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Hummingbird next to red flowers.

Everyone loves Ruby-throated hummingbirds! I have fond memories of watching these hummingbirds visit the many feeders my grandparents put out each year. You probably have a similar story! Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, with their bold-colored feathers and fast-fluttering wings.


A Mole and a Vole.

Moles vs. Voles

February 17, 2023

Moles and voles are often confused with one another. They both can cause damage to your lawn and their names sound very similar. You can use the beginning letter of their name to help you remember the difference! 

closeup of a smoothie

How to Build a Healthy Smoothie

February 14, 2023

Smoothies can be a tasty and healthy on-the-go option. Check out these tips to make sure you build a nutrient-rich mixture that will keep your energy up.

Closeup of Parmesan Cilantro Corn

The Food Factor: Parmesan Cilantro Corn

February 7, 2023

Video by Jonathan Parrish

Corn is one of the most versatile vegetables around, and it’s a staple item in my kitchen. Sometimes fresh corn is a must, but I usually use frozen or canned corn for convenience.

This Parmesan Cilantro Corn gets a little kick from the cayenne pepper while the creamy cheese sauce balances the heat.

It’s a good way to get another serving of vegetables for the day, or you can serve this dish as a vegetarian option. 

Parmesan Cilantro Corn

Ingredients

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Yellow, purple, and blue pansies.

Landscape Checklist for February

February 3, 2023

The weather has been brutal lately. Cold and dreary one day, warm the next. Nevertheless, signs of spring are starting to pop up. Yellow daffodils have already started to bloom, providing everyone with a reminder that the cold weather will soon be moving out of the area. 

House Finch.

Bird of the Month: House Finch

January 31, 2023

We’re on month two of learning about the different types of birds in Mississippi. For February, we’re discussing the house finch.

A crape myrtle in the landscape

How to Prune Crape Myrtles

January 27, 2023

Crape myrtles are popular for their low-maintenance beauty, but they can benefit from some light pruning this time of year.

A bowl of cooked sausage and apples.

The Food Factor: Sweet ’n’ Savory Skillet

January 24, 2023

This one-pan Sweet 'n' Savory Skillet recipe is a satifying meal that does not require a lot of cleanup.

Different color of onions.

Understanding the Different Types of Onions

January 20, 2023

Have you ever visited the grocery store to buy onions for a recipe, only to realize you don’t know which type of onion to buy? We’ve all been there!

A woman stands in a kitchen.

5 Tips for Healthy Eating on a Budget

January 17, 2023

With food prices on the rise, my grocery bill has increased significantly. Healthy eating is a priority for me, but I want to make sure I stay within budget at the store. Check out some of my favorite budget-friendly tips.

A bee sits on a flower

How to Garden for Bees

January 13, 2023

Pssst…You know you don’t have to be a beekeeper to help support honey bees, right?

A variety of high-quality, nectar plants that bloom in your yard throughout the year can attract an abundance of bees and other pollinators like butterflies and moths. Winter is a great time to plan for the addition of more pollinator plants to your landscape this spring or to grow an entire pollinator garden this spring. These are the elements you need if you want to bring more bees to your yard.

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About Extension for Real Life

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