Spring Expo at the Arb, TV casting call and more

Ready for your close-up? A Minneapolis-based TV production company is seeking local homeowners with style-challenged kitchens and bathrooms to appear on two home-renovation series: "I Hate My Bath" and "I Hate My Kitchen."

Both shows focus on creative, budget-friendly renovations, and both are currently being filmed in and around the Twin Cities. Magnetic Productions is searching for "fun, energetic homeowners" who are willing to appear on camera and are interested in receiving a full renovation at little or no cost.

For more information, visit www.magnetic productions.com/casting.

Want some Swedish meatballs with that floor lamp? On Saturday, Ikea is hosting its second BYOF (Bring Your Own Friends) Day, a nationwide in-store event with activities and perks designed to be shared with a shopping buddy.

BYOF Day will include free customized design advice, free life-improvement seminars, the chance to participate in a sweepstakes to win prizes and $1,000 in Ikea gift-card giveaways, plus free breakfast and food samples.

Visit www.thelifeimprovementproject.com, where you can RSVP for BYOF Day at the Ikea store near the Mall of America, through Facebook, and print special offers to be used at the store on BYOF Day. For each RSVP, Ikea will donate $1 to Save the Children's Early Steps for School Success, up to $25,000.

If there's a newborn in your future — your own, or someone else's that you want to spoil — you can get your shopping done at Galleria on Saturday. The Edina mall is hosting a "Baby Fair" from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., featuring exhibits and events, products including nursery decor, baby clothes, toys and games, and local experts sharing ideas and tips for new and expectant parents. Author Jenny Hanlon will be on hand to sign copies of her book "Your Family Compass," which offers parents tools for giving children healthy responsibility.

It's almost spring — time for a fresh start on the home front. If you'd like to improve your environment or yourself in the coming months, you can find inspiration at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, which will host a Spring Expo next weekend, March 8-10. The Expo, "Growing to Learn — Learning to Grow," will showcase local experts discussing the latest trends in home decor, gardening and personal renewal.

The event kicks off Friday, 5:30-8 p.m., with speakers on landscaping, fairy gardens and nature photography.

Saturday's featured presenter is TV journalist and former "Decorating Cents" host Joan Steffend, who will speak at 11:15 a.m. about finding personal meaning and joy in a busy world, then sign copies of her new book, "Peace In Peace Out." Other Saturday presentations will focus on Japanese gardens, ornamental grasses, hostas, tree trends, espalier, lilies and garden colors.

On Sunday, March 10, several authors will speak and sign copies of their books, including Beth Dooley ("Minnesota's Bounty: The Farmers Market Cookbook"), Jenny Breen ("Cooking Up the Good Life"), Atina Diffley ("Turn Here Sweet Corn"), Brenda Langton ("The Spoonriver Cookbook"), Richard Hass ("Growing Roses in Cold Climates") and Welby Smith ("Native Orchids of Minnesota").