Blog

Why Your Bananas Turn Brown—and How to Fix It
Simple tricks to slow ripening, stop browning, and make your bananas last longer—whether whole, sliced, or frozen. I don’t know about you, but bananas never last long around here—either someone eats them the minute they turn yellow, or they sit on the counter just a little too long and end up brown and mushy before

How Homesteading Taught Me to Find Faith in the Garden (Plus Some Tips & Tricks Along the Way)
Homesteading isn’t just about farming and feeding the family—it’s a spiritual journey too. When I step out into my garden, I’m not just pulling weeds or planting seeds. I’m also sowing faith, patience, and trust. But between the life lessons and spiritual moments, there are some practical tips and maybe even a few laughs along

Do Full Moons Really Affect Us? My Story and What the Research Shows
I don’t need a calendar to know when the moon is full. I can feel it. There’s a certain clarity in my mind—like fog has lifted and I can think more clearly. I sleep a little lighter, yet I wake up feeling surprisingly alert. There’s this underlying sense of well-being I can’t quite explain, but

7 Ingredients You Won’t Believe Are in Your Favorite Health Foods
Introduction: The Health Food Hustle You asked for more, and here we are. After the buzz around What’s Hiding in Your So-Called Healthy Foods?, it became clear that many of us are ready to dig deeper into what we’re really eating. Just because something says “organic,” “keto-friendly,” or “gluten-free” doesn’t mean it’s nourishing your body.

What’s Nutella, Really?
Think Before You Dip: What You Should Know About Nutella I used to love Nutella.There was just something comforting about that creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread on toast or fruit. It felt like a treat that walked the line between indulgent and wholesome. But the more I started reading labels, the more I realized—this sweet spread wasn’t

Why Digging in the Dirt Is Good for Your Mind, Body, and Soul
There’s something deeply healing about putting your hands in the soil. Whether you’re planting tomatoes, growing herbs, or just pulling weeds on a sunny afternoon, gardening does more than beautify your yard—it nurtures your mind, body, and soul. And science backs it up. Gardening for mental health, immunity, and even physical wellness has become one

What’s Hiding in Your So-Called Healthy Foods?
What Labels Don’t Tell You — and How to Cut Through the Health Hype I used to feel pretty good about my grocery cart. Whole grain crackers, organic cereal, fruit-flavored yogurts, plant-based frozen meals… I thought I was doing everything right. But over time, I started to feel anything but right. I was constantly tired,

What Is Circadian Alignment?
The Simple Habit That Transformed My Energy, Sleep & Digestion Over the last few years, I’ve made a quiet but powerful shift in my daily routine. I didn’t overhaul my entire life or jump on the latest health bandwagon. Instead, I started listening to something I’d been ignoring for years—my body’s natural rhythm. That shift?

Gift Ideas for the Dad Who Has Everything
We all know that one dad—you ask him what he wants for Father’s Day and he says, “I don’t need anything.” But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t appreciate something thoughtful, useful, or downright indulgent! Whether your dad loves to garden, sip gourmet coffee, unwind after a long day, or just deserves a little pampering, this

10 Foods to Keep You Cool, Calm, and Energized This Summer
Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and that unmistakable feeling of freedom. But with the joy of the season often comes heat, stress, and dips in energy. The good news? Nature gives us everything we need to thrive this time of year—especially when it comes to what we eat. Here are 10 delicious foods that help

Garden Chronicles: A Feast for the Eyes and Soul
Welcome, garden lovers!Today, I’m excited to share a little corner of my world—a garden that tells a story of color, life, and a passion for nature. From the juicy allure of ripening tomatoes to the delicate charm of strawberries and peppers, every section of my garden holds a memory and a lesson. Join me on

? My Favorite CBD & Wellness Brands: Spotlight on Farmer & Chemist
?? Exciting News! ??I’m thrilled to share that I’ve partnered with Farmer & Chemist, a trusted name in high-quality CBD products made with care and scientific expertise. Here is a quick 2-minute video that beautifully explains what makes them different—and why I’m proud to recommend their products. ? Watch the video and see why Farmer

? A Printable Mother’s Day Letter from the Heart
Free Download from Perky Dove There’s something timeless about a handwritten letter—especially on Mother’s Day. Whether you’re near or far, this heartfelt message is the kind of gift that doesn’t need wrapping. It just needs love. At Perky Dove, we created this free printable Mother’s Day letter to help you say the words that matter

Welcome to Handmade Homestead
There’s something truly special about creating with your own two hands There’s a rhythm that ties us to simpler times, to the heart of home, and to the ones we love. Here at Perky Dove, the Handmade Homestead is where I share my love of crocheting and crafting cozy treasures — from soft blankets for

Raising Happy Animals: Pet Care and Training Tips for Homestead Life
1. Start with the Basics: Health First No matter what kind of pet you have, good health is the foundation for good behavior. Stay on top of vaccinations, parasite prevention, and regular vet checkups. Feed a nutritious diet suited to your animal’s age, size, and activity level. Provide fresh water daily (and check it more

? Broody Hen Checklist
What You Need to Know Before Letting a Hen Hatch ChicksBy Linda at Perky Dove ? Before She Goes Broody ? While She’s Sitting (Approx. 21 Days) ? When Chicks Hatch ? Bonus Tips

Easter Miracle on the Homestead: Goldie the Hen Hatches 7 Chicks on Her Birthday!
Real-life homesteading magic — a glimpse into the journey of our hen Goldie as she laid, sat, and hatched her very own brood of fluffy little chicks There are moments in homesteading that just feel magical, and this Easter brought one of those unforgettable gifts. Our sweet hen Goldie became a mother—on her very own

Homesteading Is My Art
Celebrating World Art Day from the Heart of Home When we hear the word art, we’re often taught to picture something hanging in a gallery or framed above a mantel. But to me, art is so much more than paint on a canvas. It’s not always about the medium—it’s about the message, the meaning, and