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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 #2453 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Creating An Affordable Outdoor Oasis (NAPSA)—Instead of splurging on a tropical vacation, a growing number of people are creating their own fabulous getaways to enjoy every day—right outside their own back doors. To create an affordable oasis of your own, focus on colors and hues, textures and iconic images. Do you long for the blues, greens and shells of a tropical beach? Perhaps you adore the sundrenched warmth of Mexico or the Mediterranean, or the spa-like simplicity of natural elements and neutral tones. Whatever your style and budget, the experts at off-price retailer HomeGoods offer the following guidelines to make your dream a reality: Furniture As A Focal Point: Set the stage with the right furniture. Rich teak benches, lounge chairs and tables lend themselves to a soothing garden scene, while a mosaic bistro table and chairs invite you to morning coffee or dining alfresco. Tabletop Touches: Whether your taste is toward monochromatic and complementary colors or bold and contrasting hues, layering tabletop elements is key to creating a captivating setting for coffee, cocktails or anything in between. Affordable indulgences such as stylish ceramic or melamine plates and serving pieces, colorful glassware and eye-catching centerpieces complete your table. Details Create A Difference: Fashionable and functional decorative accessories add depth and texture. Intricate carved wooden screens create architectural detail, while oversized planters and urns create instant privacy in any space. Hand-painted ceramics Five Whole Grain Dishes That Taste Great Support Sought For Melanoma Research (NAPSA)—Melanoma—the most serious type of skin cancer— is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States. While research is pointing the way to new treatments, the need for more investigation remains in order to find a cure. Creating an outdoor oasis can be easy and affordable with the right touches. from Italy, Mexico and Portugal add an international flair, and metal lanterns with cutwork provide a mystical glow. If you love the beach, tall classic vases filled with sea grass transport you there. Don’t Forget Fabrics: Define your outdoor space as a living room of its own with an outdoor rug with a cool or light, airy pattern. Deep seating with plush cushions and pillows in contemporary prints or bold stripes add color, comfort and style. Give It A Glow: Set the mood with lighting for the final, perfect touch. Surround yourself with fun and festive string lights or, for a sophisticated glow, consider a collection of hurricane lanterns in varying heights, and tall, colorful columned candles. With prices up to 60 percent less than department and specialty stores, HomeGoods makes it possible to furnish your oasis with items from around the globe so you can truly relax and enjoy. To find a store near you, visit homegoods.com. Experts say additional research is needed to determine how best to treat melanoma. “The Melanoma Research Foundation is the leading source of melanoma research funding. Our programs attract the best and brightest scientists in melanoma, who submitted a record number of proposals for 2008 funding,” said Linda Pilkington, Executive Director, Melanoma Research Foundation. “Every donation we receive makes a difference as we try to increase the available funding to support world-class melanoma research.” The foundation also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, while raising awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. To learn more, visit www.melanoma.org. by Mindy Hermann, R.D. (NAPSA)—Looking to broaden your whole grain recipe repertoire? Here are a few suggestions from the team in the Betty Crocker Kitchens, which recently published a relevant new cookbook titled “Betty Crocker Whole Grains: Easy Everyday Recipes.” 1. Bruschetta— Top lightly toasted whole wheat pita with fat-free hummus, chopped basil and tomatoes, chopped garlic, and lower-fat shredded cheese, and Mindy Hermann bake at 350 or microwave until hot and cheese is melted. 2. Gorp (trail mix)—Mix together whole grain cereal, pretzels, fat-free caramel corn, roasted soybeans, dried cranberries and chocolate chips. 3. Stew—Add pearled barley to your favorite stew recipe. 4. Tacos—Fill whole wheat or corn tortillas with grilled fish, black beans, diced tomato, shredded lower-fat cheese and chopped cilantro. 5. French toast—Add crunch with Total cereal; see recipe below. Crunchy French Toast 21⁄2 cups Whole Grain Total cereal or Total Honey Clusters cereal 2 eggs or 1⁄2 cup fat-free egg product 3 ⁄4 cup orange juice 1 ⁄4 teaspoon salt 10 slices (1-inch thick) whole grain or regular French bread 1. P l a c e c e r e a l i n f o o d storage plastic bag; seal bag and crush with rolling pin or meat mallet. Place crushed cereal in shallow bowl; set aside. In medium bowl, beat eggs, orange juice and salt with wire whisk until well blended. 2. Spray griddle or 12-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat to 350F or over medium heat. Dip each slice of bread into egg mixture, turning to coat both sides; coat with cereal. Place on griddle; cook 4 to 6 minutes, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. 5 servings (2 slices each) 1 Serving: Calories 410 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 7g (Saturated Fat 1.5g); Cholesterol 85mg; Sodium 870mg; Potassium 440mg; Total Carbohydrate 72g (Dietary Fiber 9g); Protein 15g Mindy Hermann, M.B.A., R.D., is a nutrition writer for women’s, health and fitness magazines. She is the co-author of “Change One” and the American Medical Association’s “Family Health Cookbook.” Note to Editors: This is Series VII-8 of 26.