(BPT) - When you dine, do you prefer clean and attractive tableware? Does ambiance enhance your enjoyment of your food? Birds feel the same way about their dining habits – the type and cleanliness of your bird feeders directly affects the number and species of birds that will visit your backyard this season.

(NAPSI)—Homeowners use water for many purposes, including drinking, cooking, washing, heating, humidifying, flushing (the No. 1 use of water in a home) and their pets. Those are just a few reasons homeowners should make sure they understand what’s in their water.

Pima County

(NAPSI)—Spring may have sprung, but is your sprinkler ready? Before you ramp up your watering this season, it might be time to spruce up your sprinklers to stop wasting water, save money, and promote a healthy lawn or garden.

(BPT) - When you’re done with spring cleaning, you may assume you’ve eliminated any allergy triggers that were lurking in your home. But the truth is, if you don’t clean the right way, you might be making the problem worse.

Visitors traveling along I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson can’t miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak at Picacho Peak State Park. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times.

Whether it’s to provide heat on cold winter days or to set the mood on romantic spring evenings, a glowing fire creates an appealing home atmosphere during any season. Gas fireplaces are convenient and add real estate value, but recently, more homeowners have become concerned about safety.

Oro Valley

Arizona high school students plan to raise awareness about tobacco use in their communities, encourage others to reject the tobacco industry’s deceptive messages and urge local leaders to protect kids from being recruited as a new generation of smokers. As members of STAND (Students Taking A New Direction), a statewide anti-tobacco youth coalition, these young people know that every year more than 500,000 people die from tobacco use. As such, their message is urgent and their demonstration will be memorable.

 Marana 

Any home or building that is built at ground level or contains floors below ground level is a good candidate for basement waterproofing, although there are superficial, cosmetic solutions for waterproofing a basement that really won’t solve the true problem.

(StatePoint) While regular kitchen chores like doing the dishes and taking out the trash are almost impossible to ignore, it can be easy to forget certain maintenance tasks that keep your ship smoothly sailing.

(BPT) - Whether you are a college student, working parent or empty-nester, modern life has never been busier. Luckily, a variety of technology innovations are dramatically affecting the way we live, helping us streamline our routines, reduce stress and maximize each minute of the day. Which new technologies are proving to be indispensable?

(NewsUSA) - Signs of spring often include flowers sprouting out of the ground, leaves emerging on trees, increased animal activity and a general feeling of renewal. However, one of the more unpleasant signs that spring has sprung is the emergence of termites. As this is the time of year termites come out in search of a new habitat, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has declared March 25-29 Termite Awareness Week. This designation serves to warn homeowners about termite dangers and to educate them about ways to ensure their home isn't the next feeding ground for these voracious pests.

(StatePoint) Throw open those doors and windows -- there is no better cure for months of winter than some fresh spring air.

(BPT) - If you want the maintenance-free benefits of a vinyl fence but are intimidated by the price tag, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are initially surprised at the cost of a vinyl fence, particularly since the installation costs are generally as much as the materials. Recent trends show that more and more homeowners are saving money by installing their own vinyl fencing.

(BPT) - Weekend warriors rule as 2013 is proving to be the year that the do-it-yourself trend reaches full momentum. If you have a weekend to spare, you have plenty of time to make some home improvements that add value and curb appeal. The key is to choose projects that have a big impact, but only take a few days to complete.

Pima County

(NewsUSA) - Spring doesn't officially begin until March 20, but the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) advises homeowners that it's not too early to take stock of the damage their homes may have sustained during the winter months. Typically, the winter weather trio of ice, snow and wind leave houses full of new cracks and openings, rolling out the red carpet for invading springtime pests.

(BPT) - What your home is worth to you is one thing; what it’s worth to someone else may be totally different. If you want to boost the value of your home for yourself and in the eyes of others, one of the best ways to do that in today’s real estate market is to make green home improvements.

Marana

(NewsUSA) - It's the season when welcome mats will be rolled out in homes across America to greet houseguests arriving for shared meals and warmth. While friends and family are welcomed visitors, there are other, less welcome guests who don't need an invitation to enjoy the treats and trimmings the winter offers -- rodents.

With weather forecasts in the mid-20's over the next several days, it is time to protect those pipes. The Oro Valley Water Utility would like to remind residents of some simple steps they can take to reduce damage caused by freezing.