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Extension for Real Life

Description

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

  • An assortment of snack foods on a butcher block table top, including a green pear, red grapes, baby carrots, pretzels, pecans, dates, almonds, and trail mix.

    Smart Snacking

    Time and money are both precious resources, but you don’t have to sacrifice them to eat healthier foods. Next time you find yourself standing in front of the vending machine at work or dashing into a convenience store for a snack, have a plan! (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • A picture of several pink tulips with one in focus and others blurred in the background.

    What to Do in Your Garden in April

    It’s officially spring! The temperatures are finally starting to warm up after a cold and wet winter. Gardening is the perfect excuse to spend some much-needed time outside. Grab your gardening tools—there’s a lot to be done! (Photo by Michaela Parker)

  • Chicken nuggets coated in golden brown panko breadcrumbs on an aluminum-foil lined baking sheet.

    Chicken Nuggets for Grown-Ups

    Chicken nuggets for grown-ups is one of our most popular recipes from the original television series. They are a fun, fast, and easy weeknight meal that cuts calories, since they’re baked instead of fried. 

  • Close up of a pink rose bloom.

    Plant Roses Now!

    If you’re thinking of planting roses, spring is one of the best times. MSU Extension/From Extension Publication 2835 “Roses in Mississippi” 

  • A medium-sized black and white dog lies on green grass.

    Protect Your Pets from Fleas

    It’s a given. Our beloved pets will attract some unwelcome guests: fleas. (Photo by Susan Collins-Smith)

  • Red grapes dipped in a mixture of peanut butter and Greek yogurt lined up on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.

    Peanut Butter Yogurt-Dipped Grapes

    Looking for a snack that will tide you over until your next meal but not derail your health goals? These peanut butter yogurt-dipped grapes are a fun way to get a serving of fruit and a hit of protein, without racking up major calories!

  • Shredded chicken breasts coated in barbecue sauce in a rectangular, clear-glass container.

    Making the Most of Leftovers

    Leftovers can be a huge time-saver, but they also have the potential to go to waste. Food tossed is money lost! (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • Close-up of small magnolia tree with glossy green leaves. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

    What To Do in Your Garden in March

    There’s a lot to do in your garden during the month of March! Get your spring garden in shape with these easy tips. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

  • Three small sandwiches made with whole wheat slider buns, shredded chicken, and barbecue sauce on a white plate.

    Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Sliders

    Y’all know I love a good slow cooker recipe. This one is fast and easy, and, depending on your barbecue sauce, can also be healthy. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish / Cindy Callahan)

Mississippi State University Extension Service 130 Bost Drive Mississippi State MS 39762