Snakes, like other wildlife, need a suitable place to live and enough food to eat. If the area around your home checks these boxes, they may take up residence there. These tips can help reduce the chances of a surprise encounter with a snake around you house.
The Food Factor: Potato Corn Chowder
February 1, 2022
It may be cold outside, but you can help take the chill out of winter with a warm bowl of Potato Corn Chowder.
How to Create a Winter Habitat for Birds
January 28, 2022
If there’s one thing we southerners love, it’s our backyard birds. There’s something enjoyable about watching birds fly around and chirp with each other in the yard. However, as brutal as the winter months can be to us, it can be even more challenging to our feathered friends. Many trees and shrubs become bare during the cold weather, eliminating their primary sources of shelter and food. To help provide food, water, and shelter to your backyard buddies, consider creating a welcoming habitat that will prepare them for cold weather.
How to Make a Budget
January 25, 2022
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get your finances in order, start with creating a budget. A comprehensive plan for your spending and saving benefits you now and for years to come.
Think of your budget as a tool to help you plan how you spend your money and track how much you save. Before you sit down to make this plan, you should record your expenses for at least a week to see exactly how you are spending your money. A week will give you some insight; however, the longer you track your spending, the more accurate your budget will be. Try this...
How to Distinguish Termites from Ants
January 21, 2022
Can you tell the difference between a termite and an ant? Termites and ants share a number of similar physical characteristics, and it can be hard to distinguish between the two at first glance. Since termites can be active long before they are properly identified, mistaking them for ants could be a costly error!
The Food Factor: Air Fryer Pork Chops for Two
January 18, 2022
This pork chop recipe is ideal for just one or two people, and it comes together quickly with little mess.
When and How to Prune Landscape Plants: Winter/Early Spring
January 14, 2022
When, how, and if you should prune depends on the type of plant or tree you have and your goal for the plant. Check out this calendar for some of the pruning chores ideal for January through April in Mississippi.
4 Tips for a Healthier New You in the New Year
January 11, 2022
Every year millions of Americans vow to lose weight, eat healthier, and be more active. Qula has some tips to help you reach your goals.
The Food Factor: 15 Minute Chili
January 7, 2022
This simple homemade chili recipe features ground beef simmered with onion, tomatoes, beans, and seasonings. And it’s ready in 15 minutes!
How to Protect Plants During Winter
January 4, 2022
January and February often bring harsh winter temperatures to us in Mississippi. Sometimes cold snaps even come in March and early April! One sudden drop in the temperature can unfortunately damage many of your tender landscape plants. Make sure the freezing temperatures do not harm your plants by taking a few preventative measures:
The Food Factor: Cranberry Applesauce
December 21, 2021
Now that cranberries are in season, I like to use them in as many recipes as possible. This recipe features cranberries, apples, and cinnamon. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart with a beautiful color.
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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