7 motives for leavin' early today...

Azia:
Daily 3-6:
$3 Tap Beer, 1/2 priced Sake, Specialty cocktails, & $5 Appetizers

Barbette:
Happy Hour 3-6: 
$3 Taps, $4 Select Wines, Champagne, $5 Select Appetizers

Indio:
Daily 3-6:
$2.50 Taps, $3 Wines, $4-5 Cocktails/Margaritas, and $3-5 Appetizers

Joes Garage:
Mon - Fri, 4-6:
Happy Hour: 1/2 Rails, House Wine, ALL Taps, & most Appetizers

Red Stag:
Mon - Fri, 3-6:
$3 Wines, $3 Select Taps, $4 Cocktails

Town Talk:
Tues - Sat, 4-6:
$2 Domestic Beers (includes Summit), $1 off Wine, $3-4 Small plates

Vincent:
Mon - Fri, 4:30 - 6:30:
$3 Select Wines, All Beers, $5 Champagne and Signature Cocktails +
Discounted Appetizers and Select food ($2.50-8)

Calling all stylish kids

Oh to be under 12 again, if I were, I'd drag my Mom to the clearance sale at Siji Kids in St Paul. The clothes are a standout, as well as the assortment of accessories for the youngest of hipsters - like a newsboy cap fit for a 2 yr old.

This retail space is also one that impresses - simple, airy, open and modern. The space also doubles as a children's photo studio. And by the quality of their offerings and the attention given to the space, I would guess Siji can kick out some amazing shots of your little wonders.

Summer Sale has started - 10 - 70% off the entire store! Run, skip, jump, hopscotch or, even walk with your mini me to Siji and bring out their stylish self!

Kids, Art, Giving, Chocolate?

Now that's a de'lish mouthful. The St Paul chocolate company, Chocolat Celeste invited local grade-schoolers to submit drawings of pets for an art contest. Four winning drawings became edible art! The chocolates come in four flavors - Chocolate Cream, Butterscotch, Peanut Butter and Raspberry.

A portion of the proceeds go back to the schools of these talented little Picasso's. If only I would have learned of these chocolate wonders earlier, as these would make wonderful teacher's gifts! But what can you do? You can still purchase them for grad, dad or shower gifts.

Orrrrrr, if you yourself are craving art!

Stop by the store, 2605 University Ave, (651-644-3823), or purchase online.

Look how cute they are!

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...