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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

  • Several human hands hold dirt

    Ready, Set, Garden: Soil Sampling 101

    Are you already thinking about what you will plant this spring and summer? If you are, don’t forget to test your soil. It’s the best way to know if your garden or lawn needs critical nutrients and how much.

  • A woman sits at a kitchen table and smiles for the camera.

    Mindfulness for Health and Wellness

    A new year is perfect for resetting and refocusing on your health and wellness goals. Being more present or mindful is a great way to start. What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the process or practice of gently focusing on your awareness in the present moment. Being more mindful can help you feel your best and meet the goals you set for yourself.

  • Woman in a greenhouse watering plants.

    Extension Does That?

    “Extension does that?”  That’s the typical response when we tell people about all the services MSU Extension offers. We’ve been a trusted partner for families and communities in Mississippi since 1914, offering programs, resources, and expertise in a variety of areas.

  • A plate of PBJ Nachos

    Recipe Roundup: What Are We Going to Eat?

    What are we going to eat? That’s a question I get almost every day – whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack. If you are looking for a few new options, check out some of the recipes we’ve featured on The Food Factor.

  • A person looks at a cell phone.

    What Is Technoference?

    Do you know what technoference is? Chances are you’ve experienced it, whether you are familiar with the term or not.

  • A woman stands on a sidewalk in a red sweatshirt and festive holiday-themed necklace.

    5 Tips to Stay Active During the Holidays

    The holidays are here! With all the activity, it's easy to skip your daily exercise. But these tips can help keep you active.

  • Eastern redcedar needles and berries

    Tree of the Month: Eastern redcedar

    The Eastern redcedar, scientifically known as Juniperus virginiana, is a versatile and resilient evergreen tree native to North America. 

  • gifts wrapped in fabric scraps, recycled paper, raffia, and homemade embelishments

    Tips for a Green Holiday

    It’s the holiday season, and many of us like to celebrate this time of year by decorating our homes and gathering with friends and family to enjoy fellowship, food, and gift giving. But it is also a time of increased household waste. These tips can help you have a more sustainable holiday.

  • Snowman christmas cookies on wood cutting board

    Holiday Food Gift Safety

    Whether you’re gifting cookies, jams, breads, or savory treats this holiday season, here are a few quick tips for keeping your food gifts safe.

     

  • A person stirs a skillet of turkey gravy cooking on the stove.

    The Food Factor: Turkey Gravy

    This traditional holiday gravy recipe is easy and fast.

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