I am lovin’ this sunny springy weather in Ann Arbor, and I am also lovin’ the great store events coming up this week. You don’t want to miss these; jot these bargains, freebies and events onto your calendar:

Free Coffee at Biggby: As a special thank you to their customers all participating BIGGBY COFFEE stores will offer a free tall drink on March 15. To receive the free drink, customers must be current “E-ward” members. Membership sign up is free at www.biggby.com. In addition to the free drink offer this month, E-ward participants will receive free gifts or coupons on the 15th of every month throughout the year. There are three locations in Ann Arbor (on Washtenaw, East Liberty and Plymouth Road). I am signing up for my E-ward today.

International Cooking and Tasting: A brand new Ann Arbor business is launching its first event this week. It's a cooking and tasting party offered by two local stay-at-home moms. Join them on Wednesday for their first session, and get firsthand instruction on making two of their favorite dishes, Mexican Lasagna and Chicken Tikka. The class is $15 and includes a tasting and a bonus recipe. Find out more information from FoodBoutique.com.

Opening Day Celebration: The Blue House opens on Saturday, March 20. Blue House calls itself a not an art studio, but a homemade studio, a place where community can come in and get crafty or artsy or just plain creative. Blue House is a studio that offers rental space as well as workshops, classes, and parties run by some of Ann Arbor’s best local artisans. Just looking at their upcoming class offerings makes me feel a little bit inspired, and their offerings for kids are interesting and affordable.

Beyond being a studio, Blue House offers homemade items for sale. The website reminds me of a local version of the online mecca for all things artsy and homemade, Etsy. One of a kind birthday gift for my sister; done. Jewelry designed with elements that “nourish the soul;” I gotta see that. Photography, collage work, vibrant paintings, natural skin care products…the list goes on, but rather than tell you, you might as well see it for yourself on March 20 from 11am - 5pm.

Give and Get at Gap Stores: It’s one of my favorite times of year to shop at the Gap family of stores. Just when the spring lines come out in full force, the winter items are marked down to killer clearance prices, and the Michigan weather has you ready to wear both. Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic go the extra mile to make you want to come and check them out. Use this link to find a 30% savings card. It is good at all stores (even outlets), and reuseable for any purchases made March 18- March 21. What’s even better than that? 5% of your spending is given to a nonprofit charitable organization.

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com.