Free music, outside, MIll City Museum - what more do you need?

I'll answer that, nothing. If you've never been to the Mill City Museum, now there's no excuse. The museum, indoors and out, is a visual impact of industrial sensations - edgy, raw, exposed, and educational like a museum show be. And set along the mighty Mississippi of DT Mpls.

Then toss in free music?!

Mill City Live's line-up this summer starts strong with The Owls - the local, indie foursome that deliver sweet and soft harmonious sound. A few others on the line-up, Romantica - June 19th, Roma Di Luna - July 17, Little Man - Sept 18.

Shows again are FREE, every other Thurs , 6-8 pm through Sept 18.

A few options to get your wheels turning...

Imaginary Bags is a silent auction and fundraising event, June 2- 7, featuring unique Crumpler messenger bags created by artist and designers from the MN biking community. All proceeds benefit the Mark Loesch Memorial Fund. Location: One On One Bicycle Studio. Closing night party, Saturday June 7, with live music by The Haves Have It and DJ Millions Billions.

Can't make it to Imaginary Bags? Steer yourself to some other local inspirations:

Buy a used bike.

Buy a new bike.

Mpls Bike Love.

Here's where to ride in Mpls.

Get your caffeine and cycling culture fix, Cars R Coffins.

More local info.

Happy peddling!

So this is Spring?

Not sure what we did to deserve this volatile season, especially with the winter we suffered through. But it's time to beat it and get out.

Check out what you can rent at Lake Calhoun .

National Geographic's, Walks of a Lifetime Podcasts. Head down to the river near the Guthrie and let the the soothing voice of travel expert Rudy Maxa guide you through a tour of the Twin Cities.

Treat yourself after you take in or ever pronounce the "Sesquicentennial" 150th celebration of MN, with a local St Paul fave, Grand Ole Creamery.

It's an ideal time to buy local, Farmers' Markets are everywhere, find one.

And for those into Fleas, here are those Markets too.

More outdoor adventures to come. This so-called Spring owes us a few more days to feel confident it's here to stay...

Do your Mother (and me) proud...

Don't let Sunday morning get here and there you are empty handed in front of Mom. From simple to savvy, please do or give her something that she'll love...

A card she will never forget - Letterbox, or make one from your heart - Paper Source or Wet Paint.

A brunch that will make her feel like a queen - Jax Cafe, The Lexington, Nicollet Island Inn or one that surrounds her with simple comfort - Birchwood Cafe, Modern Cafe, Crema Cafe (3403 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls, 612-824-3868) or Wilde Roast Cafe.

Go for the one-of-a-kind gift this year - First Thurs in The Arts District, Weisman Museum Store, Twin Cities Green, Cool Planet Goods, or Gallery 360.

Impress her by cooking or givng her a stunning consumable gift, which does Mother Earth good too- E's Cheese, Surdyk's Cheese Shop, Buon Gierno Market and the best market of all, Mill City Farmers Market.

Make it all about her health and beauty - Intelligent Nutrients ( 983 E Hennepin Ave, Mpls 612-617-2002), Storm Sisters, or Pinky's for Nails (3100 W 50th St, Mpls, 612-925-4000).

Tea for 2? Mother's Day Tea at The St Paul Grill.

Free for 2? Walk along the Stone Arch Bridge, Linden Hills or Como Park Conservatory.

Four days to go, and 25 recommendations. I'm not holding your hand any longer...

Super Tuesdays, hold the politics

Tired of the candidates? Here's other topics to take in on Tuesdays:

Triple Rock Social Club, The Weekly Triple Double, 2-4-1's and no cover.

Half-price Wine:
Amore Victoria
Birchwood Cafe
Downtowner Woodfire Grill
Duplex
Highland Grill
La Bodega Restaurant and Lounge: 3005 Lyndale Ave S, 612-823-2661
La Cucaracha, 36 Dale St S, 651-221-9682

Metro Magazine's Twin Cities Supper Club, One Tuesday a month $35 equals 2 drinks, appetizers, several family-style entrees, networking and conversation with other locals all while exploring some of the cities best restaurant options.

Mpls St Paul Magazine E-Newsletter - Get your beauty tips, fashion trends, and the latest must-have products every Tuesday.

These get my vote.

Love Our Local Earth

The Earth clearly can't be celebrated in just on one day, so on behalf of today, Earth Day, here are a few ways to make merry locally over the next few :

Climate Change Film Festival
Bell Museum, University of Minneapolis, University Ave. & 17th Ave., SE Minneapolis, MN
April 24 – 27, 2008
612-624-7083
$3-$5

The first Science on Screen Film and Video Festival will focus a lens on climate change and global warming. Highlights include an opening night reception at the Bell Museum, a local “Green Shorts” short film showcase and a panel discussion on food and global warming at the Red Stag, the first LEED-certified restaurant in Minneapolis.

Earth Day Rock Musical – “The Day the Planet Got Better”
Burroughs Community School in Minneapolis, MN
April 25 and 26, 2008

Contact: Douglas Stewart at stewartweb@comcast.net or call 612-961-0805

Over 90 children, aged 5-11, perform an original musical. Sponsored by the Burroughs PTA Arts & Culture Committee. All costumes are being made from recycled clothing/materials. Students have also worked on the educational lesson plans available through the Earth Day Project website.

The Retrofit Companies will be holding a Free Household Electronics
Recycling Collection on Earth Day 2008
2960 Yorkton Blvd. in Little Canada, MN
April 26, 2008
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Metro area households only. No business waste.

2008 Minnesota Environmental Fund: 10,000 Reasons Why Photography Contest

Pictures can be taken anytime, but should be sent between April 22 and June 22, 2008. Prizes will be awarded August 6th.
Contact: pweier@mnenvirofund.org or info@mnenvirofund.org

Show us “10,000 Reasons Why” you care about your environment. The Minnesota Environmental Fund wants you to step outside – have some fun – and capture what you discover on film. Send photos of what you discover when you get involved in Minnesota’s environment. Images must be taken in Minnesota and may show natural landscapes, farmland and working lands, wildlife, plant life, weather, people interacting with nature, or an image that reflects your environmental values. Prizes will be awarded in adult and youth categories.

Corner Table Restaurant & Aveda Partner for Clean Water:
Diners are invited to Corner Table now - May 4th for a special prix fix
three course menu. 50% of the price of the meal will be donated by Corner Table to
Aveda's local Earth Month partner, the Clean Water Fund. Reservations recommended - 612.823.0011.

Foat Design:
The eco-conscience care-free clothing retailer celebrates Earth Day by offering discounts on selected items in their Foat Couture line. Save 25% now through April 29th.

Orbit on Earthlings.

NY, Milan, Paris and MPLS

OUR Fashion Week(end) is here! And it begins with the Voltage Fashion Show at First Avenue on Wednesday, 4/16, a powerhouse event of fashion merged with music. The week continues with activities through Sunday, 4/20. For all the mania, click below:

Designers and Bands

Events, like a fashion bike ride.

Supporting our local fashion industry, here's where to donate

Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and go support or buy local fashion.