Gina Alfani

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Old Songs

Music has always been a big part of my life. Old songs do take me back to a certain place and time. Of course, the memories of the time creep in. I've been hearing the song "Happy Man" by Chicago in my head over and over again. They were The Captain's favorite band and I remember the first time he played the song for me and told me since he met me, the song had new meaning for him. I will never forget that moment. And it has come back to me over and over again. It is one of those memories that brings pleasure and pain.

The good news is that the great Florida weather is back for a while, but the cold is threatening to come back next week. Maybe it is time to treat myself to a couple of days at a nice hotel at the beach.

Hope you are all having a fabulous week! New blog posts follow . . .

NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

One Pan Stovetop Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Ham Tetrazzini

Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

Collection of Ham Posts from Baking to Leftover Ham Recipes UPDATED

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Pork Tenderloin with Peppers

Hot Cocoa Brownie Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Quiche Lorraine

What’s the Best Potato for the Job?

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nachos

Leftover Chicken Recipes You’ll Want to Eat

Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Dinner Recipes

Subtropical Gardening

Simple Secrets To Keep Your Marigolds Blooming

Outdoor Plants You Should Always Bring Indoors Before Winter Hits

Your January Garden Checklist by Region to Start the Year Off Strong

Plants That Must Be Pruned in January or February

Vegetables to Sow in January & February No Matter Your Growing Zone

The 3 Best Marigolds To Plant In Your Flowerbeds & Garden This Year!

LaBelladiva

Dream House: 3 Yard Quilt Pattern

DIY Fabric Basket - 3 Different Sizes

Denim Clutch Purse with Outer Pocket

Monday, January 19, 2026

Not a happy Monday

Every time it gets cold, I have to mention that I don't know how people who live in cold climates handle it.

After having a stretch of really good days after years of really bad days, I don't appreciate having to wear a ton of clothes to feel comfortable. For those who don't know, I live in Central Florida, where it rarely gets real cold, so I don't want a heater. Not until a morning like this one. But really, I still don't want one. We have one more cold night, then back to normal winter time of 50 degree nights. Right now, it is the middle of the night and my house is still uncomfortably cold.

Ok, I'll stop complaining because I am so grateful that I live in Florida where we usually have beautiful weather except for hurricanes during the summer months. God has blessed me with so much that I am grateful for. I have everything I need.

I'm grateful for so many things. On these cold nights and many other nights, I think of those poor homeless people who don't have a roof over their head. I can't imagine. I also think of those little creatures who endure the cold and really have no where to go, like the traveling neighborhood chickens who visit a couple times a day. And the other birds and squirrels.

Blessings to all for a wonderful week that is joyous and warm. Listed below are new blog posts.

NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Moist and Easy Southern Cornbread

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

Key Lime Mousse {Key Lime Pie in a Jar}

Keto Fajita Shrimp Dinner

Lighter Chicken Pot Pie

Kentucky Butter Cake

Air-Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

How to Roast Garlic

Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake

Devil's Food Cake

Chocolate Cobbler

Subtropical Gardening

Ripen Tomatoes Indoors

Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

Statement Houseplants With Large Leaves

How To Build The Perfect Backyard Stone Fire Pit

Creative Things You Can Do With a Tree Stump

Thursday, January 15, 2026

A happier way to live

Today I was thinking about how free I am now. It doesn't really matter to me anymore if the way I live my life bothers anyone else. This is a much happier way to live.

I've added more layers of clothing as the day has progressed. Tonight I will get under the blanket and stay there for more hours than usual. That is a day in the life of a Floridian with no heater on a cold night that doesn't happen that often. I love being a Floridian when I realize how grateful I am I don't live in a cold part of the country. I hate the cold! So far it has been a pretty decent winter in my area and I can handle a day or two of cold weather, but I don't have to like it.

It has been another couple of days that I've put together many new posts and updated some old ones. My mind has been freed of those awful thoughts grief brings and I'm enjoying beautiful memories that make me happy.

My new blog posts are listed below. Hopefully you will enjoy them as I have enjoyed creating them.

Happy new weekend coming up my friends . . . stay warm.

NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bubble Up

Chicken Alfredo ~ lighter version

Coconut Cream Cheese Brownies

Chicken Burrito Skillet

Baked Creamed Corn

Penne Pimento Cheese

Air Fryer Frozen Food Cooking Guides

How To Make the Flakiest Pie Crust

Cheesy Chicken & Salsa Skillet

Shrimp Scampi with Linguini

Frittata

Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

Orange Pound Cake

Subtropical Gardening

Prayer Plant Care for Beginners

Proven Tips for Feeding Birds with Suet

Birds That Can Benefit Your Yard Or Garden With Their Friendly Visits

Smart Tips for Buying Garden Seeds

The Best Seed Catalogs to Request in 2026

How To Grow Geraniums From Seed

Simple Ways To Get Rid Of Aphids On Houseplants

Indoor Plants You Can Easily Propagate This Winter (Plus 5 to Skip)

How To Eliminate Flowerbed Weeds With Cardboard

Spider Plant Care

LaBelladiva

Make a DIY Spice Rack with Dollar General

Stressed About Clutter?

What Cleaning Experts Actually Use to Get Their Bathrooms Sparkling Clean

22 Organizing Shortcuts to Declutter in Less Time

Peace Love Happiness

The bridge that carried me over

The anger of grief is gone

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Life goes on beyond those things that bring us down

It has gotten to the point where I am truly concerned about leaving the house and traveling the streets of my town or any town. What your political affiliation is doesn't matter anymore. Pass through the wrong place at the wrong time and for no reason at all, you could be attacked. This is not the America I grew up in. When I was a kid, our parents allowed us to ride our bikes in the neighborhood and were encouraged to stay out there and enjoy the company of our friends. Be free to be kids.

All my time is now dedicated to updating and growing my blogs. It is what I did before I met The Captain, after JR, my first husband passed away. My blogs were a way to numb my brain to anything personal and concentrate on writing and research different subjects.

It worked for me and led me to finding a new life for myself. It just didn't last long enough and here I am again, grieving the loss of another little family. Kiki was my family too, even if she was a precious pet that was just like a person to me . . . the daughter I never had. Sorry if you think I am crazy! It is all getting easier to deal with every day and I am grateful to have a place to let it out. It has been a way for me to heal.

This morning I cracked myself up laughing when I realized that I had created a "potato day" and posted one food blog post after another about potato soup. LOL I am so grateful for getting my sense of humor back even if anyone thinks I am a little twisted.

And with all of this, it has occurred to me that this means progress. I have a saying on my Peace Love Happiness blog and has become the purpose of the blog . . . "I'm hoping my life experiences will help someone know that life goes on beyond those things that bring us down."

Have a great rest of the week my friends . . . my new blog posts follow.

NEW BLOG POSTS

LaBelladiva

DIY Scrapyard Tote

How to Sew Mini Baskets – that fold together!

20 Ways to Make Your House Smell Better UPDATE

How to Make a Bedside Pocket Organizer from Old Jeans

Subtropical Gardening

Citrus Trees You Can Grow in Pots and Containers This Winter

How To Prune Rose Bushes – And Why To Do It In Late Winter!

Top 10 Plants to Propagate That Grow From Cuttings

African Violet Care 101

Top 10 Annuals That Attract Hummingbirds

How to Grow a Meyer Lemon Tree Indoors or Outside UPDATE

Why You Should Plant French Marigolds In Your Garden

How to Make a Hanging Succulent Ball

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Cherry Dump Cake UPDATED

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Skillet

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Easy Taco Casserole

Unstuffed Peppers

Ravioli Filling Recipes and Pasta Sauce Make for Easy Italian Dinners

Slow Cooker Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Famous Butter Chicken

Breakfast Burritos

Easy Italian Roasted Chicken

Ore-Ida Slow-Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

Ore-Ida Loaded Potato Soup

Homemade Potato Soup

Potato Corn Chowder

Roasted Cheesy Potato and Ham Soup In Pretzel Bowls

Here’s Every Type of Pepper From Sweet to Spicy

Fried Pork Chops

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Liars and deceivers

This seriously is correct for all liars and deceivers in our lives and in particular, politics. It is almost like a soap opera. The world has gone crazy.

Beautiful weather in Florida, but will turn colder later in the week. I'm just hoping the forecast will change. Hate it!

I'm still busy keeping my mind occupied with updating my blogs and creating new posts. The listing of new posts follows.

Have a wonderful week and stay warm!!

NEW BLOG POSTS

Subtropical Gardening

Holiday Cactus Growing Guide UPDATED

Top 10 Trailing Houseplants to Grow in Hanging Pots

11 Fascinating Poinsettia Facts You Should Know

How to Grow a Meyer Lemon Tree Indoors or Outside

My thriving garden - back in the day

17 Easy Beautiful Plants That Grow in Water: No Soil, No Mess

Growing Coleus In Containers

How Long Do Seeds Last? Check This Seed Viability Chart

Want to Grow Your Own Vegetables Indoors?

Can You Reuse Potting Soil in Planters?

How Much Light Your Plants Actually Need to Survive

Low-Light Plants to Brighten Up Darker Rooms

Drought Tolerant Aloe Vera Plants Are Easy to Grow

How To Know When To Plant Vegetable & Flower Seeds Indoors!

LaBelladiva

How to Sew a Scrappy Pet Leash

Twice as Nice Zippered Pouch

DIY Bandana Bowl Covers

How to Cut Up Old Jeans for Sewing & Upcycling Projects

Yarn Project Bag

Gina's Italian Kitchen

BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Chicken and Potato Casserole

Cinnamon Pastry

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Cinnamon Fruit Biscuits

Flaky Danish Kringle

Creamy Mississippi Chicken Enchiladas

Our 15 Best Chicken Casserole Recipes of All Time Are the Ultimate Comfort Food

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Easy Cheesy Loaded Grits

Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

Sausage Cheese Puffs

Sausage Breakfast Pastries

Easy 5-Ingredient Taco Seasoning

Grilling/Smoking . . . A Collection of Recipes UPDATED

Chicken Creole

Ham-and-Swiss Quiche Cups

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies

Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Beautiful park visit

Photo source: Gina Alfani

I went to my doctor appointment and back to my normal self since the anxiety of the bloodwork needle is over. Just as I feared, they put the needle in my hand because I have bad veins. Not a pleasant thing at all.

My cousin was my ride and we went to the park to enjoy our take out meal and watch the birds, squirrels and the beautiful view of the river. Enjoying the park views and the animals helped me get over the anxiety of that needle experience.

Photo source: Gina Alfani

It was so awesome to experience great memories of past park visits with The Captain and Kiki and spend time with my cousin.

All these new blog posts have kept my mind occupied this week and that is one of the very enjoyable benefits of my blogs. Hope you enjoy them too!

New blog posts follow below. Have an awesome week everybody!

NEW BLOG POSTS

Subtropical Gardening

16 Indoor Vining Plants That Instantly Add a Tropical Touch to Your Home

The Easiest Houseplants To Grow – 8 Plants Anyone Can Keep Alive!

LaBelladiva

How to Wash a Comforter in the Washing Machine

How To Make A Blue Jean Rug

Tablet Mini Messenger Bag

Rag Rug Weaving Tutorial and Tips

The Biggest Manicure Trend For Winter 2026

Stunning Ideas For Your Fabric Scraps

DIY Mop Pads

DIY Body Scrubs

DIY Petit Four Baskets

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Our Best Jambalaya

The Health Benefits of Bananas

Chicken Chiles Rellenos Casserole

Chicken Biscuit Casserole

Potato Croquettes

Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake

Chicken Divan Casserole

Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

Slow Cooker Spareribs

Slow Cooker Poblano Pork Loin

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Sausage Potato Skillet

Country Chicken and Gravy

Chimichangas

Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

Smothered Pork Chops in Oven

Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake

Creamy Breakfast Enchiladas

Sesame Chicken with Broccoli

Crockpot Chili

Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls

Orange Cookies

How to Make the Juiciest Burgers

Monday, January 5, 2026

Time to Freak Out

Today I made my doctor appointment that I have been procrastinating. I had no choice because I need my medication refills. "Why do I procrastinate about it?" you ask . . . I am deathly afraid of needles and I have to have bloodwork done.

TIME TO FREAK OUT!!

After my early doctor appointment, my cousin and I will hit a take out food spot and head to my favorite park to enjoy the beauty of nature. I'm lucky she loves it too!

Going to that park is something I have not done since The Captain passed away. We used to go there all the time, so naturally, it is where I wanted to go. Kiki loved it too. She was not a barking kind of dog, but she would let out little cries and look at me like if to say . . . let me get those birds and squirrels! She was so cute when she did that. What an awesome memory of enjoying the park with my little family. It put a smile on my face :)

Happy Monday everybody, hope you all have an awesome week! New blog posts follow . . .