You know when you make a shopping miscalculation. When you think that you will be able to find a pair of black shoes for your daughter at a shopping mall. When you unload everyone bright and early, on a busy pre-Christmas Sunday at the mall. Then the moment arrives when you walk inside the mall and it is already packed with holiday shoppers. You can already hear your children whining, and they haven't even actually started to whine yet. Yep, I had one of those moments this past weekend. You know what saved it? The awesome RBC Avion Holiday Boutique...seriously.
So, the plan was pretty simple. Head to Yorkdale Shopping Centre - be there for the opening bell (do malls have an opening bell?). Get in and grab the shoes and get out. Simple. What I forgot to add into the equation was the intoxicating allure of Christmas. I haven't been inside a mall in a while and believe me when I say that Yorkdale is totally beautified with Christmas sights and sounds....totally. Our family was hooked. Our quick trip turned into a leisurely stroll. Next thing I knew we were wandering around aimlessly. We were not on task. Worst of all, even when we were focused on the task at hand, we kept striking out, no black shoes for my daughter. Argh. The holiday charm was fading fast. The kids were getting tired and I was losing the Christmas spirit.
And then we saw it. Like an oasis in the dessert, the RBC Avion VIP Holiday Boutique (located across from Holt Renfrew). We approached the entrance and were greeted by a nice young man. After we confirmed that yes, we are RBC Avion card holders...we entered the happiest place in Yorkdale (well, according to me anyway).
Our first stop was the cafe...would we like a complimentary coffee, tea or hot chocolate? A little bit of everything, please. The girls pulled up to the bar and ordered some hot chocolates...which they proceeded to coat with candy sprinkles and marshmallows. Why not?!
Cookies, chocolates and hot beverages were then gathered up and we made our move into the heart of the boutique...the comfy arm chairs. Everyone sat down and breathed a huge sigh of relief...a moment of peace in the rush of the holiday shopping. Then I heard it, the beautiful music coming from the corner of the boutique...someone was playing the piano...seriously, happiest place in Yorkdale. I even put my feet up...well, technically not "up"...it's a table after all.
So, what's the secret password to enter this Christmasy haven? Well, as I said you have to be a RBC Avion cardholder to enjoy the boutique. We've been Avion members for years and have always enjoyed the benefits of the points per use program (1 RBC point per $1 spent). In the past we've used our points to pay for flights, hotels and all our Christmas shopping...seriously. For more information about becoming an Avion cardholder check out the Royal Bank website or chat with the staff at the RBC Avion VIP Holiday Boutique. You can actually sign up for a card at the boutique. In addition to complimentary drinks and snack, the boutique also offers free gift wrapping, a coat check and free valet parking.
In the end, we found the black shoes (and a few other things too). Our "quick trip" turned into a full on Christmas shopping adventure. Thankfully, the RBC Avion Holiday Boutique was there to give us all the break that we all desperately needed.
Disclosure: I am part of the RBC Avion Holiday Boutique Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
