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
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4 Tips for Safely Handling and Cooking Your Thanksgiving Turkey
What’s on your Thanksgiving menu this year? My family loves turkey and dressing, and I’m getting the list of my favorite dishes to contribute ready. No matter what you plan to cook this holiday season, the first item on your checklist should be food safety.
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The Food Factor: Crustless Pumpkin Pie
This Crustless Pumpkin Pie is great if you need a gluten-free option for your holiday meals and comes together quickly. It's easy to substitute Mississippi-grown sweet potatoes for the pumpkin. Natasha shows you how in the latest installment of The Food Factor.
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Critter of the Month: House Mouse
As cooler weather arrives, mice are looking for any source of heat and food they can find. Sometimes, they find their way into homes. You may notice the faint pitter-patter of small feet inside walls and attics. It’s just the mice looking for a warm place to stay!
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November Garden Checklist
It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of 2021. With cooler weather arriving, that means there’s not as much to do in your garden besides constantly raking leaves to ensure they don’t take over your landscape. However, there are a few additional tasks you can complete to prep your space for spring!
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How to Identify Oak Trees Using Acorns
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The Food Factor: Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkins are the star of fall. And so is pumpkin spice. If you love lattes and this quintessential fall flavor that has become all the rage, this recipe is for you!
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Why Do Leaves Change Color?
Autumn is the time of year when nature graces us with a perfect landscape of red, orange, and yellow leaves to enjoy. As you take in the beautiful scenery, you may wonder: What causes the leaves to change colors in the fall months? Many people believe frost is the reason, but that’s actually a myth!
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Trick, Treat, or Toy?: 4 Tips for a Healthier Halloween
Whether you are having a Halloween party with friends, sending treats to school, or trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, with a little creativity, you can find ways to add some healthy options into the mix.
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How to Keep Pumpkin Decor Fresh
Pumpkins are a fall staple and a great way to add a bit of festive decor to your home. I’ve had a pumpkin display out at my home since mid-September. I’ll keep this fall arrangement up until after Thanksgiving and then replace it with Christmas lights and decor.