• " "
  • " "
  • " "
  • " "
  • " "

A well maintained landscape.

When it comes to lawn care, summer is one of the busiest times of the year.


How to Pick Plants for Containers

April 23, 2021

It’s that time of the year when people are on the hunt for the perfect container plant combos. It’s tempting to head to the local garden center, pick out the best-looking flowers, and plant them with wild abandon. However, planning is an important part of the gardening process. Before you go to the garden center, decide where you want to put your container. This will help you purchase the right flowers for the space.

Chicken alfreado in a colorful bowl

The Food Factor: Chicken Alfredo with a Twist

April 20, 2021

Alfredo sauce is a favorite comfort food in my circle of friends and family. Loaded with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, traditional alfredo sauce packs a lot of calories and unhealthy fats into one dish. So I was excited to find this recipe for Chicken Alfredo with a Twist! It’s a Food Factor Makeover!

old paint, batteries, and medications.

How to Recycle or Dispose of Hazardous Household Waste

April 16, 2021

If you’ve been spring cleaning, you may have come across some items you need to donate, recycle, or throw out. Learn what to do with items that shouldn't go in the regular trash or standard recycling bins.

A lady stands in a kitchen.

Let’s Do Lunch!

April 13, 2021

Growing up, I was always told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it is essential.But all our meals count. Here are a few tips to help you get a nutrient-filled lunch.

Hamburgers, chicken and hotdogs on a grill.

Tips for Grilling

April 9, 2021

Warm weather is here, and it’s finally time to fire up the grill! Barbecues are fun and result in delicious food.

Veggie quiche muffins on a blue plate

The Food Factor: Veggie Quiche Muffins

April 6, 2021

For people who need something quick for breakfast, these Veggie Quiche Muffins are both healthy and convenient.

You can use 3 cups of your favorite veggies if you prefer something different from what is in the original recipe. Chopped zucchini and mushrooms are great options! You can also use your favorite cheese, but note that changing from a low-fat cheddar will alter the calories. 

A rabbit in a field.

Critter of the Month: Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

April 2, 2021

Did you know eastern cottontail rabbits are the most commonly found mammal in the United States? They have made themselves right at home throughout the eastern two-thirds of the country.

A field of orange and yellow marigolds.

April Garden Checklist

March 30, 2021

If you’re anything like me, I find any excuse to get outside. The warmer temperatures and colorful blooms are refreshing, especially after the cold winter we had! Working on outdoor chores is a great excuse to get some fresh air. Here are a few tasks you need to cross off your checklist during April:

Airtight jars of cereal, rice and flour sit in a cupboard.

How to Keep Pests Out of the Kitchen Pantry

March 26, 2021

We’ve experienced some spring-like weather, and that may have you thinking about refreshing some areas of your home. When you’re doing your spring cleaning, don’t overlook the kitchen pantry where stored-food pests can thrive.

strawberry-banana cheesecake wrap cut in half and displayed on a decorative plate

The Food Factor: Strawberry-Banana Cheesecake Wraps

March 23, 2021

Whether you want a healthier dessert option for yourself or for the little ones who like to help you in the kitchen, these strawberry-banana cheesecake wraps are perfect! The fruit and whole-wheat tortillas are loaded with fiber and will keep everyone feeling satisfied far longer than a store-bought cookie. And the cream cheese mixture will make you feel like you’re indulging in cheesecake, without all the calories. Best of all, they are easy for kids to make themselves.

Pages

Subscribe to Extension for Real Life

Fill in the information below to receive a weekly update of our blog posts.

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Mississippi State University Extension will keep your contact information confidential and will not sell or distribute the information gathered here to third parties.

About Extension for Real Life

Extension for Real Life is a product of the MSU Extension Service’s Office of Agricultural Communications.

That’s a long way of saying we are professional communicators who get to talk about food, families, 4-H, flowers, and farming for a living.

Blog content is created by a core team of communicators, including Susan Collins-Smith, Ellen Graves, Natasha Haynes, Qula Madkin, Michaela Parker, and Jonathan Parrish. But we get by with a lot of help from our friends in Ag Comm and Extension!

You can reach us at 662-325-2262 or extreallife@msstate.edu