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Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 NORTH AMERICAN PRECIS SYNDICATE, INC. 350 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10118-0110 PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID North American Address Service Requested NE W Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com Precis Syndicate, Inc. ! #2396 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 More Homeowners ‘Looking Up,’ Realizing Potential Of The Ceiling (NAPSA)—When consumers think remodeling, traditionally, the focus is on kitchens, bathrooms, siding and windows. But a recent homeowner survey by the Meredith Corporation found that more consumers are considering the design potential of the ceiling. Confirming the rise of this trend, 55 percent of those surveyed are likely to install a new decorative or suspended ceiling in the future. Half of all respondents are familiar with decorative and suspended ceiling products, and 60 percent are interested in learning more about the products available. The numbers are significant, as ceilings have previously been less of a consideration in home remodeling projects. More decorative options exist for ceilings than ever before. No longer a drywall afterthought, ceilings are coming into play as the “fifth wall.” Mineral fiberboard tiles and patterns can be faux painted for unique looks. Wood-look planking can transform a room by offering rich, warm hues. Decorative metal ceiling tiles bring back the classic look of pressed tin. And installations can be done in a weekend. Armstrong is one manufacturer dedicated to the decorative ceiling market and providing innovative products to consumers. “Homeowners are choosing to renovate their current space rather than purchase new, and they’re including ceilings,” said Rich Wiley, associate marketing manager for Armstrong Residential Ceilings. “They’re inspired to think beyond drywall and see the ceiling as a canvas.” The survey also confirmed the rise of ceiling design in basements. More than 60 percent of those who added a ceiling in the Wanted: A Nanny You Can Trust (NAPSA)—If you and your spouse work and you’re looking for a qualified caregiver to take care of your children, you have lots of company. U.S. Census data show that more than half of all married couples are “dual-earner couples,” and there is a growing demand for qualified caregivers. This kitchen’s ceiling is brought to life using decorative metal ceiling tiles. Armstrong is one manufacturer bringing back the look of metal to ceilings. past year did so in the lower level. Suspended ceilings are a popular option, as they provide easy access to elements such as plumbing or wiring. And they’re easy to maintain: In the event of damage, panels can simply be swapped for new ones. The survey found that other popular spaces for ceiling treatments include the kitchen, family room and bathroom. Top reasons for installing a new ceiling were upgrading outdated decor, fixing a damaged ceiling and replacing old materials. For those tired of looking up at an uninspired ceiling, Armstrong has launched the “Look Up America ™ ” ceiling contest. Running through Nov. 1, consumers can submit images and descriptions of their outdated ceilings. The winner will receive a ceiling makeover. For more details on the contest and for inspiring ceiling ideas, visit www.perfectceiling.com. To learn more about Armstrong’s ceiling product lines, visit www.armstrong.com. Statistics show that up to 14 percent of all child abuse is committed by caregivers. Fortunately, there are safety precautions that parents can take when they bring a new nanny or babysitter into their home: 1. Ask for references and check them. 2. Trust your gut: If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. 3. Consider a background check. “A background check might seem like an extreme precaution to take, but anyone with $50 and an Internet connection can conduct a comprehensive pre-employment background check using Intelius’ employment screening service,” said Ed Petersen, executive vice president at Intelius. “Background checks provide information on criminal history and previous residences and can give parents that extra peace of mind by identifying inconsistencies that raise red flags.” To learn more, visit www.hr.intelius.com. Hold The Mayo! Avocados Make A Better Spread (NAPSA)—Before you spread another spoonful of mayo onto your sandwich…think again. You can add all the buttery flavor and the richness you want by going for an avocado instead. They are packed with nutrients and are superspreadable. Grown in their ancestral home where rain and sunshine enhance the nutrientrich volcanic soil, Hass avocados from Mexico are the creamiest. Healthier For Your Family The authentic flavor of avocados from Mexico, available yearround, adds zing to your sandwiches and makes them healthier. Avocados have nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, contain unsaturated fats—the good kind—and have no cholesterol. Mayonnaise has negligible nutrients and can have as much as 100 calories per tablespoon. You get half that—only 50 calories—in one-fifth of an avocado. Pick the Perfect One Perfect for spreading on your turkey club, scooping on top of your burger or layering onto your BLT, Mexican avocados are fresh, taking only four days from orchard to market. Avocados do not ripen until they are picked. As they get closer to the perfect ripeness, they become soft to the touch and the skin turns from green to almost black. To speed up the process, place them in a paper bag and leave them on your counter at room temperature. Sandwiches are called “tortas” in Mexico; try this one. Visit www.avocadosfrommexico.com for more recipes. AVOCADO AND BEEF TORTA 1 ripe Mexican Hass avocado 1 tablespoon lime juice Spread something smart on your next sandwich: creamy avocado. ⁄2 teaspoon salt, divided pinch ground red pepper 1 ⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin 1 ⁄2 teaspoon chili powder 1 pound flank steak 12 to 14-inch Italian loaf 1 cup torn salad greens 1 ripe large tomato, thinly sliced 1 Preheat broiler. Cut avocado lengthwise around pit; twist halves to separate; strike pit with a knife blade and pull to remove; scoop out pulp with a spoon; place in a small bowl. Mash avocado with a fork; stir in lime juice, 1⁄4 teaspoon of the salt and red pepper; set aside. In a cup, combine cumin, chili powder and remaining salt. Rub seasoning mix over both sides of steak; place on broiler rack. Broil 2 to 3 inches from heat, until cooked as desired (about 5 minutes on each side for medium). Remove to cutting board; let rest for 5 minutes; cut diagonally in thin slices. Cut bread horizontally almost through. Spread avocado on top half; layer greens, beef and tomato on bottom; close sandwich. Cut crosswise in 4 pieces. Serves 4.