A friend and fellow blogger recently posted about how coffee shops are the hot new meet-up spot for moms, parents, and kids. I'm right there with her.

I'm sitting at one of my favorite local coffee shops right now with Baby A and my mom, who's in town visiting for Baby A's birthday. What I love is there's something here for each of us.

First, there are delicious caffeinated beverages. (smile) Second, there's a wireless, which allows me to get a bit of work done. And then there are snacks and meals, ranging from cookies to fresh fruit to full-on eggs and croissants, to suit any one, any time of day. There are magazines, fliers, and post cards for Baby A to sort, stack, and organize. And there are friends and associates, a true social and business network, to talk shop with and share business leads and ideas.

I like how the chains are working to provide a fuller environment for for customers like me and Baby A. There are the comfier seats and stay-a-while environments in fast-casual places. Even many of the traditional quick-serve places are striving to provide a wider range of choices in a more welcoming environment.

I hope to see more of this trend. Makes daily life with work and kids that much easier.