Are you one of the millions of American women who has a passion for home decorating and design? Have you ever wanted to ask the TV experts a question about one of their projects? Does your pulse quicken at the thought of having hundreds of home improvement and design resources available to you under one roof for three entire days?

If you answered "yes" to any of these question, mark your calendars. The first annual Women's Home & Interior Design Expo™ is coming to the Minneapolis Convention Center on November 7-9, 2003.

This is the ultimate home show produced exclusively for women, with nonstop seminars, including how-to demonstrations conducted by design professionals, and the opportunity to browse through as many as 250 exhibit booths featuring everything from muralists to the latest in countertops and flooring.

See show headliner Leslie Segrete, carpenter and seamstress extraordinaire from TLC's hit show While You Were Out demonstrate five different projects in person. She'll show you how to make your own window treatments, make pillows in minutes, demonstrate the ease of chair upholstery using only an iron and scissors, decorate lampshades, and make an upholstered headboard. She'll also sign autographs after each of her demonstrations.

Segrete is just one of many design professionals who will be on hand to help you accomplish your dream designs, whether they are trendy or traditional. You'll also walk away with some great holiday decorating tips. And this is a terrific chance to get away from the malls and shop for new and creative gifts in the craft show area. You can save time, money AND pick up tips from the pros all under one roof!

And as if this wasn't enough to have you giddy with anticipation, how about the possibility of winning one of thousands of dollars in prizes and give-aways? You could go home with a brand new Brother sewing machine (autographed by Segrete), $500 in furniture courtesy of Hancock Fabrics, airfare for two to any domestic Sun Country Airlines destination, or one of many other prizes.

Just because the seminars and exhibitors will be going nonstop, doesn't mean you'll have to as well. The Expo producers are bringing in choirs from area schools and churches, so that you can take relaxing breaks and enjoy the music of season.

Show hours are November 7 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., November 8 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and November 9 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sponsors also include Sun Country Airlines, FM 107 Radio, Hancock Fabrics, Brother and Twin Cities Conservatories. Admission is $3 with the half price coupon available on the Web site (www.101expos.com), and free to kids 17 and under when accompanied by an adult.

The Women's Home & Interior Design Expo™ is produced by Mid-America Events & Expos, Inc. which also produces the Body Mind Life Expo™, the baby boomer Expo™ and the Seniors Expo™.

Media note: For further information, or to set up an interview with show manager Adam Lopez, TLC's Leslie Segrete, or a Brother spokesperson, contact Media Relations at 507-665-3067.

For Viewers or listeners: More information on the Women's Home & Interior Design Expo™ can be found at www.101expos.com or call the Expo hotline at 612-798-7256.

Bio - Leslie Segrete, Carpenter

WHILE YOU WERE OUT carpenter and handyperson Leslie Segrete is a true renaissance woman. Raised in a family that inspired creativity, Leslie discovered her sewing skills at age four when she assisted her mother in making her Halloween costumes. By the time she was eight, Leslie was creating and selling holiday crafts in front of her home, when all of the other children had lemonade stands - a scene that delighted her parents. Her father, an interior architect for retail spaces, showed her that with hard work and dedication, her creativity could thrive-and prosper. Fueled by her parent's support and encouragement, Leslie committed herself to a career in the arts.

As the lead seamstress on WHILE YOU WERE OUT, Leslie believes that sewing is a skill that anyone can acquire. Leslie wants viewers to know that sewing isn't as scary as one might think; all it takes is the courage to not worry about making mistakes. This philosophy holds true for all of the arts she enjoys pursuing. In addition to sewing, Leslie loves to construct and create art in every medium - particularly food. Trained as a Scenic Designer and a Professional Chef, Leslie always has a project in the works-either in her mind or in her hands. Leslie enjoys entertaining her family and friends and all the joys of home in New York, where she currently resides with her husband.