Gina Alfani: January 2026

Friday, January 30, 2026

The Pirates Are Here!

Photo source: GasparillaPirateFest.com

Despite the unusually cold weather, Gasparilla has arrived in Tampa . . . check out my blog post Gasparilla 2026 . . . click here.

Not much to say . . . check out my new blog posts.

NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Best Easy Banana Bread

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

Fish Cakes

Crab Rangoon

Carrot Cake Muffins

Stir-Fried Garlic and Sriracha Shrimp Recipe

Subtropical Gardening

Front Yard Flower Bed Ideas for a Charming Entryway

How to Store Your Garden Hose in Winter So It Doesn't Freeze or Crack

Seed Starting Mistakes You're Probably Making

LaBelladiva

How to Make A Lip Gloss Pouch

Cute Corners DIY Cosmetic Case

Fabulous Frugalista

Understanding Food Expiration Date Labels Made Simple UPDATE

Grocery Store Items with the Highest Markups

How to tell if your phone is hacked

Here’s What to Do When the Power Goes Out in Your Home

Lately I've been gathering my jewelry supplies and the sparkly beads have encouraged my excitement to get started making jewelry again. Actually all types of crafts have been attracting my attention. It is in my nature to be creative and my hands are itching to get started again. As a result, the crafty type of articles and tutorials have been calling me and I have posted a bunch and have even more that need to be posted.

It feels so good to have desires and interests again after not wanting to be bothered with anything. Grief does that to me and it is now confined to what I call waves. They come and go quickly, not lingering like they did. I'm becoming my happy self again and that's a good thing.

Gasparilla, a Tampa pirate festival time is this weekend and that means that Mardi Gras is near. I will be focusing on these festivals this week instead of complaining about the cold weather. Ok, maybe I'll complain a little since I hate it. Rare freezing temps are threatening to put a damper on Gasparilla which is a local bummer. However, the festival goes on! I'll post about it in my blog "My Florida Paradise" which has been severely neglected, but will soon make a comeback and upgrade.

Happy Friday everybody! Check out my new blog posts . . .

NEW BLOG POSTS

Subtropical Gardening

Make Compost Tea – Fertilize Plants Naturally

How To Grow In 5 Gallon Buckets

Secrets to Getting Christmas Cactus to Bloom More Than Once a Year

Reasons To Start A Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

LaBelladiva

DIY Fur Baby Coat – how to sew a dog coat

Make your own scrungies

How to make hair scrungies

How to Make Cute Designer Scrunchies

DIY Beach Cover Tutorial

Thursday, January 29, 2026

The method of life

Going through these cold days has me hoping for an early spring, so the gardening articles have really caught my attention.

Although I still have packs and packs of seeds and jars of seeds I harvested, it is the normal thing to go through seed catalogs in the winter time. I'm sure many of you are having the same thoughts. If you are, you will enjoy the articles I have posted this week to Subtropical Gardening.

Don't have much to say except to say I'm happy, which is a major thing and I hope I can stay in this method of life.

Check out all the new blog posts this week listed below.

Stay warm!

NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Espresso Cheesecake

Upside-Down Chili Pie

Beer-Battered Fish

Homemade French Bread

German Chocolate Brownies

Sourdough Bread

Glazed Donuts

Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake

Classic Beef Empanadas

Meatloaf With Brown Gravy

Copycat Olive Garden Recipes

Collection of Cheesecake Recipes

Subtropical Gardening

Houseplant Problems That Happen More in Winter

Where to Find Quality Seeds For Free or Cheap

Where to Find Cheap Seed Starting Containers

Growing Tomatoes From Seed - What You Need to Know

Top 3 Mistakes Gardeners Make Growing Tomatoes – And How To Avoid Them

LaBelladiva

Sew a Handy Travel Case – Free Sewing Pattern

How to Clean Your Silver Jewelry

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Thoughts of Rainbow Bridge

In my travels through the internet, I found a post from a crafty lady who discussed her two fur babies who went to Rainbow Bridge, how she missed them so much and wanted to find a way to memorialize them. She touched my heart and made me realize that is what I have been needing to do for my sweet Kiki and mainly for myself. I still have not come up with the project, but it was a reminder of how far I have come in my grief. While it is still and always will be painful, I can deal with it and think of her as a beautiful chapter in my life. This photo shows her sassy little personality that I miss so much.

Not much going on lately except for working on my blogs and trying to stay warm in this cold snap we are having. I have never published so many posts since I have been blogging. It had been a very long time and I didn't realize how much I missed it. Now I am making up for lost time.

Have a great week and stay warm! Hope you enjoy my new blog posts listed below.

NEW BLOG POSTS

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Shrimp and Wild Rice Casserole

Lobster Ravioli Bake

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Fabulous Frugal Frittata

Chicken Lazone

One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice

Boston Cream Pie

Cheesecake Brownies

Baked Chicken Fajitas

Raspberry Brownies

Easy Almond Bear Claw

Angel Hair Pasta with Spicy Shrimp

Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs

Creamy Corn Casserole

Subtropical Gardening

How To Power Up Your Raised Bed Soil Before Spring

LaBelladiva

DIY Sofa Organizer

Blue Jean Planter

Painted Rainbow Bridge Garden Bench

Fabulous Frugalista

Easy Ways to Make Your Jeans Last Much Longer

Safely Wash Dry-Clean-Only Clothes at Home

Everyday Uses for Baking Soda That Work

Appliance Maintenance

Tricks For Unclogging Your Kitchen Sink You Need To Know

Things You Should Always Wash In Cold Water

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Bad weekend

Don't have much to say. Not really a Happy Sunday. It has been a bad weekend for most of the US worrying about the upcoming winter storm. Prayers for all, hope you are being safe and staying home. I've seen the reports on the weather channels.

New blog posts follow . . .

NEW BLOG POSTS

Subtropical Gardening

How To Kill Poison Ivy Plants

Fast-Growing Houseplants for (Almost) Instant Greenery

How to Revive Hydrangeas After Frost to Ensure Lush Spring and Summer Blooms

Bulbs You Should Start Indoors Now for Colorful Blooms in Spring

Winter Pruning Tips to Give Your Trees and Shrubs a Head Start on Spring

Top 10 Plants to Grow in Dry Shade Gardens

How to Grow and Care for a Lucky Bamboo Plant

Fast-Growing Shade Trees That Will Cool Down Your Yard

Trees and Shrubs You Should Never Prune in Winter

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants

Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookies

Classic Marinara Sauce

Easy Bake Taco Casserole

Orange Dreamsicle Salad

Gina's Cooking Concepts . . . Cheap Meals 101

Mexican Rice

Cheesy Shrimp and Grits

Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

Raspberry Cake

Quick and Easy Pizza Dough, PIZZA & Gina's Garlic Bread UPDATED

To Peel Potatoes Ahead of Time, Use This Trick Your Grandmother Knew

Honey Bun Cake

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Go away winter

Are you starting to feel like the poor shaved llama?

I've had enough of this winter weather. In my part of the world, it is hot 80 degree weather one week and the next week we are 30 degree nights. Most everyone in the US will be experiencing this severe winter storm. Central Florida will get the bad weather after it has passed everyone else. We are getting the tail end of it.

So I have stocked up on water and food, anticipating no electricity and have all my heavy clothes ready to go. I hate it.

Please be careful and warm everybody! Listed below are new blog posts.

NEW BLOG POSTS

LaBelladiva

DIY Chubby Lunch Tote - Free Pattern

DIY Fabric Gift Box - Free Pattern

DIY Pleated Bag Tutorial

DIY Pretty Colored Pencil Roll

Peace, Love, Happiness

The Scent of a Memory

Fabulous Frugalista

Understanding Food Expiration Date Labels Made Simple UPDATE

Subtropical Gardening

Why Your Orchid Leaves Are Wilting, and How to Fix the Problem

Spider Plant Care UPDATED

Things You Need to Know Before Planting a Single Pepper Seed

Things Every Snake Plant Owner Needs To Know

Do This In February for Tons of Tomatoes This Summer

Top 10 Plants to Propagate That Grow From Cuttings UPDATED

Grow vegetables from kitchen scraps UPDATED

Gina's Italian Kitchen

Swiss Cheese Bread

Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Banana Bread Brownies

Boston Cream Pie Cookies

White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Amazing Breakfast Enchiladas

Perfect Omelette (with Video)

Australian Sausage Rolls

Easy à la King Biscuit Casserole

Portobello Mushroom and Cream Cheese Taquitos

Air Fryer Fish Sticks Recipe

Easy Philly Cheesesteak

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Calzones

Country Scalloped Potatoes

Brown Sugar Chili Chicken

Skillet Rosemary Chicken

Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake

Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe

Frosting and Icing Recipes UPDATED

Best Lemon Desserts

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!!