National Home Show

It’s no secret that I love to decorate… and re-decorate… and re-decorate. Every 6 months or so.

The thing is, I’m constantly looking for inspiration, and somehow, seem to find it willingly. I love my new couch, duvet cover, kitchen table, etc… until a newer (more posh, more comfortable) model comes along. And then its days are numbered – say, 180 days. Or so.

Therefore it’s no surprise that I’m a fixture at the National Home Show. An unfailing source of expert tips, trends and invaluable advice, it’s quite simply the best way to gather design ideas and inspiration. And with over 700 home and garden specialists offering low prices on home improvement products and services, it’s definitely the place to be for home owners and home owners-to-be.

This year’s highlights include: Two incredible model homes, a man cave, the chance to meet and greet some of  the most sought-after celebrity designers (including a live appearance by the design diva herself – Debbie Travis), as well as the chance to have your burning questions answered with advice from GTA’s top contractors and builders at Destination Renovation by RenoMark/BILD.

The 2011 National Home Show runs from February 18th – 27th at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. And for the parents out there, I’d like to suggest the PERFECT way to spend Family Day (February 21st): presented by Rogers, it’s Family Day at the National Home Show!

“We’re open Family Day! Kids 17 and under are FREE courtesy of Rogers. Don’t miss the Bob the Builder Show produced by Kidomo (11am on the Main Stage), plus family focused stage presentations and complimentary daycare. Plus, one lucky family will win a trip for four to the Bahamas, courtesy of Our Lucaya Golf & Beach Resort and the Bahamas Tourist Board.”

There will also be face painting, a clown, sports mascots and local athletes present! The other stage presentations will also be family-oriented: Jackie Morra, Decorating 101; Wendy Russell, Refresh your Home; Karl Lohnes, Rules of Decorating; and Megan Telpner, Fuel Your Life (Nutrition).

The show is open from 10am to 9pm, and I am LOVING that kids 17 and under are free (regular child admission on other show days for ages 13-17 is $12 at the door). The complimentary daycare service, available for kids aged 2-10, is also only available on this day, supervised by The Network Childcare Services.

I’ll be there with my brood on Family Day – look for the gal chatting up the folks at Umbra!

For a complete schedule of events and show highlights, and to purchase advanced tickets and save $3, visit www.nationalhomeshow.com.

Marketplace Events is pleased to offer five (5) lucky Listen to Lena! readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show!

To enter, simply visit the website and then leave a comment here, telling us what you’re most excited about seeing/doing at the show.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment to claim your extra entry. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) Like Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) Like Home and Garden Events on Facebook
(4) Follow Toronto Home Shows on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/5vclb8g)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for five winners on February 16th. Good luck everybody!