(NAPSI)—According to a recent survey, 40 percent of Americans spend 30 to 60 minutes cooking dinner, yet nearly 80 percent would like to spend 30 minutes or less. The weeks leading up to summer can give us the motivational push to make positive lifestyle changes, but busy schedules can make eating right a challenge.

(BPT) - Seventy-nine percent of smartphone users have their phones on or near them all but two hours of the day when they’re awake, according to a recent IDC Research report. For many, smartphone use is now a way of life, making it even more important to think carefully before you choose your next one. Today’s market is competitive, and new phones, such as the BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10, are emerging.

(BPT) - As summer approaches, many parents are worried about the summer learning slide, and with good reason. Students who do not participate in enrichment and learning activities during the summer break can lose roughly 22 percent of the knowledge and skills they gained during the previous school year, according to the National Summer Learning Association.

April’s showers (or snow) have given way to May’s spring blossoms. The beautiful weather also means it’s time to do something truly out of the ordinary for Mom, and therefore deserving of the woman who not only brought you into this world, but fed you, clothed you and never forgot to kiss the countless bumps and bruises.

Several themes are evident in the newly announced UApresents 2013-2014 season, with more shows being offered in the Tucson community and many presentations geared toward young adults and families.

(BPT) - Warmer temperatures often mean a busier social calendar. So whether you’re planning a meal to enjoy al fresco, or whipping up a sweet treat for a neighborhood block party, it’s a great time of year to experiment in the kitchen.

It’s time to get ready for the 15th Annual Puttin’ on the Dog Event which will once again be held at the Hilton El Conquistador Tennis & Golf Resort. Mark your calendars for Friday April 26, 2013. View the full moon rise above the Santa Catalina mountains, as you sip a glass of wine, sample scrumptious food, and listen to music - and of course one of the best parts - bidding on all the wonderful auction items. And don’t forget you can always extend the evening and purchase a room at a special rate to stay at the Hilton even with your dog.

It is now that time of year, the dreaded (or maybe loved) summer. In Tucson, we will be expecting temperatures well into the one-hundred plus region. We will go through sweltering heat, little to no cloud coverage, and burning winds, now this just seems awful. Many people may think to themselves, “Why would anyone want to do anything out in this heat?” Luckily for those of us who are a little braver to the summer heat, there is plenty fun to be had and entertainment to find. Tucson has a hidden little secret that may take some time for non-natives to realize, we have some of the best outdoor events you could ask for. If you take a drive out to Houghton and I-10, you may be surprised to see a growing figure out in the distance. No, that’s not a mirage; this small oasis of fun is real. Starting April 18 and running until April 28, the Pima County Fair graces us with droves of rides, entertainment, food, and fun for your whole family to enjoy, a place to “Get Your Fun On!” .

Join the Wild West Performing Arts Society (WWPAS) on Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 14 for the WWPAS World Champion Competition, another Old Tucson Signature event. 

It seems that the minute summer gets underway, your calendar fills up with graduation parties, family get-togethers and backyard barbecues - and that’s not counting the things you’ve already planned.

The open enrollment period begins for the new health plans created by the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare) on Oct. 1, yet most Americans couldn’t name one of the new health plans let alone describe all the services they cover.

Members of the Marana Citizens’ Forum have chosen planning for growth in North Marana as their topic this session. The group started meeting last week and will conclude its discussions in early June.

(NAPSI)—There’s good news for those who are looking for a way to add a personal touch to their next party, whether it’s a birthday, graduation or a neighborhood gathering.

(BPT) - When it comes to the big day, you want a wedding that suits you and your fiance perfectly, whether it’s a casual outdoor affair or a formal black-tie event. One thing every couple can agree on is that planning a wedding shouldn’t be stressful.

(NAPSI)—If you’re age 65 or older, odds are you have a chronic condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, about 80 percent of seniors in the U.S. have at least one chronic condition. The most common chronic conditions among seniors are “silent killers”—diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease that often have no physical symptoms. Despite their silent nature, these conditions may result in life-threatening complications, disability and significant costs if not properly managed.

(NAPSI)—There’s good news for high school students who take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. A new study system from McGraw-Hill, 5 Steps to a 5 on the Advanced Placement Examinations, has been created to help students prepare more effectively for these rigorous tests.

(StatePoint) If it feels as though your entire weekends are spent mowing, trimming and watering your lawn, there are steps you can take to speed up your lawn care routine. 

Having your first baby can be exhilarating and terrifying. You will be responsible for a new human life, and many new parents find themselves in a swirl of uncertainty about what kind of parents they will be.

(NAPSI)—If you’re ever among the estimated 65 million Americans caring for loved ones, a look at one famous family’s experience may be useful to you.