesome memories
to keep me smiling


NEW BLOG POSTS


LaBelladiva

Sew A DIY Casserole Carrier

Holiday Decorating Made Easy: Your Guide to a Beautiful and Festive Season

How to Sew a Pet Collar


Subtropical Gardening

Keep Your Chickens Healthy Over Winter

Things Everyone With An African Violet Should Know

Grow Garden Pansy Flowers for Early Blooms

Grow Vegetables Without a Greenhouse in Winter

Colorful Succulents That’ll Brighten Your Home All Winter Long


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Feast of the Seven Fishes - Shrimp Scampi

Martha's Prime Rib Roast

The Best Christmas Recipe Guide - UPDATED

Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Spicy Mexican Shrimp Pasta

Loaded Breakfast Puff Pastry

Healthy Appetizer Recipes









Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Naughty or Nice?

 


He's making a list and checking it twice . . . have you been naughty or nice?

I've been nice . . .

This year has flown by and I can't believe Christmas is almost here.  At least I am glad time has flown since I am closer to being "normal" and over all the sad stuff.  But I'm getting there!

The world continues to go crazy, but what else is new?

I'm just happy for all the dog people breeding and selling dogs, letting us watch them grow up on You Tube and also the horse people showing off their horses or letting us in on their day to day stuff on a horse farm.  For some strange reason, it has helped me deal with losing my Kiki girl.  I love animal people and I have grieved alongside them when they lose one of their precious animals.  I've watched some of them for years.

One of them just had a Christmas party for their horses and they dressed them up in festive attire.  They were precious!  Here is the link to the party if you enjoy festive animals having a Christmas party . . . 

 


Hope you are all having and joyous and festive holiday season! 

Listed below are new blog posts.



NEW BLOG POSTS

Subtropical Gardening

How to Care for Poinsettias Now and After the Holidays

Feeding and Attracting Cardinals to Your Feeders In The Winter


Peace Love Happiness

Coming out of the fog


LaBelladiva

Christmas Tree Decoration Ideas For A Dazzling Holiday


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Chocolate Lasagna

Italian Cream Cake

Sparkling Linzer Cookies

Peppermint Mocha Cake Balls

Pecan Cheesecake Pie

Dr Pepper Sheet Cake

No Bake Oreo Pie

Chocolate Éclair Dessert

Baklava from The Pioneer Woman

Grilling/Smoking . . . A Collection of Recipes

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Bisquick Apple Coffee Cake

Grandma Dot's Stuffing Balls

Hummingbird Cake

Fudgy Cocoa Brownies

Alice Springs Chicken

Cattle Drive Casserole

Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes

Russian Tea Cake

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Cherry Cheese Danish

Slow Cooker Classic Goulash

Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie

Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Lemon Shortbread Cookies