QC Gifts blog

Saskatchewan certainly has a reputation for its winters. This year I found winter to be stunning, how many days of hoer frost did we have? The crispness in the air too, I appreciate this for about two minutes. Let's be honest here, I am a crafter, and indoors is my thing. Luckily now that our kids are a bit older it is easier to go to the theatre, check out local art galleries, and attend community events. But what makes me the happiest in the winter months is dreaming about the hot vacation that hopefully has been booked!

Last year, a friend from my school days who lives in Salmon Arm, and I decided to ditch the hubbies and kiddos and book a trip down South. COVID had stopped any plans to celebrate our 40^th birthday, so we were due for some fun. The destination didn’t matter, just as long as the sun was shining, the air was warm, and our only responsibility is to ourselves.

After a couple of weeks of scoping out the travel options, we roll the dice and bought tickets. We each bought from Air Canada and full disclosure they were about $550 round trip. Each of us would fly from different routes in Canada both making it there that same day. This was back in April 2022, so we left things as they were until the flight changes started happening.

Original flight:

I could go into detail about the multiple flight changes that happened, but I don’t want to bore anyone. Let’s just say each time it looked something like this-  new email from Air Canada, you have a flight change, your flight that was 12 hours is now going to be a million more hours. Followed by at least an hour or two on the phone attempting to improve the flight situation.

Flight Change Example:

This was my favorite option, flying from Regina to Cancun, through Vancouver and Montreal. Rather than a flight that takes say 12 hrs, we are looking at a full 24 hrs.  In the end, after many hours on hold, both our flights took us to Vancouver where we spent the night, and then flew down to Cancun. This also was how our flight back was arranged. We ended up having to book two nights in Vancouver because of this. How does this make traveling from Regina appealing?

So here is my hot topic for you folks- should airlines be able to make changes like this? If you asked me, they are providing an inferior product, but because of limited options, we are at the whim of the airline. I have traveled more kilometers out of Regina than most, and I did not think it would get worse.

Well, Regina, we have nailed it! We have even worse air travel from Regina than we did a decade ago. The fact that we can’t get a direct flight with Air Canada to Calgary is ridiculous. Did you know that to fly now, with AC takes over 5 hours by AIR? I think next year a trip down to Minot will be the answer. Or better yet, maybe Delta Air will be allowed to offer?

Recently it was reported that the Saskatchewan Government will be subsidizing flights from Saskatoon to Minneapolis for the month of June. Hopefully, Regina will get a subsidized route as well.... I am not sure how I feel about this use of tax funds.    

I could also go on a full rant about carry-on luggage- and the 100 ml limit on liquids but will leave that for another day. In the end we did make it there, with a couple extra days of travel. I realize that it is a luxury to break up the winter season, and I am blessed to be able to go. I am very very grateful, even though I am bitching 😊

One of the best parts about having a gift box business is supporting other small businesses. It is so fun learning about all the products Regina has to offer. Did you know that we test every product we add, making sure each product we endorse is Regina’s best? What takes the cake is when we can support a friend.

Judd Stachoski of Paperback Beverage Company and I go way back. Back before we finished high school before we had responsibilities, and the nights were always young. Since we met in our teens, I have known Judd as always being awesome, and a great person to be around. As we got older he turned into the go-to bartender for many of us. Guaranteed he would be positive, laughing with a big smile. He certainly has a perfect personality and passion making him my favorite bartender.

Back in the early 2000s, I was working at Canada Life as an office admin. After a long week of data entry, it was a major highlight to go over to Alfredo’s, and then later Beer Brothers for a  Friday after-work beer. I have many memories of hearing Judd’s laugh, it was definitely a sign of a good time.

 Judd’s involvement in the local music scene has filled his cup for decades. You guys don’t know it- but one of his first concerts was in my backyard! Playing grunge music to a group of 20-somethings – it was one of the best nights ever. As you can see, even twenty years ago, Judd was doing what he loved best! And who doesn’t want to be around that? Since that time, he has played in a number of awesome bands.

In addition to his many talents, Judd is a sauce and soda wizard. When Judd brought over his assortment of products, the sauces, rubs, and soda, I couldn’t believe he made them! The years of working in the restaurant industry have allowed Judd access to the best of the best that Regina has to offer. I love that Judd has elevated flavors and all of his products make a statement. We especially love to use his BBQ sauce and Rub - something we look forward to using on the grill.

This bartender extraordinaire has also captured the heart of my kids.  The Cream Soda, which is made from Cane Sugar, is my family’s favorite. We have to keep our stock for QCGifts hidden so they do not drink the supply. I  might have to hide the cream soda away from me as well 😉

We recommend you consider Judd’s products the next time you’re selecting items for your gift box. Foodies, Dads, and countless other examples make Judd’s edible items the perfect option to include in your next gift.

Available Options:

Cybrpunk Galactic Cream Soda

Judd's Sauce and Spice Pack  includes one of each:

• Judd's Spice Rub (250g)
• Judd's BBQ Sauce - Smokey & Sweet (250ml)
• Judd's Hot Sauce - Ginger Garlic (250ml)
• Judd's Worcester Sauce (250ml)

Can you imagine in the heart of the prairies, a downtown that has energy? We could encourage a transformation from offices to residential properties, a grocery store too! Consider doing something other cities aren’t.

Aaron says, “I always say pottery is meant to be loved, there’s nothing better than when you pick up a handcrafted mug and it hugs you back!”

The first thing Norma said to Val was, “I never win anything!”