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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How to Reduce Pandemic Litter
Are you tired of seeing used masks and gloves dropped in the parking lot at the grocery store? Me, too!
“Pandemic litter” is a relatively new problem, but pollution is nothing new. I grew up watching the ad that admonished, “Give a hoot, don’t pollute!”
Battling the coronavirus requires the use of some single-use items, but they don’t have to end up on the ground!
Here are three tips to help keep Mississippi beautiful!
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The Food Factor: Ranch Potato Salad
If you aren’t a fan of traditional potato salad, give this Ranch Potato Salad a try! Low-fat mayonnaise reduces the calories and fat to make this a healthier choice.
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Celebrate Rice Month with Tasty Recipes from The Food Factor
September is National Rice Month! So, let’s celebrate with some great tasting rice recipes that have been featured on the blog.
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How to Slow Brain Aging
Research shows that eating certain foods may slow brain aging. Here are some power foods to include in your diet.
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How to Reduce Fire Ants in Your Yard
If you want fewer fire ant beds in your yard, the best way to achieve that goal is to maintain a consistent management plan throughout the year.
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The Food Factor: Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Just because sweet potatoes are harvested in the fall doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy them year-round! With this recipe for Grilled Sweet Potatoes, you don’t even have to heat up the oven!
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Gardening Tasks for September
And just like that, we’re three-fourths through the year! Cooler temperatures will be here before we know it, hopefully sooner rather than later. Even though we all know the heat will stay around a little longer, it’s time to start preparing for fall and winter.
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The Food Factor: Sweet and Tangy Chicken Marinade
Have you ever fallen into a cooking rut, using the same spices and flavorings on all your foods? There’s nothing wrong with relying on a few faithful flavors—I love lemon pepper!—but trying new recipes can open up your taste horizons and renew your enthusiasm for cooking.
Marinades are a fun way to experiment with flavors, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on premade options. Combining different oils, acids (citrus juice, vinegar, soy sauce), and spices can take your taste buds on an adventure.
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How to Install a Shade Sail
If there’s one thing all Mississippians can agree on, it’s that the summer sun can be brutal. I enjoy spending time on my back patio, but it’s hard to enjoy without shade. I’ve noticed several restaurants, parks, and pools have installed shade sails to provide shade to visitors. Why not install one in your own back yard?