By Karen Bloom
The "Home Sweet Home" feeling will be carried out throughout the weekend. TLC stars Leslie Segrete and John Bruce of the popular show, "While You Were Out," visit this year, leading several workshops. Segrete hosts "New Products of Distinction," featuring a user-friendly exhibit, with the latest in new concepts to improve your home. Bruce answers designer and home improvement questions at the "Sweet Learning Suite." He'll present the latest trends in home improvement and decor, and offer creative ways to add a designer touch to any home.On Saturday, the first 25 children (between the ages of 9 and 14) to visit his "Sweet Learning Suite" have a chance to work alongside Bruce to create "Cool Shades" - decorative lampshades that they can take home."This is an especially exciting time for the home show, it isn't every day that people get to interact and ask questions of a visionary designer like John Bruce," said Home Show Manager Karen Marconi.In all, more than 300 leading home improvement and remodeling exhibitors will be at the show. Attendees can shop, compare prices and products and save on products and services related to home improvement, gardening, decorating, and renovating. Local and nationally recognized experts will offer a wide range of informational and how-to sessions. Among them, Interior Decorating for Dummies authors Patricia Hart McMillan and Katherine Kaye McMillan will be running hands-on sessions to provide solutions to design dilemmas. They'll provide ideas on space planning, window treatments, furniture selection, and home accessories. They'll also sign copies of their book and provide practical and money-saving tips to visitors.A special feature of this year's show involves Habitat for Humanity. The Home Show organizers have teamed up with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Long Island Builders Institute and the Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters, to support Habitat for Humanity's efforts to help a local family realize their dream of owning a home.Volunteers from these organizations will take turns constructing the basic frame of a home, right outside the main entrance. By the end of the weekend the frame will be completed, for a lucky family.Spring has sprung and it's in full bloom at the Home Show.
Long Island Home Improvement and Remodeling Expo
Friday through Sunday, Mar. 24-26. Friday and Saturday: 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday: 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $8.50 (plus $1.50 Nassau County surcharge); children 12 and under, free. Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale. For additional information, contact (516) 775-2403 or www.longislandhomeshows.com.
