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

"April Fools"

Only one of our staff members had a little joke played on them yesterday! Debby, who is new to the Service Department had a very general conversation about parts with a young boy doing a school project. She worked out the details for him and called back, at this point her took the opportunity to ask if we sold Cold Tubs. She apologized and explained we only sell hot tubs. He then explained he was from Alaska and they fill cold tubs with dry ice.  At this point she just repeated we only sell HOT tubs!

He then said “April Fools” and hung up…. We are wondering if he wants the plumbing parts?

Interviews have been done, so soon you will see fresh faces around the office. Staff are getting settled in their new roles at HHL. I mentioned in the last blog, Katie and I are taking on the Marketing at HHL. Craig McNutt is getting ready to move to the  Aylesford store  for the Summer as Store Manager. If Craig is Store Manager, where is Debby you ask? Well, Debby is busy working on our service team heading customer service! Andrea is currently filling the role of Chemistry Manager while Jenn is on maternity leave, and she is getting the lab ready for a busy Spring.

 

Looking out the window and seeing snow fall is not how I envisioned an April morning to be. I realize, living in Nova Scotia, that this isn’t horribly uncommon but STILL! I am tired of Winter!

Do you have a case of the winter blues? HHL is busy getting ready for spring in many ways!

Talk soon,
Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer

 

A little link to brighten your day
http://www.creativedestiny.ca/2014/04/01/spring-printable-free/

Created by A Creative Destiny, a local Graphic Designer.

She has a free download for Spring and we have it up on display!

On the Radio

My two year old recently made a simple statement while in the car bringing me to work, “Mommy’s Home”.

I thought it was cute. He didn’t say it in a sad way, he loves to run into the store to color at my desk, listen to his voice echo and run and see his Papa in the back office.

Katie and I have been busy working on the 2014 marketing for Holland Home Leisure and we are having a lot of fun with this new challenge. We have met some amazing members of the community involved with the different forms of media, and we are enjoying creating some fun and different ads for both print and radio.  Part of our research has been going through Debby’s old ‘Radio Binder” dating back to ads she wrote in 1996.

It is no secret that my HHL family is more than just my work family, so reading the ads that I had heard on the radio years ago has brought back fond memories. Reading the words “Hi, I’m Debby from Holland Home Leisure”, reminded me of being young and thinking it was SO COOL my mom was on the radio. Lines like “Mike and I welcome you into the store this Victoria Day Weekend” made me think… it was like they were inviting you into their home. For 34 years this has been their home away from home. The ads had such a comforting feeling… and I can hear her upbeat voice now! Frankly, I am going to miss them!

2014 is bringing on a big change where radio is concerned; you will be hearing a new voice on the radio representing HHL. Andrea Van Zoost will now be doing our radio recordings, so keep an ear out to hear them! So far they are sounding great!

 We want to thank Debby for taking so much time over the years, not only recording but also writing a huge portion of the ads. You have done a wonderful job!

Talk soon,

Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer

Debby's Binder!

Holiday Spirit

I can’t believe the calendar today!

I admit I am a little behind this year, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us and I am still in denial. I am although enjoying the closeness that the Holidays bring. Making plans to see friends that you haven’t seen in far too long, planning family events and preparing for new and old traditions. These are the moments you remember when you grow up and have families of your own. For me that included watching Little Woman with my mom and sisters during that first big snow fall, decorating the Christmas tree (while my parents bickered about the lights being just so), driving around looking at Christmas decorations with a box of chocolates and my Dad singing The First Noel by the Crash Test Dummies, and of course having at least one soak in the hot tub with the family while snow lightly falls.

Surprisingly enough the moments I remember are not surrounded by gifts, and I would be hard pressed to remember most of the items given to me throughout the years. Instead I cherish those special moments, the memories with family and friends, and of course, the time with those no longer here.

A strange way to start this blog which is supposed to be about our Holiday shopping party…

When we all sat in a room to discuss our upcoming event, we didn’t even discuss items that were going to be on sale, but the fact we want our store to smell of the “holidays”, that we want to offer a hot drink to warm a cold day, and to have treats to sweeten up your day. We are excited to see our customers come into the store, and share a few moments with us so we can show our appreciation for your ongoing business. Yes, there will be a sale!  We hope you take the opportunity to save on some of your favorite items, or buy something special for your loved ones. Most importantly, we hope you have a special Holiday season and that we get the chance to wish you a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Come join us on December 6^th and 7^th,

We look forward to seeing you!

 

Talk soon,

Liana

 

 

Giving Thanks

I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner; time has seemed to go by too quickly this past year! We are currently in the homestretch of our planning for our Splash for CF Auction and Dinner coming up on October 24^th/13. I would like to take this opportunity to thank some of our supporters, without all of you we would not be able to pull off this event. Holland Home Leisure is overwhelmed with the amount of support we have received from local (and not so local) companies who have donated items for our auction and for all of those who have purchased tickets. We are extremely grateful for your help!

Some of our Sponsors Include

Bio Guard Canada- $500 Chemical G/C

Front & Central- Dinner for 4 (5 courses/wine included)

Annette and Paul Iannacoon- Weekend Retreat (3 nights for 4)

Barb Meisner and Debby vandenHof- Home made Quilt

Holland Home Leisure- Ebel Day Bed

L. Rhodenizer Photography- Print and Family Session

Marks Works Warehouse- Chairs/Towels

Eau Spa- Organic Facial

Eagle Crest- Green Fee’s

Howard Little- $200

Lucketts Vineyard- Wine Tours

Farfetched Gallery- Ceramic Pot

Carolyn VanderHeide- Watercolour

Crystal Maxner- Watercolour

The Vault- Mother of Pearl Necklace

DeWeevers Wovens- Mitts and Headband

Sobeys - $25 GC

Andrea VanZoost- Gift Basket

Michael vandenHof-Wine

VanMeekern Farms- Apples

Pierce Farm Market- Pickles and Squash

Just Us- Coffee, Tea  and Chocolate

Peach Pit- Peach Jam and Red Pepper Jelly

Made by Moms-Newborn Package

I know I am probably missing someone! So, if I missed you THANK YOU!

 

The staff here at HHL is looking forward to some much needed time off with our families after the busy Summer Season.  I know I am most looking forward to having some quality time with family, creating memories that I am sure we will share in years to come, and most likely eating far too much! Bring on the stretchy pants!! Family and Friends is what makes time off so valuable, so I look forward to sharing those special moments with those who have a special place in my heart!

Kristi Huestis- “I am looking forward to getting together with family and friends and eating a lot of Turkey!”

Debby vandenHof-“I am looking forward to Turkey, stuffing and all of the trimmings, even though I am a confessed foodie however this simple meal is one of my favorite meals of the year! I actually enjoy Thanksgiving more than Christmas because the focus is on family and food without  the crazy shopping that Christmas brings.”

Megan Banman-“When I think about Thanksgiving three things come to mind,  how blessed I am with the family I have, that all my needs are provided for, and of course the food I will be consuming on that day. Being married the never ending questions of your parents or mine? And which day? I am sure is something a lot of people can relate to. In my family I am happy to say my husband’s family and my family have Thanksgiving together. I am thankful that we can get together as an extended family to consume an amazing meal and enjoy being a family. This year my in-laws are hosting and I can already smell the turkey cooking and thoughts of carrot cake and chocolate pie are on my mind.”

We wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving from our families to yours!

\

(Me and my Favorite little Turkeys)

Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer

 

P.S. We do still have a few tickets left for our Dinner and Auction being held on October 24^th/2013, so please consider joining us for a wonderful 5 course meal designed and prepared by Chef Dave Smart of Front and Central in Wolfville. Tickets are $100 each and include tax and gratuity with all proceeds going to Cystic Fibrosis.

A letter to fellow business owners from HHL

 August 5, 2013

 

I want to begin by thanking you, our fellow business owners, for sharing our commitment to making the Annapolis Valley a great place to live. Many of you are volunteers for local clubs and organizations and we realize it is a challenge to run a business and still find time to volunteer. No matter how busy life becomes, it is always important to take time to think of others in need. Great job everyone!

Holland Home Leisure will be holding an auction fundraising event for Splash for CF on October 2t^th, 2013. Splash for CF provides assistance to families with children suffering with Cystic Fibrosis, as well as adults who are continuing their fight with the horrible disease. All of the funds raised from this event will be used to support Splash for CF and the fight against Cystic Fibrosis. 

We hope that you will partner with us in helping to make this event a huge success. We're in the process of collecting merchandise for the event from respected companies in the area such as yours, and I'm writing to request your assistance. By donating an item or gift certificate, you'll be making a tax deductible contribution that will help Splash for CF continue to help make life better for individuals in need.  

Additionally, you'll benefit from exposure of your company's name to those who attend the event. Donors will be listed on the event program, and the merchandise you give will be on display throughout the event. If you are unable to provide an item to auction but you would like to support the event, we encourage you to purchase a ticket to attend the auction and enjoy an evening of fun as well as a five course meal designed by Chef Dave Smart of Front and Central in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Tickets are limited so please inform us as soon as you can.

Please consider the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of those suffering from Cystic Fibrosis and help support Splash for CF. During our 2011 season Holland Home Leisure hosted BBQ’s, bake sales, yard sales, sold raffle tickets and much more and we ended the season with raising over $10000 with your help! This year we hope to have just as much success!

I will be in contact shortly to discuss your donation opportunities and to secure your seat at the event, please call with any questions at 902-681-3030 or email me at liana@hollandhomeleisure.com or debby@hollandhomeleisure.com

Sincerely

-Holland Home Leisure’s Fundraising Team

Staff Party FUN

Wow, summer is flying by! I can not believe we are coming up on the first weekend in August... Can you?

Here are some HHL Updates:

 

 

This past weekend we had ouu HHL Summer Staff Party. This morning there were a lot of laughs recapping some of the most memorable moments. Mark and Andrea were very generous hosts, offering their beautiful back yard for the HHL team. A huge thank you to them for allowing us into their home and providing an evening full of fun, food, games and entertainment! Together with Mike and Debby they provided a delicious meal, complete with midnight pulled pork off the Big Green Egg.

We had an afternoon of games for the young and the young at heart, followed by a huge BBQ (YUMMY), and then a live concert by the Hupman Brothers just for us! The party went well into the night (or the next day…however you look at it) and a great time was had by everyone who attended. So thank you Mark, Andrea, Mike and Debby!

 

                On to other news, our planning for the Splash for CF Dinner and Auction is coming along nicely. The event will be held on October 24^th at Front and Central in Wolfville. Dave Smart, the head chef will be planning a Valley Harvest themed 5 course meal with lovely wine pairings for each course! We are so excited to be able to present this event to you for the second time. We have some amazing live and silent auction items being gathered from local business and artists. So keep a watch out in the store, and on our Facebook page for details on ticket availability!

 

Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer