Apple Blossom Fun

Apple Blossom is in full force here in the beautiful Annapolis Valley. Tourists are flocking in for the events and we are excited for a busy weekend here at the store! Apple Blossom in the Valley is when everyone comes “home” to see family and friends, to catch up and to have a little bit of fun!

What is my Apple Blossom Tradition?

Every year since opening the Lifestyles Plaza here in New Minas we have got to watch the parade from the store and enjoy some of the festivities when typically we would have to work! We are on the parade route so the road and the store shuts down during the parade! We bring some furniture outside, sometimes light the BBQ, and share some snacks! It is a great way to relax after “May” and to enjoy everyone’s company! I love the atmosphere of Apple Blossom. I often bring my camera and capturing a few moments of the day and sometimes have my family join me to watch the parade from the store. Not too bad of a day at work!

I was excited to hear that Hope Blooms are the honorary parade marshals this year! The young entrepreneurs from the North end of Halifax became known across Canada with their winning performance on Dragons Den with their community garden and salad dressings! Their story has touched so many hearts, and their ability to empower youth and the community is just so inspiring. They maintain and manage gardens of fresh organic vegetables and have created their own salad dressing… and so much more! What a wonderful program teaching our youth and paving away for their future. Their Motto... Plant a Seed and Harvest a Dream really makes you think! Please everyone check them out!

http://hopeblooms.ca

 

We are actually quite busy here on parade day, so if you are planning a trip up to New Minas and are from out of town, please keep in mind Commercial Street will be closed from 12:45pm-2:30 (ish). If you get trapped at the store, you are more than welcome to watch the parade with us J

 

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Apple Blossom!

Talk soon,
Liana Rhodenizer

We survived!

Well, we survived the sale! I do believe Mike v mentioned this was the 23^rd time HHL has had our Big Victoria Day weekend sale! The sale brings a lot of new and familiar faces into the store, which makes for a fun, exciting and busy weekend!

 This sale marked the beginning of my 10^th year here at HHL. Mind you I was off a year on Maternity leave, I still feel like I’ve been here a while!! I still remember my first sale in 2005 in the old New Minas location. Boy, have times changed!

 

One thing I wanted to make sure didn’t go unnoticed, is the fact we have so many people here @ HHL who more than pull their weight during the sale putting in extra hours and days! Great job to the HHL team; all of your extra time is appreciated! A shout out to our Accountant Cathy who came in on her day off to work sale Saturday in the New Minas store! We appreciated your 12 years of knowledge on the floor!

A huge Thank you to all of the staff, our awesome customers, and our families for putting up with us during sale week!  

In other exciting HHL news, our Swim Spa is up and running here in New Minas! So if you’re curious as to what they are all about come on in and check it out!

 

Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer

#SHOPLOCAL

Trending on social media is the #shoplocal hashtag. It relates to me both in my work life and my personal life. I think it is something important to take note of! We live in such an awesome place! Shopping in family owned businesses, farmers markets, and supporting local artists and crafters is an amazing way to support your local community.

You are supporting “mom & pop” businesses and work at home parents who are trying to support their family by doing something they love. Did you know that Holland Home Leisure started from the owner’s home in 1980? WOW! Talk about a dream come true after years of hard work, blood sweat and tears! Together with our new owners Mike and Debby and Mark and Andrea work towards making Holland Home Leisure a great part of the community, by supporting local suppliers and providing upwards of 30 jobs to the area. 

Supporting local often ensures you are asking an expert, someone who has put their life into their products, their company, and they hope they can do everything in their power to make you happy and satisfied! Customer satisfaction is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job, seeing the happy faces of clients after they have enjoyed their hot tub in the first snowstorm of the season, or seeing their kids faces when they first jump in the pool on May 5^th with 44 degree water! BRR... 

This Mother’s Day are you supporting local?

There are so many wonderful Annapolis Valley companies to choose from: local restaurants, local produce to make a wonderful meal on your own, artists to create a homemade gift, and specialty shops that provide high quality products! Think outside of the box and find a unique alternative to the average gifts!

I wish all of our HHL Moms both clients and staff, including those who are moms at heart, a wonderful  Mother’s Day. I hope you are spoiled with attention by those who love you!

Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer

                                                                                            

 

I’m happy to share this free printable sign I have hanging in my office created by a wonderful Local Graphic designer *http://www.creativedestiny.ca/2014/05/08/i-shop-local-free-printable/ A Creative Destiny*

Spring has Sprung @ HHL

Hi there,

Our season is in full swing! Believe it or not pools are being opened, water tests are being brought in and the store is busy with the hustle and bustle of spring! Although the weather hasn’t been the best, all of us here at HHL are optimistic for a bright and sunny Summer!

Katie and I have been busy keeping you informed of all the happenings at HHL with social media. If you haven’t done so already please follow us on our Facebook page and be the first to know about upcoming sales and promotions! Along with social media, we are working closely with the local radio stations making sure our ads are fun and current; keep an ear out for those as well! We have also been advertising in The Grapevine based out of Wolfville, Fine Lifestyles Magazine-HRM and many more local paper publications! It has been a bit of a learning curve, but has been exciting  joining forces with  many of the great marketing options in Nova Scotia!

Anne, our New Minas Store General Manager is getting the store ready for our big Victoria Day Weekend Sale! The sale runs from May 12-19^th and almost all products in the store are on Sale! It is the busiest week of the year here at HHL so we have warned all the new staff of what is to come, and the seasoned staff members are mentally preparing for the ‘wild’  that is about to be upon us! We all secretly like the excitement it brings to the store! Shh…

Craig, our Aylesford Store manager has done some amazing work prepping his store for Summer! The store is fresh and energized with a new coat of paint, new shelving and a freshly waxed floor! The outside has seen a facelift as well, with a brand new Above Ground pool on display! Huge thanks to Scott and his crew for installing that for us last week. Looks great!

Andrea here in our New Minas, our Chemistry Manager, is getting knee deep in 2014 Pool Chemistry. She is taking on the role with fresh eyes and a lot of heart, and we are excited to see her grow her knowledge in the category and beyond! She will be helping you keep your pool crystal clear all summer, and your hot tub sparkling and safe for the whole family to use!

Liana Rhodenizer Photography

 

Kristi and Debby have been working hard in our Service Department organizing the construction and service crews, maximizing their time and energy! Without them we would be at a loss! You may notice us transfer your service related questions to their lines in our Aylesford store, their knowledge is truly irreplaceable!

Attached are a few photos of our Chemistry Manager, who was our model for the next issue of the Fine Lifestyles Magazine!

*Liana Rhodenizer Photography

 

Talk soon,

Liana vandenHof- Rhodenizer