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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

  • paperwhite narcissus

    How to Grow Paperwhite Narcissus

    When people think of holiday houseplants, poinsettias usually come to mind. Rightfully so! They’re one of the most popular plants on the market during the holidays. One plant many people overlook for decor during winter months is the paperwhite narcissus. 

  • A woman stands at a kitchen counter with ingredients displayed.

    How to Use Ingredient Substitutes to Lower Sugar and Fat

    With all the get-togethers, parties, and potlucks during the holiday season, it can be hard to consistently make healthy choices. Instead of giving up some of your holiday favorites, consider reducing the sugar and unhealthy fats in these dishes by swapping some of the ingredients for healthier substitutes. Qula shows you some easy swaps in her latest blog post!

  • Red poinsettias

    How to Choose and Care for Poinsettias

    Other than the Christmas tree, there’s no holiday plant more sought-after than the poinsettia. Although the most popular color for this winter favorite is Christmas red, you may find white, pink, yellow, maroon, and multi-color versions at your local garden store. Poinsettias are fragile and finnicky indoor plants, but they can add a bit of holiday cheer to any space with the right care! Here are a few tips on how to choose the best-looking poinsettias, and how to maintain them throughout the season.

  • Cinnamon Walnut Pecan Pie Bites on a plate

    The Food Factor: Cinnamon Walnut Pecan Pie Bites

    If you’re watching your calories this season, this Cinnamon Walnut Pecan Pie Bites recipe will satisfy your craving for pecan pie and help keep your portions sensible.

  • A coyote walking.

    Critter of the Month: Coyote

  • Frost on a plant.

    Gardening Checklist for December

  • People serve their plates at a buffet-style dinner.

    3 Tips to Maintain Healthy Habits During the Holidays

    If you always find yourself off track in the diet department this time of year, you’re not alone. But if we partake thoughtfully this holiday season, we can still enjoy our favorite things without the guilt.

  • Close up of a sliced quesadilla.

    The Food Factor: Turkey Cranberry Quesadilla

    Thanksgiving festivities have come to an end, and you probably have an abundance of leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. This Turkey Cranberry Quesadilla is a fresh take on the turkey sandwich and is just as easy.

  • Christmas trees on a farm.

    Five Types of Popular Live Christmas Trees

    Choosing, cutting, and bringing home a real Christmas tree is a fun tradition for many families during the holiday season. Around 32,000 Christmas trees are sold in Mississippi each year! Whether you go to a Christmas tree farm or to a local retail store, you’ll likely be presented with a few options to choose from.

Mississippi State University Extension 130 Bost Drive Mississippi State MS 39762