Monday, March 16, 2026

Computer problems

 Having computer problems - be back soon.

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Happy weekend :)

 


Happy weekend everybody!

Not much to say, except check out my new blog posts!



NEW BLOG POSTS

Subtropical Gardening






Saturday, March 14, 2026

Find The Reason

 


It is another day that I'm feeling down.  My mom is headed back home and I don't know when I will see her again.  That makes me sad although I am happy we spent a good time visiting this week.

There is so much I have been blessed with and I am so grateful.  With that in mind, I will find the reason to smile and be happy this weekend.

Have a great weekend everybody and find the reason to smile.

Check out my new blog posts!



NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Almond Chicken Casserole

Lemon Pepper Chicken

Baked Enchiritos

Butter Pecan Toffee Cookies

Cheesy Chicken Crescent Roll

Chicken Shepherd's Pie


Subtropical Gardening





Friday, March 13, 2026

Put A Smile On Your Face

 




This is going to be a great weekend, no matter what is going on in the world.

It was an awesome week since my mom came to visit from out of town and I have missed her so much.  Diamond Lil always puts a smile on my face.

Whatever you do this weekend, have a good time!  Check out my new blog posts!




NEW BLOG POSTS


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Ina's Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Roasted Broccoli Hummus

Stuffed Peppers - Philly Cheesesteak Style

Orange Cake

Coconut Cream Pie Cookie Cups


LaBelladiva

Simple Ways to Start Junk Journaling to Spark Your Creativity





Thursday, March 12, 2026

What Truly Matters

 


What truly matters are those close to us that we love and who love us.  We need to take care of each other and love one another.  That's it!

Yesterday would have been The Captain's birthday.  It was another year that we could not celebrate his birthday.  I still celebrate his birthday anyway, that he was born and was a part of my life.  I'm grateful.

That is what matters to me.

In my somber days, I dig into the internet and get lost in posting more blog posts.  This time was no different.

Check out my new blog posts!

Have a wonderful Thursday everybody!!



NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Seafood Fettuccine

Cannoli Rangoons

Chicken Wild Rice Hotdish

Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

Boston Cream Poke Cake

Crispy Roasted Parmesan Chickpeas

Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Five Flavor Pound Cake

Gina's Sour Cream Pound Cake

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

Skillet Pork Chops

Pork Chop Steaks

Moo Shu Pork Stir-Fry


LaBelladiva






Peace Love Happiness




Subtropical Gardening







Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Be patient with yourself

 



If your week is not going well, maybe you need to figure out why and be patient with yourself and the situation as you find the solution.  

I've kept myself busy staying on the internet and coming up with new blog posts.  The new blog posts follow.

Hope the rest of your week is wonderful!!




NEW BLOG POSTS


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Ham & Cheese Biscuit Quiches

Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole

Potatoes au Gratin from The Pioneer Woman

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites


Subtropical Gardening

Ways to Prevent Damping Off in Seedlings 









Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Few Words To Say

 





Sometimes I am thankful that I can get lost in the internet.  

I have continued to create many blog posts about things that interest me and make me happy.  I've listed the new ones below.  

Have a wonderful week everybody!




NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

How to Cook Green Beans 9 Ways—From Simple Steamed to Crispy Tempura

Easy Classic French Cream Puffs

Florida Key Lime Pie Recipe

No Bake Cherry Cheesecake

Vanilla Pastry Cream (aka Creme Patisserie)

Tres Leches Cake


Subtropical Gardening

Perlite vs. Vermiculite: How and Why to Use Them

Grass Alternatives For A Low-Maintenance Lawn

Camellia Flower Facts and Why This Shrub is So Popular

How To Grow And Care For Camellias


 

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Look On The Bright Side

 



My weekend was awesome.  Hope yours was too.

I'm still writing many blog posts and have many almost done.  It is wonderful to spend your time doing what you love to do.  Check out the new posts

Have a wonderful week everybody!




NEW BLOG POSTS


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake

Lucinda's New York-Style Cheesecake

Melt-In-Your Mouth Cookies

Cheesecake Cookies

Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini Casserole

Sausage and Pimento Cheese Quiche

Three Ingredient Cream Cheese Sausage Dip


Subtropical Gardening

Native Plants That Will Bring More Birds to Your Yard

Fast-growing Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds


LaBelladiva

Reading Glasses Case Sewing Pattern

How to Sew a Snap Card Pouch with a Vinyl Window



 

Friday, March 6, 2026

Chocolate Makes Your Clothes Shrink

 



All I have to do is look at chocolate and my clothes start shrinking.  There are a great number of recipes I have recently added to the food blog that will make you go out and buy a new wardrobe.  

With Springtime around the corner, I have looked for informative gardening posts and have listed some.  And as I get back to sewing and crafting, I'm still searching for new projects when I get my craft room going again.

I'm still in a very happy mood since my mom is in town.  

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!




NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Double Fudge Cream Cheese Brownies

Double Chocolate Brownies

Seven Up Pound Cake

Seven Up Pound Cake #2

Cinnamon Roll Butter Swim Biscuits

Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie

Copycat Popeye’s Red Beans And Rice

Brioche Bread

Lemon Brownies

Coconut Cream Pie - Two Versions

Crab Rangoon Garlic Bread

Colorado Pizza Bread

Chocolate Pudding Cake

The Right Way to Steam Broccoli

Make-Ahead Paella Casserole

Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Cookies

Collection of Salad Dressing Recipes UPDATE


Subtropical Gardening

Perennials You Should Divide in Early Spring

How To Grow Pansies In Early Spring

Tomato Plant Care 101: Everything You Need to Know


LaBelladiva

DIY Divided Drawer Organizer

Antique Wardrobe Makeover


Fabulous Frugalista

Smart Moves to Survive Job Loss and Bounce Back Stronger

 



Awesome Weekend Ahead

 





It has been a busy time and I am still getting things ready.  I'm planning on having an awesome weekend.

Lots of new blog posts too.  Check them out!

Have an awesome weekend everybody!




NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Air Fryer Myths

How Long Cooked Chicken Lasts in the Fridge

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Sausage Gravy Biscuit Bubble Up Casserole

Arancini

Shrimp Fajitas

Oven Baked Creamy Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Garlic Herb Pork and Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Cherry Cobbler

Homemade Glazed Donuts 

Homemade Chocolate Chip Muffins

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake (Old Fashioned)

Homemade Brioche Rolls Recipe


Subtropical Gardening

How To Use Stone As A Mulch

Best Place to Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder

Don't Start Your Spring Yard Cleanup Too Soon

The Easiest Way To Ruin Lavender

Spring Jobs For Stunning Azaleas

Low-Cost DIY Garden Path Ideas

Say Goodbye To Garden Pests

Why Every Gardener Should Plant Zinnias This Year

Grow Onions in Containers


LaBelladiva

Pincushion Cactus Tutorial

How to Sew a Professional DIY Garment Bag 

Sewing Machine Cover Pattern

DIY Cosmetic Case with Flat Bottom

How to Make a Denim Work Apron from Thrifted Jeans

Ruffle 101: 7 Ways to Make a Ruffle




Thursday, March 5, 2026

Feeling Nostalgic


That sweet baby reminds me of my little girl that I miss so much.  I'm never going to get over losing her.

I'm feeling nostalgic with my mom being in town and all.  My adventures in seeking good recipes to feature on my food blog led me to guava desserts which brought me more nostalgia.  The guava turnovers took me back to weekend evenings when I was a kid that were so special.  My parents would take us to a cuban restaurant in Ybor City for a cuban sandwich followed by a guava turnover or empanada to take home.  Sometimes we would go to a little cafe after dinner for some fruity ice cream called helados.  Those were special times and the great memories put a smile on my face.

As usual I have many new blog posts listed below.  Check them out!

Happy Thursday!  Hopefully your week has been a good one.



 NEW BLOG POSTS


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken

Cheesy Guava Empanadas

Guava Cheese Turnovers (Guava Pastelillos)

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Brussels Sprouts-in-a-Blanket

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Shortcut Chicken Enchiladas

Alfredo Shrimp Scampi Dump Dinner

Slow Cooker Pot Roast - Two Versions


Subtropical Gardening

Christmas Cactus Annual Care


LaBelladiva

The Pochi Dumpling Zipper Pouch

Fabric Halloween Bucket Trick or Treat Bag Pattern

DIY Fabric Easter Baskets

The Peek-a-Boo Pouch




Wednesday, March 4, 2026

It's A Wonderful Wednesday


The following week will be a busy one for me and I will not be online as often as usual.  I'll still be writing new blog posts, but not as often.

The following new blog posts are just some of those that have been written and more are almost ready to be added to their respective blogs.

I was so happy to find recipes for two of my childhood favorite whoopie pies!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everybody!



 NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Cheddar Bay Biscuit Bread

Clever Uses For Leftover Plastic Fruit Containers

Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Collection of Ham Posts from Baking to Leftover Ham Recipes UPDATED

Chili Cheese Tots

Cheesy Bacon-Tater Tot Pie

Almond Biscotti Cookies

Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Oatmeal Cream Pie


Subtropical Gardening

Small Patio Ideas That Level Up Your Outdoor Space

How To Plant & Grow Hanging Baskets From Seed

Tips for Designing a Nature-Inspired Garden That Looks Beautiful Year Round


LaBelladiva

DIY Phone Case and Wallet with Card Pockets

DIY Scrap Bucket Pattern

DIY Gathered Round Basket - 3 Sizes

Must Know Bag Making Tips and Tricks




Monday, March 2, 2026

Having a positive attitude

 


I'm trying to have a positive attitude with turbulent world tension.  Let's pray for world peace.

It is still a happy time for me!  My energy levels are still high and I have continued to add lots of new blog posts.  Check them out!

Hope everyone has a happy new week!


NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Coconut Macaroons

White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies

Fried Pork Chops and Gravy

Ham and Cheese Grits Casserole

Ham and Potato Frittata

Steamed Tilapia in Wine Sauce

Cinnamon Banana Bread

Almond Croissants


Subtropical Gardening

This Potting Soil Mistake Is Secretly Ruining Your Houseplants

How Often to Water Succulents—and the Right Way to Do It

Ways to Reuse Nursery Pots

March Gardening Jobs


LaBelladiva

How To Make A Weighted Blanket


Peace Love Happiness

Be happy with who you are






Saturday, February 28, 2026

Springtime Focus

 



Happy Weekend!!

I'm so happy for my mindset moving to Spring.  That makes me very happy!  Today's focus has been on gardening and Springtime.  Check out my new posts.

What is really making me so happy is my mom will be visiting for the next two weeks.  It has been a while since I've seen her.  We have plans to get together with my cousin and do some stuff that involves me finally leaving my house and being social.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!






NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Mini Apple Pies


Subtropical Gardening

Blooming Houseplants to Grow Indoors

English Garden Design Ideas That Bring Cottage-Style Charm to Any Yard

Hardy Perennials to Plant in March for a Low-Maintenance, Dreamy Garden

Martha Stewart’s 5 Go-To Gardening Tips for a Smooth Winter-to-Spring Transition


LaBelladiva

Basic Sewing Machine Maintenance

Ways To Refashion A T-shirt


Fabulous Frugalista

They Stopped Spending for a Year. Here’s What Happened

Vintage Frugal Living Tips For Today






Friday, February 27, 2026

Happy Times!

I've been craving banana bread today since preparing blog posts for Gina's Italian Kitchen.  So many banana bread recipes jumped out at me that I even found a "banana bread for one" loaf.  So many sweet treats!  Check out my new blog posts!

Life is good and I am having a very happy week for no reason in particular.  Hopefully my friends up north have dug out of all that snow.  Your photos looked brutal and I am so grateful where God placed me in this world.

Have a wonderful Friday!


NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Pecan Pie Bars - Several Versions 

Turtle Pie

Lemon Pound Cake Muffins

Chicken And Corn Chowder

Cheesecake Banana Bread

Two Banana Bread

Banana Bread for One

Peanut Butter Bars

Bar Cookies from Cake Mix

The Best Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits and more

Meatloaf with Brown Gravy - Two Versions


Subtropical Gardening

Simple Ways to Attract More Birds to Your Birdhouse

Types of Squirrels and How to Tell Them Apart

How to Grow Tomatoes in Pots—Even Without a Garden

Flavorful Herbs to Plant in Shady Spots Around Your Garden

Gardening Tasks to Complete Before Spring to Prevent Pests and Diseases


LaBelladiva

Ways to Upcycle Old Towels

DIY Walker Caddy with a cup holder

DIY Industrial Pipe Shelves

DIY Charm Square Fabric Tray

How to Make a Junk Journal (and How They're Different From Scrapbooks)

How to Sew A Fat Quarter Patchwork Shower Curtain

Make Spring Flowers with Fabric Scraps



Peace Love Happiness

I Often Wonder



Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Happy Hump Day!

 



It has almost been a month and they still have not found Nancy Guthrie.  I'm still obsessed with this case and so sad for her family.  I've been watching JLR Investigates on You Tube for the 12 hours a day that he is on location.  Very interesting, although sometimes nothing is going on, but it is good background for working on the computer.

The cold nights went by rather comfortably since I approached it with positivity.  Local weather people are predicting this is the end of really cold weather for us.  We usually don't get the really cold weather in my part of the world.  Maybe once a decade it is a very cold on like this year.

Lots of new posts this week . . . check them out!

Have a wonderful week everybody!




NEW BLOG POSTS


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Slow Cooker Ribs - Many Versions

Honey Garlic Chicken - Many Versions

Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings

Earthquake Cake

Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti

Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Dump and Bake Chicken Cobbler

Crab Rangoon Casserole

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Casserole


Subtropical Gardening

Hardy Perennials That Survive Heat, Rain & Neglect in Containers

Flower Bed Ideas That Will Inspire Your Garden Design

Keep Zinnias Blooming All Summer

Why You Need To Prune Pepper Plants





Monday, February 23, 2026

A Joyful Heart

 


A joyful heart is what I have at the moment.  I went through the first night of cooler weather and I am comfortable without a lot of clothes.  Maybe I got used to it?  Tonight will be the coldest, but I will still be feeling joyful and blessed.

Even though it is Kiki's birthday week and I'm feeling sad, I've been thinking of great memories of her, The Captain and us as a family.  This new phase of grief is allowing me to have joy again.  It feels great!

I've found many great recipes as usual.  Happy to have found many more chicken recipes and some awesome potato recipes.  Check them out!

Happy new week everybody!


NEW BLOG POSTS


Gina's Italian Kitchen

Easy Chocolate Desserts That Start With A Box Mix

Brunswick Stew

Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Loaded Blondies

Jiffy Mix Recipes

Coconut Cake

Strawberry Lemonade Cake

Oatmeal Coconut Cookies

Turtle Cookies

Best Way to Make Hard-Boiled Eggs

Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Savory Chicken Cobbler

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Crunchy French Onion Chicken

Chicken Milanese

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Super Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crispy Potato Galette


Subtropical Gardening

Perfect Time To Start Your Tomato Seeds Indoors

Tips for Repotting African Violets to Boost Their Blooms

Container Gardening Ideas

Why Are My Plant Leaves Yellow?


LaBelladiva

DIY Bath Bombs

How to Refinish a Coffee Table

DIY Pocket Potholder Sewing Pattern

DIY Fabric Rectangle Basket


Fabulous Frugalista

Castile Soap Cleaning Recipes for Every Room

How to Save Money on Groceries Like a 1950s Housewife

How to Break Bad Money Habits for Good