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A plate of PBJ Nachos

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.


Irrigation watering system in a garden

How to Obtain Proper Watering in Your Garden

August 15, 2024

If there’s one thing that’s important in gardening, it’s proper watering. Vegetable gardens need about 1 inch of water each week.

A closeup of California Chicken Pasta Salad in a bowl.

The Food Factor: California Chicken Pasta Salad

August 13, 2024

You will enjoy this cool, refreshing chicken pasta salad on these last hot days of summer.

A woman holds a baking sheet of prepared Frozen Banana Splits

The Food Factor: Frozen Banana Splits

August 6, 2024

Craving a banana split? This makeover recipe includes delicious and nutritious whole fruits and is easy and quick to make.

Pin Oak leaves on branches

Tree of the Month: Pin Oak

August 2, 2024

Imagine walking through a tranquil forest in early autumn. The air is crisp, the sunlight filters softly through a canopy of vibrant leaves. Among the trees that paint this picturesque scene, one stands out with its striking, radiant colors—the pin oak.

The pin oak (Quercus palustris) is a member of the Fagaceae family, native to the central and eastern United States. Known for its distinctive pyramidal shape and slender, pin-like branches, this deciduous tree can grow up to 70 feet tall, with a spread of up to 40 feet.

A person throwing a trash bag into a trash can.

What is Zero Waste?

July 31, 2024

If you’ve heard the term “zero waste,” you may be wondering what that is and how it can be possible. Zero waste is aimed at reducing waste throughout the production chain – from the time materials are gathered for production to the time the product is purchased and used by a consumer. Get tips on how to implement the principles into your lifestyle.

Credit cards laying on a table.

What to Consider When Using Credit

July 26, 2024

Many people love the idea of credit cards. You’re able to purchase goods or services when you want or need it, even if you don’t have the money on hand to cover the costs.

A room full of clutter.

How to Unload Sentimental Clutter

July 24, 2024

Almost everyone has a little bit of clutter somewhere in their homes at times. However, letting small amounts turn into large amounts can not only interfere with the lifestyle you want, but it can also be a health hazard. If you find that you can’t use your rooms the way you’d like, then it’s time to start getting rid of some clutter. But what if some of these items are sentimental? We have some tips that can help.

Two black chickens in a garden.

Backyard Chickens

July 19, 2024

Scratch, peck, dirt bath. Repeat.

If you know what this phrase refers to, you probably own backyard chickens. 

5 Tips to Reduce Back-to-School Stress

July 18, 2024

School is right around the corner! For those whose children are in schools with year-round schedules, the first day of class is coming up sooner rather than later. 

A woman at a farmers market

Tips for Shopping Farmers Markets

July 16, 2024

Shopping at your local farmers market is a great way to add more nutritious foods to your diet, eat in-season produce, and support and connect with local farmers and the agriculture industry.

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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 [email protected]