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Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2590 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Use Neutral Shades To Create A Softer Look (NAPSA)—A growing number of decorators are using complex neutral shades to create a look that they say is not too bold and not too loud, but just right. Running the gamut from the grays, khakis and beiges that most people associate with neutrals, to some surprisingly deep and rich colors—such as pinot noir purple or cappuccino brown— they are softer colors that whisper quietly and blend seamlessly into a space. Complex neutrals are created by adding gray tint to the paint, resulting in hues that are veiled, misty and chameleonlike. They react to other colors present in a room and can vary in appearance based on the lighting conditions. This flexibility helps neutrals to blend seamlessly with the variety of fabrics, flooring, furniture and colors that are already in a space. Only Use White If You Mean It Oftentimes, homeowners are looking for a neutral to create the perfect atmosphere but end up defaulting to white. According to color expert Dee Schlotter from PPG Pittsburgh Paints, The Voice of Color, “White should only be intentional.” Schlotter says that when the use of white is not intentional, it can make a room look unfinished. “Instead of using white or being overwhelmed by selecting a bold, bright color, homeowners should try a complex neutral,” says Schlotter. Additional Tips On Color Homeowners can consider the Protecting Parents From Financial Elder Abuse (NAPSA)—Although you have tried your best to assure your elderly relative is well cared for and safe from harm, that person can still fall prey to financial abuse. Here are a few warning signs: Complex neutrals can vary in appearance based on the lighting conditions in a room. This helps neutrals to blend seamlessly with a wide variety of fabrics, flooring, furniture and colors. following tips when choosing a color: • Pick paint color last—Select paint color based on everything that is in a room: furniture, floors, tiles, curtains, etc. Selecting the wrong paint color is easy to correct—just paint over it—while the wrong granite countertop, carpet or furniture is more difficult to change. • To make a room and space cohesive, use colors at least twice. This will help to merge the walls, furniture, accessories and flooring. • Our response to color is subjective and comes from our life experiences and emotional associations, so select the colors that are personal to create the right atmosphere. To find your color personality, try the online color tools at www.voiceofcolor.com. A geriatric care manager can help avoid or detect elder financial abuse. • Bills are not being paid and money is missing from your loved one’s accounts. • The person who is supposed to be handling finances has been withdrawing large sums. • There is evidence of forgery or forced property transfers. • Expensive items have been purchased using the older person’s money, but without permission. • The older person has been denied access to his or her own funds or home. A geriatric care manager (GCM) can help avoid or detect elder financial abuse. GCMs can interview, monitor and supervise paid caregivers. Additionally, they can make sure they are bonded, background checked and have no access to older people’s finances. For more information, visit the Consumer Library section of www.caremanager.org. Homemade Hummus Offers Mediterranean Flair (NAPSA)—Spice up your next party or family meal with a little Mediterranean flair with Jalapeo and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. The traditional combination of protein-rich beans and hearthealthy olive oil, with the addition of zesty peppers, upgrades both the taste and health appeal of this crowd-pleasing appetizer. Simply combine garbanzo beans, tahini, cumin, garlic and extra virgin olive oil and top with an infusion of jalapeos and roasted red peppers. Tahini is a paste of ground sesame seeds that has a slightly nutty flavor and is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. It can be found in the ethnic or international aisle of most major grocery stores. Served with pita chips or baked pita bread and topped with an additional splash of flavorful olive oil, this dish is a tasty way to kick off your next gathering. For more recipes and other cooking tips using heart-healthy olive oil, visit www.aboutoliveoil.org. Jalapeo and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus 2 (15 oz.) cans garbanzo beans 2 tablespoons tahini paste 3 garlic cloves 1 tablespoon ground cumin 3 ⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 ⁄2 lemon, juiced Salt to taste Guests will be delighted to dip into this delicious homemade hummus. 2 jalapeos, deseeded and finely chopped 3 roasted red peppers 1 ⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil Salt 1. In a food processor, add the garbanzos, tahini paste, garlic cloves, cumin, extra virgin olive oil, and salt; blend until a smooth paste forms. Reserve. 2. In a bowl, mix the jalapeos, roasted red peppers and olive oil; add salt to taste. 3. To serve, place the pepper mix on top of the center of the hummus; serve with baked pita bread or pita chips. Makes 10 to 12 servings. Tip: You can purchase prepared roasted red peppers at the grocery store.
