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

  • Stirring corn salad in a glass bowl

    How to Make Fresh Corn Salad

    If you’re looking for a fresh and low-fat summertime potluck food that features locally grown produce, this fresh corn salad is quick to make and is a crowd pleaser. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Art Shirley)

  • Homemade pico de gallo in a white container placed in the center of a wooden bowl of tortilla chips.

    How to Make Pico de Gallo

    Summertime means homegrown tomatoes, or tasty tomatoes picked up at the local farmers market. One of my favorite ways to use these seasonal treats is a fresh summer salsa that’s delicious on top of grilled fish or chicken, a healthy addition to a baked potato, or the perfect match for tortilla chips and taco salad. I personally love tortilla chips with lime! (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • A brown tick is pictured next to a penny on a gray background.

    Protect Yourself from Mosquitos and Ticks

    Whether you work or play outdoors in the summertime, you are a prime target for mosquitos and ticks.

    Aside from being irritating, insect pests can carry bacteria, parasites and viruses, such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which could make humans sick. It’s important to protect yourself. (File photo by MSU Extension Service)

  • A pint glass jar filled with homemade taco seasoning sits on a kitchen countertop.

    How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning

    It’s TACO TUESDAY! Don’t you hate reaching into the cabinet for that little packet of taco seasoning, only to find you forgot to buy any? 

    Save yourself an extra trip to the store, and mix up your own taco seasoning! (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • Fireworks explode against a dark sky and above a large body of water.

    Fireworks Safety Tips

    Many people celebrate Independence Day with fireworks. However, it pays to be cautious with these beautiful explosives. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

  • A product display of Greek yogurt, buttermilk and kefir.

    What Dairy Products Can I Eat if I’m Lactose Intolerant?

    If you’re lactose intolerant, you may roll your eyes when you think of dairy. Yes, June is National Dairy Month, but what good is that to you? (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • A sliced, ripe watermelon sits on a table outdoors.

    3 Tips For Picking The Perfect Watermelon

    Choosing a ripe watermelon at the market is easy if you know what to look for.  (Photo credit: Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • A graphic depicts a woman preparing to clean a refrigerator after storing a recalled food item.

    How to Clean Your Refrigerator

    June is National Healthy Homes Month! Do you know all the steps to take to ensure your home is safe and healthy for your family?

    A regular cleaning regime can keep your home free of dust, dirt, mold and pests. But did you know your refrigerator should be in this regular lineup? (Graphic by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

  • An African American woman with braided hair and wearing a white sweater shares a board book with her infant daughter who wears a coral shirt.

    How to Build Your Baby’s Brain Power

    Most parents are too busy for a college course in child development, but want to help their babies grow into children who are successful in learning and ultimately successful in life. (Photo by Canstock)

Extension for Real Life