Managing Holiday Materialism: Protecting Your Marriage During the Season of Spending (12/5/2025) - Managing Holiday Materialism The holiday season often amplifies financial tensions in marriages, as the pressure to create perfect celebrations through expensive gifts and elaborate decorations can strain both budgets and relationships. While the joy of giving is central to the season, excessive holiday spending can cast a shadow over marital harmony. The Holiday Shopping Frenzy… more
The Deal with Debt: Personal Finance Series (Part 5) (12/5/2025) - Debt is money you owe to a person or business. While debt often carries a negative connotation, responsible borrowing and repayment can improve your credit history. Debt & Credit Debt becomes a problem when you can’t repay what you owe. Missed minimum payments, carrying high credit card balances, or skipping payments can all damage your… more
Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle: Your Guide to a Stress-Free, Budget-Friendly Holiday Season (12/4/2025) - The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and plenty of festive fun. But it can also bring stress, impulse spending, and a financial hangover once January rolls around. The good news? With a little planning and intention, you can enjoy the magic of the season without getting your finances tangled up like last year’s lights. Here… more
UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities December 4, 2025 (12/4/2025) - UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities for December 4, 2025 IFAS Human Resources has now created an opportunity for you to view, at a glance, newly posted IFAS TEAMS positions. Please click on the link for further details. These positions were vacant as of the date of this posting. Academic Program Specialist I - PMCB Graduate Program Requisition… more
Cowpen First Aid, and Considerations (12/2/2025) - Cattle work is unpredictable. Injuries happen without warning, and when you're at the cowpens, help might be miles away. The right supplies and a little know-how can turn a minor incident into just that—minor instead of catastrophic. Having a first aid kit on site should be a priority to help ensure quick treatment is available.… more
Garden Tool Care: Take Care of Your Tools and They’ll Take Care of You (12/2/2025) - Having the right garden tool is important but keeping them in good condition is just as important. Garden tools often get used hard and put away dirty or wet, which causes rust and damage. With a little maintenance, your tools can work well for many years—even old tools can be revived. If you didn’t clean… more
How to Care for a Fresh Christmas Tree (12/2/2025) - Nothing brings holiday spirit into your home quite like the scent and beauty of a fresh Christmas tree. After choosing the perfect one, it’s important to care for it properly so it stays healthy, fragrant, and safe throughout the season. Here is a guide to care for your tree. Make a fresh cut before putting… more
Celebrate Family & Consumer Sciences Week (12/2/2025) - Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Week is here! From December 1 to 5, we join educators, professionals, and advocates across the country to celebrate the incredible impact of FCS in our daily lives. As a proud member of NEAFCS, I’m excited to share this week’s themes and invite you to join the movement to Elevate… more
’Tis the season for courting iguanas: Ask IFAS unwraps bilingual guide with timely tips (12/2/2025) - Just in time for the holiday season — and the start of the iguana mating period — the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has unwrapped a bilingual resource for living with one of Florida’s most visible cold-blooded neighbors. In Ask IFAS, the latest edition of Dealing with Iguanas in the… more
Rudolph’s Guide to Holiday Grocery Savings (12/1/2025) - If you find yourself saying, “Oh deer!” (pun intended) while trying to plan a holiday meal that’s crowd-pleasing, delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly, you’re not alone. At UF/IFAS Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, we’re here to make meal planning and smart shopping easier, and maybe even a little more fun! Check out these eight festive… more
Los expertos de UF ofrecen consejos prácticos y sin estrés para desperdiciar menos, ahorrar dinero y disfrutar de las festividades (12/1/2025) - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Las fiestas son sinónimo de buena comida, grandes reuniones y mucha gratitud, pero también pueden convertirse en una época de presupuestos ajustados, contenedores de basura desbordados y un aumento en el desperdicio de alimentos. ¿Cómo planificar con precisión… more
Celiac Disease and Folate Deficiency: A Neurological Threat to Developing Babies (12/1/2025) - We're thrilled to bring you another edition of Nutrition Stories, our series exploring hot topics in nutrition and dietetics. Today's guest is Emily Cohen, a graduate of the UF Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and current master's degree student in the Masters of Science - Dietetic Internship program in the Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN)… more
Stories from The Yard: Stewardship and Florida-Friendly Beauty in an HOA Community (11/30/2025) - Growing a Garden with Purpose: Commitment to Stewardship As a UF/IFAS Urban Horticulture Agent, I work with passionate homeowners and Master Gardener Volunteers who are reshaping what Florida-Friendly landscaping in HOA communities can look like across Broward County. Today, I want to share Linette’s inspiring story, which shows how thoughtful choices and care for the… more
Edamame, a Nutritious New Crop in Florida (11/28/2025) - Did you know edamame can grow in Florida? Edamame shares the same species name as the soybean, which is already an important crop in Florida. This vegetable, native to Asia, differs from the soybean in that it has bigger seeds, produces larger pods, and matures sooner. Based on research of its cultivation in Miami-Dade County,… more
December 2025 Activities at the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Office (11/26/2025) - By Wayne Hobbs, Interim County Extension Director and Environmental Horticulture Agent The month of December is here and we have another busy month here at UF/IFAS Extension in Clay County. Our office has a bit of extra holiday cheer with some homemade decorations for the annual county door decorating contest and we are all working… more
Sarasota 4-H County Council and Club Updates – November 2025 (11/26/2025) - Read below to learn about Sarasota County’s council, club, and state-wide updates. Feel free to reach out to 4-H@scgov.net if you have any questions or need more information. Refer to this link for previous monthly updates: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2025/10/21/sarasota-4-h-county-council-and-club-updates-october-2025/ Club Updates 4‑Paws: Showmanship training with dogs Practiced obedience (no agility or rally this time) Plenty… more
Agents of Discovery: Complete Four Special Missions before January 1st to receive your Field Agent prize! (11/25/2025) - What is Agents of Discovery? Agents of Discovery is an award-winning educational mobile game that turns the great outdoors into an interactive learning experience. Turn your next park visit into a mission and explore nature like never before! Help Field Agent Forest Parker solve nature-based challenges to complete missions at select Sarasota County Parks. Currently… more
Avoid Thanksgiving FOG! (11/25/2025) - The same delicious fats, oils, and grease that make Thanksgiving dishes so rich and flavorful also pose a hidden threat to your home's plumbing and the community's sewer lines. When washed down the drain, these seemingly harmless substances—found in everything from turkey drippings and gravy to buttery sides, to “healthy” salad dressings—pose a real risk… more
Before You Commit: How to Research Financial Planners (11/24/2025) - Financial planners can help you achieve specific financial goals or provide comprehensive financial management. Before you work with one, it’s important to understand their credentials, compensation methods, and how to research their background. This article covers some essentials. Common Credentials The term “financial planner” is not regulated. However, certain designations are regulated by government or… more
National Family Stories Month: Why Our Stories Matter More Than Ever (11/24/2025) - What are you going to do with National Family Stories Month? For me, it started with an early Thanksgiving trip where about 35 family members gathered under one roof. The food was wonderful, of course—but the conversations were even better. That’s where the real richness of family showed up. When we think about family history,… more
Avoid this Thanksgiving threat: A food safety guide to holiday leftovers (11/24/2025) - You’ve bought the turkey. You’ve prepped the brine. You’ve maybe even baked and frozen the pies. You’re ready for Thanksgiving dinner. But have you thought about being prepared for leftovers? Leftover safety for a larger-than-life meal like Thanksgiving can be a food safety minefield. University of Florida expert Keith Schneider, professor of food safety, says… more
Seafood at Your Finger Tips: Shrimp Tacos (11/22/2025) - Every year, I get invited to participate in the Alligator Creek Festival. During this annual festival, attendees learned about sustainability, environmentally friendly practices, conservation efforts, and community engagement, among other topics. It is a super fun event to attend and to present at. Every year, I participated by giving a grilling seafood demonstration. My intention… more
A Practical Guide to Credit: Personal Finance Series (Part 4) (11/21/2025) - When people talk about credit, they are referring to their credit history. Credit history describes how they have used money over time, which can significantly impact many aspects of life, including housing, employment, and finances, because landlords, lenders, insurance companies, and potential employers often review it when making decisions. Three nationwide credit bureaus—TransUnion, Equifax, and… more
UF experts share easy, stress-free ways to waste less, save money, enjoy the holidays (11/20/2025) - The holidays are all about good food, great gatherings and plenty of gratitude. It can be a time of extended budgets, overflowing trash bins and wasted leftovers. How does one plan with precision to maximize savings, guarantee food safety and minimize waste? Meet the experts at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural… more
Hands-On Homesteading Series a Success in Suwannee and Taylor Counties (11/18/2025) - UF/IFAS Extension Agents in Suwannee and Taylor Counties recently teamed up to offer a creative new program series, Hands-On Homesteading. Held from August 22 through September 12, the four-week series focused on practical, “back-to-basics” skills—teaching participants how to grow, cook, and create products straight from their own backyards. The idea for the program originated with… more
Physical Activity: A Key Ingredient for Holiday Health (11/17/2025) - November is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal. It’s also a great opportunity to get active by participating in a local Turkey Trot or Thanksgiving 5K. Regular physical activity is essential for improving overall health and well-being. However, only 46.9% of adults meet the recommended aerobic… more
Spotlight: UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County’s Natural Resources Agent (11/17/2025) - Extension was the dream job I never knew existed. It was because of you that my position was ever created. You spoke up and said, “We need to educate on the value and importance of our environment and natural resources”. A sentiment that is shared around the state. I entered the job with a blank… morePractical Strategies for Mindful Eating (11/17/2025) - Welcome back to Nutrition Stories, our popular series exploring hot topics in nutrition and dietetics. Today's guest is Genevieve Hamlin, a graduate of the UF Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) in the Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) Department at the University of Florida. In this article, Genevieve discusses why busy college students can struggle with mindless or… more
A scent-sational invitation to you! (11/14/2025) - Join me for an herb-alicious good time at your local Sarasota County library. Our “Breaking the Rules – herb trio” One Seed classes are scheduled November 2025 through January 2026. These classes are a bit social so whether you are a novice gardener or cook, or experienced – your participation brings more richness to the… more
Florida Land Steward Update, November 14, 2025 (11/14/2025) - 2026 FLORIDA LAND STEWARD WALL CALENDARS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON! It’s that time of the year! An annual Holiday tradition, the Florida Land Steward wall calendar features beautiful photography, our Florida Land Steward Landowner of the Year, habitat management tips, partnership opportunities, resource contacts, and more. These make a great Holiday gift for the land… more
Okeechobee 4-H Udder Bunch Donates Milk to Food Pantry (11/14/2025) - The Okeechobee Udder Bunch 4-H club stepped up in a big way this month, donating roughly 25 gallons of milk to a local food pantry to help meet increased community needs during the government shutdown. The donation came earlier than their usual annual contribution, as food banks across the region reported rising demand and falling… more
Strengthening Families 10-14 Program Strengthens Community Bonds at Kingdom Culture Church (11/14/2025) - Community Families Unite for Strengthening Families Program Taylor County families recently came together at Kingdom Culture Church to participate in the Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10–14, a seven-week series designed to help families build stronger communication, trust, and resilience. The program was hosted in partnership with the University of Florida IFAS Extension… more
Turfgrass Replacement (11/13/2025) - If 30% or more of your lawn is covered with weeds, bare spots, or other damage, it’s usually more practical to replace it with new sod. In many cases, the time, cost, and effort needed to repair the area are greater than simply starting fresh. In some situations, maintaining a lawn that’s simply green may… more
2025 Peanut Butter Challenge Wrap-Up (11/13/2025) - The University of Florida/IFAS Extension Peanut Butter Challenge in Jackson County has a new record! Businesses, county employees, residents, and students collected a record amount of peanut butter to help local neighbors in need. This year, peanut butter donations in Jackson County totaled 2,855 jars, weighing in at 3,260 pounds! The Peanut Butter Challenge aims… more
Winter Landscape Care: Fertilizer and Watering Tips (11/13/2025) - Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) to make food through photosynthesis. In fall and winter, less sunlight, cooler temperatures, and less rain cause photosynthesis and growth to slow down. Because of this, plants need very little nutrients and water during the cooler months. In Central Florida’s fall and winter climate, plant growth slows… more
Innovadora herramienta ayuda a propietarios y cultivadores a proteger las emblemáticas palmeras frente a la pudrición del tronco (11/13/2025) - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. ¿Alguna vez se ha preguntado por qué algunas variedades de palmeras prosperan, mientras que otras pierden de pronto sus hojas, se doblan o incluso sucumben por completo? Desde los icónicos cocoteros hasta las imponentes palmas reales, las palmeras… more
Spotlight: Pinellas County Urban Horticulture Extension Agent Theresa Badurek (11/12/2025) - Theresa Badurek, Extension Agent, Urban Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County I am the Urban Horticulture Extension Agent for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension in Pinellas County. With a passion for sustainable landscapes (that save you time and money) and environmental stewardship, I lead programs that empower residents, community… more
Can invasive plants increase tick exposure risk? Scientists reveal a surprising link to human health (11/12/2025) - An invasive grass found on almost every continent and considered a pest in 73 countries isn’t just weeding out native plants, it is creating a haven for disease-carrying ticks and raising public health risk concerns. A new University of Florida study, published recently in Ecology, demonstrates how cogongrass, an invasive grass common across the Southeast… more
Thrifty Thanksgiving: Walmart VS. Aldi Holiday Meal (11/12/2025) - The holiday season is often filled with joy, family gatherings, and good food. However, it can also bring financial stress—especially with grocery prices at their highest in recent years. This year, two major grocery retailers, Walmart and Aldi, are helping consumers enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal without overspending.Walmart’s Holiday Meal DealWalmart recently announced its popular… more
Buy Now Pay Later: What you should know before you click “Buy” (11/12/2025) - Hughes, Pamela & Longley, Cyndi, MBA. BNPL: What You Should Know Before You Click “Buy” Introduction A new financial trend is rapidly changing how consumers shop and pay for their purchases — Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). These programs are becoming a popular alternative to traditional credit cards, offering consumers the ability to make purchases… more
4-H Pet Pals Club Provides Spark for Youth Entrepreneurs to Give Back (11/10/2025) - The Wakulla 4-H Pet Pals meets monthly to learn about pets and pet care. Club meetings include craft activities and guest speakers. Members can volunteer at the local Animal Shelter as an ongoing service project. In October, the club meeting included a lesson on how to make braided dog toys out of old t-shirts. 4-H… more
PreventiGators research team wins HiPerGator Pioneering Research Award During UF AI Days (11/10/2025) - Researchers in the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences are investigating factors that may lead teens to tobacco addiction in adulthood, and their AI-powered research is making waves. During the University of Florida’s AI Days event, a team of graduate student researchers in the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences won… more
Fresh Picks: The Month’s Classes (11/10/2025) - We’ve got something new for you! Each month, we’ll be sharing a quick look at the classes and workshops happening at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. Think of it as your go-to guide for learning something new, meeting neighbors, and getting hands-on with fun, practical skills. Whether you’re curious about gardening, cooking, physical or financial health,… more
Florida Land Steward Update, November 7, 2025 (11/7/2025) - 2026 FLORIDA LAND STEWARD WALL CALENDARS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON! It's that time of the year! An annual Holiday tradition, the Florida Land Steward wall calendar features beautiful photography, our Florida Land Steward Landowner of the Year, habitat management tips, partnership opportunities, resource contacts, and more. These make a great Holiday gift for the land… more
Fall Family Fun: 4-H Inspired Things to Do This Season (11/6/2025) - As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, fall offers the perfect backdrop for family fun, learning, and connection. It’s also a great time to bring a little 4-H spirit into your home exploring nature, being creative, and spending quality time together. Here are some ideas to help your family make the… more
Finding Balance: Eating Healthy During the Holiday Season Without Missing Out (11/5/2025) - The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and yes, plenty of delicious food. Between festive parties, family gatherings, and holiday baking, it’s easy to fall into the “all or nothing” mindset: either indulge in everything or try to avoid it all and end up feeling deprived. But it doesn't have to be one… more
Annual Peanut Butter Challenge: A Birthday Wish to End Hunger (11/5/2025) - From Presents to Peanut Butter, A Gift That Gives Back In a world where small acts of kindness can ripple into big changes, one young girl in Polk County is proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact. Meet London Brandt, a now ten-year-old community hero who has once again stepped up… more
Grateful Living: The Science of Positivity and Health (11/4/2025) - Gratitude is often viewed as a simple way to be polite or something we display during holidays or special moments. But did you know that gratitude is more than just an emotion? It has real effects on your brain and body. The science behind gratitude is actually pretty fascinating, and practicing it can transform both… more
Reassessing Meatless Monday: A Scientific Perspective on the Role of Meat in Sustainable Diets (11/3/2025) - By Bridget Stice, UF/IFAS Extension Polk Meatless Monday campaigns urge the public to skip meat one day a week to "improve health and protect the planet". While reducing excessive consumption of any food can be beneficial, blanket campaigns like Meatless Mondays often present incomplete or exaggerated claims. When closely examined, the data show that responsibly… more
Today’s Risk for Tomorrow: Personal Finance Series (Part 3) (11/3/2025) - We’ve covered budgeting and saving as foundations of money management. Investing is another element: it means putting money into assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate to earn returns through capital gains, dividends, or interest. Investing involves more risk than saving; your money is not federally insured, and you could lose the amount you deposited.… more