A New Addition

Yesterday Debby and I welcomed a new grandson into our family. Our youngest daughter Liana and her husband Sebastian are now proud parents, of a healthy baby boy, Hudson Diesel Rhodenizer.  Within an hour of his birth, we were able to announce his arrival to all our friends and most of our family.  Pictures were taken using our phone cameras and posted to social media sites, proudly introducing Hudson (or Baby H as he has been known to many in the months leading up to his birth) to the world.  We were also able to email announcements to friends around the world, with picture attachments, in a matter of minutes.  Soon congratulations were being posted on Facebook, or arriving by email.  Having said that when I got up yesterday morning I did still have to make a few phone calls, and the first one was to my father, who does not have a cell phone or computer, so the only way I could let him know about Hudson's birth was to use the old fashion land line, and he in turn congratulated all of us the old fashioned way, verbally. 

Today I started to wonder if in fact there were others that I should call, maybe those who are not friends on Facebook, or if they are friends they may not check Facebook daily, or even those who I just forgot to email or call; assuming they knew through social media.  Maybe that is one of the problems with society today, we are starting to relay more and more on newer technology  that we forget how to actually interact personally with our friends and family.  Oddly as I was writing this my brother Ralph called to congratulate me the old fashioned way, verbally and I must say I appreciated it.   I wonder what the world will be like when Baby H or I guess I should start calling him Hudson welcomes his first born into the world.  Will he relay on even newer technology that we cannot even begin to imagine, and then days later realize that his grumpy old Papa may not even know because he has not yet embraced this new technology.  I can only hope that this new unimagined technology does not farther remove us from interacting personally with those we love. 

As I have mentioned before in one of my blogs one of my favourite books is "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson, and in business I realise that for us to stay current we constantly need to Move Our Cheese around.  We need to embrace change, but I also realise that change is not always good, or should I say better.  There have been times that we tried something new only to find out that the old fashioned way was a better way to do it, somewhat like verbal communication for those really important moments in life. 

For now though I would like to welcome Hudson into our family, knowing that he will be loved by many people.  I would like to congratulate his parents Liana (who many of you know as she has written many of our blogs) and Sebastian, and also his Big Sister Kalana or fondly known as Lil K, as I know you will be the best big sister ever.  I would also like to congratulate his other grandparents Heather and Brian Rhodenizer.  Hudson we are thrilled to have you as part of our family.

- Mike

New Beginnings

As some of you may have heard, we are very pleased to have a new member of the Holland Home Leisure team. Anne Hale has joined us this month, taking on the position of New Minas location General Manager. She has only been with us a couple of weeks now, and it is easy to see that Anne’s fresh ideas will be a great asset to the company.

“I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself in the leisure industry. My name is Anne Hale, the newest member of the Holland Home Leisure team. I’ve been living in the Annapolis Valley my entire life, and it’s a wonderful place to reside in.

I am very excited to be starting my new position at Holland Home Leisure. I have worked in retail my entire career thus far, and look forward to making new acquaintances as well as meeting others in the leisure industry.

Although I have only been working at Holland Home Leisure for a short time, I believe their focus and commitment to their customers, staff, and business is truly inspirational. I look forward to being a member of this amazing team and getting to know our customers and helping them in their pursuit of creating a paradise in their own back yard.”  - Anne

Things are certainly changing here at HHL (or as Mike would say “our cheese is moving”) and we couldn’t be more excited for the upcoming season!

Welcome to the Holland Home Leisure team Anne!

2012 a New Beginning!

January is the month of new beginnings. Everyone is making attempts to change something about themselves in the start of the new year,  such as quitting smoking, spending less, and enjoying life more! While I never make an official New Year's resolution, it is still a time of year that I reflect on the things I could improve in.

My personal goal this year is to spend less on groceries per week, while still eating the same things. Don't worry you won't see me on Extreme Couponing anytime soon, but I am amazed what you can save with a little effort, and extra time on your hands! (Some may say I have too much time on my hands!) Did you know that companies send you coupons for free? Just saying!

I was so happy to read online that one of the most made resolutions for 2012 was to spend more time with your families. Coming from someone who barely leaves her house (my family may wish to spend less time with me?), I think it should be not just the time spent but the quality of the time.

Recently, it has become my pet peeve (8 months preggo hormone induced I'm sure) to look around my living room after dinner and to see the TV on, the lap top on, and a mobile device on (most likely checking FaceBook). Yes, here we are spending "time" together, and yes we are even in the same room, but are we spending quality time? No! Since December we have decided that after supper we will all do something together. We have quite the Sequence tournament set up in our kitchen! We laugh, we joke and we communicate in a way we wouldn't with technology surrounding us. It has improved the quality of our relationships to even just spend an hour of uninterrupted time as a group.

This year families should invest in quality time together. Imagine Sunday afternoons around the pool. peaceful snowy evenings in the hot tub, and conversations around the outdoor fire pit. It isn't the amount of minutes you spend under the same roof, it is the quality of those minutes. Holland Home Leisure can help you achieve  your own family getaway so everyday can feel like a holiday.
Stop into either location and check out the available options for 2012, plan ahead and make this the best year yet!!

Talk soon,
Liana Rhodenizer

Cheers to the HHL Family!

Holland Home Leisure is a company that has been built by family. Starting as a small family business and every year since 1980 our HHL family has grown. No matter how many staff we have or how many square feet our showroom is...We are family. At work you are with people daily that you celebrate birthdays and holidays with, the people you laugh with and bicker with and those that you see stressed and relaxed.. sounds like family to me.
The HHL crew is lucky to be given the opportunity multiple times a year to kick back, relax and to celebrate a job well done. After seminars and sales we gather and we are encouraged by owners to come out as a group and relax, laugh, joke and break bread together. Every summer we are blessed to have the chance to meet spouses and and children and play games, eat and let loose and enjoy time together. The holiday season is no exception.
Our holiday party is usually being planned by owners in the summer, and because of hard work and preparation we have been given some memorable parties! Casino Nights, Pool Championships and great meals. This year the HHL family gathered at McGill's restaurant to start the evening. Cocktail hour was lit by Christmas lights and a beautiful tree, followed by what I've heard was one of the best dinners we have shared. Turkey dinner with all the trimmings is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. 35 staff and spouses attended and celebrated a closing of 2011 and a job well done. During the meal Rick Rooseboom, our construction manager, was honored with a gift to acknowledge his 20 years with HHL! WOW, what an accomplishment! Thank you Rick!
Following dinner, we brought out our competitive side with a friendly game of glow bowling! Teams were picked randomly throughout dinner so we were sure to get to spend time with someone we may not know well, since there are so many categories in our company. Fun, laughter and holiday spirits were in the air (not necessarily talent) and a great time was had by all.

I would like to thank Mike and Debby and Brad for planning, hosting and always encouraging us to have fun together!
Here is to another great year as family in 2012!

-Liana Rhodenizer

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure!

It’s cold and dreary outside and the weather is reminiscent of your mood. It’s been a long hard day with your nose to grind-stone and the only thing keeping you sane is the thought of soothing heat, massaging jets, silky cleansing water and an ambiance that speaks of simple solitude, engaging in one of the oldest and purest forms of relaxation. You get home, flip the cover off your hot tub and get ready to sink in, but wait, something isn’t right…

No one wants to be outside in their skivvies in sub zero weather wondering why their tub water is cloudy and asking themselves if they should get in. No, a hot tub is an investment to be used and much loved! So naturally we want to take good care of it and it’s contents, and so I have compiled for you a few tips to ensure you get the most out of the cold season, because it goes without saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

• The Essentials; Sanitizer and Stain and Scale Control:

First out of the starting gate, Bromine and Chlorine. In order for your water to be safe and clean, one of these two must be present at all times. Be sure to test the spa water each time before you get in to ensure a level of 3-5 ppm and always throw in a teaspoon after you get out, to regenerate what you have used up.  Stain and Scale Control prevents staining and scaling from occurring and keeps your hard earned investment free of harmful build-ups, so be sure to add it each week!

• Filtration & Circulation:

Be sure that all of your jets are turned on, even if you don’t use them, and that you are turning on your RFM jets at least once per week to ensure that sanitized water is going through all of your plumbing. Be sure to be rinse and clean your filter at least once per month and change it as needed to ensure optimal filtration.

• Aeration:

You should turn on your air for about 10-15 seconds after you do your weekly shock of your spa water so that the super chlorinated/brominated water (depending on what you use) has a chance to reach all of the plumbing.

• It’s a good idea to be brushing or wiping down the interior surface and

water-line in your spa to prevent the possibility of a biofilm build-up.

• You should be adding Bromine or Chlorine every day to your spa, even if it’s not being used. Find you don’t always have time to be out there every day? Try a floater with Bromine/Chlorine tablets!

• Last but not least; balance, balance, balance! Having your water

properly balanced with your pH in range will help your sanitizer work more effectively and your water feel softer. Bring in a water sample monthly to your favourite HHL location for a professional analysis by our expert staff!

Now is that H20 sparkling or what?! Until next time folks, Happy Soaking!

-Angela Welch-Rhodenizer

Holiday Favorites

When I asked my seven year old what her favorite part of the holidays was... she answered food, followed by family and then of course the gifts... She is seven!
I couldn't agree more with the first two, as you get older you get more and more excited for your favorite holiday treats and meals, and a it is such a special time for everyone to gather. Having the opportunity to host family meals and having friends visiting are the highlights of the season for me. I love having company over and serving special treats that for some reason only come out once a year. Why is that? Because it is tradition of course.

Two of my favorite items to make are chocolate covered peanut butter balls and homemade chocolate truffles, and the best thing is they always look more impressive and time consuming then they actually are!
Both of these recipes are easy to make, take very few ingredients and are fun to make with the kids!


Peanut Butter Balls

3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 margarine
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup icing sugar

Mix all ingredients well and form into small balls. Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and put into the freezer.

Melt a bag of your favorite chocolate chips in the microwave. (Only melt for 30 seconds at a time and than stir) When fully melted take your peanut butter balls out of the freezer insert a toothpick and dip into the chocolate. Place back on the wax paper and freeze until hard (10 min).

When you are done you can either freeze them until they are needed or put into the fridge. (Let's see how long they last!)

Chocolate Truffles

1 1/2 bag chocolate chips
1 can condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla

Melt chocolate over low heat on the stove (use a heavy pot), when it is fully melted add the can of condensed milk and mix well. Remove pot from heat and mix in vanilla.
Place in the fridge for 2 hours.
Take out and form into balls, the warmth of your hands will warm the chocolate so you can roll them into your favorite toppings. I used crushed candy cane and coconut.

These are perfect treats to sit and enjoy a glass of wine in the evening with or to have hot chocolate with the kids after a day sledding.
Be creative and have fun!

-Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer

Almost Turkey Time!

The holiday season is upon us. Lights are going up, cookies are being frosted, and everyone is running around fighting for the best parking spots to pick up the last minute deals. Quick reminder....11 more sleeps!

This year I am slightly ahead of schedule due to my extended maternity leave, and being currently on partial bed rest. The tree was up abnormally early, presents are not only purchased but wrapped and I have baked (and eaten) numerous batches of cookies. Yes...I am bored, so I have decided to stay in touch with you all from home! I have missed you all.

While I have been off big changes have happened at HHL! I wanted to send out a big congratulations to Jenn and her new position at our New Minas location. Starting in the new year she will be our new chemistry manager. Since she has taught the majority of our staff all that they know about chemistry and water care this couldn't be a more perfect position for her!

Think you have what it takes to join our upbeat and energetic staff? We are now hiring for a new General Manager for our New Minas location, check out our website and our facebook page to find out the details!

Talk to you all soon,
Liana Rhodenizer