They definitely have my business

As I might have mentioned before, our apartment is only steps away from a large outdoor shopping center. Most of the stores are way out of our budget (Pottery Barn, Coach, etc.), but they have a big nice grocery store that is just a short jaunt across the parking lot. When I first shopped there I quickly realized that it is probably a little too upscale for starving students. They have a custom sushi bar in the deli section, for instance. We have ended up shopping there most of the time, however, simply for the sake of not having to take our car to go anywhere else. And since I shop with the sales and stock up on some stuff at Costco, it's really not hurting our budget much. A few weeks ago we discovered the biggest reason to shop there: in-store child care. Yes, child care at the grocery store. They have a little "kids club" where kids can hang out for up to an hour while their parents shop. I'd noticed it the first time I was there, but felt weird about using it. Then a few weeks ago I thought I'd try it. Now S-Boogie is in love with the child care lady and her vast collection of dress-up clothes, and I like being able to buy my groceries in peace. Today I finished up shopping rather quickly so I thought I'd stop off at the cafe and get a hazelnut steamer. There is a little coffee shop in the store (we are in Seattle, after all), complete with a fireplace and cozy chairs. I also discovered today that they have a free dish of pastry "samples", which turn out to be large chunks of yummy scones and danishes. I had half an orange chocolate-chip scone with my steamer today. So now I have an escape plan next time things get too crazy in here--we're going to the grocery store. S-Boogie can go play in the kids club and I'll head over to the coffee shop for hot cocoa and free pastries. I'll just have to make sure every day doesn't end up being a hot cocoa sort of day.