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

Swim Suit Season- With The Swimwear Hut

Well, the weather hasn't been cooperating but it is almost time for “Swim Suit Season”!

Now I don’t know about you, but I personally love treating myself to a new swimsuit every Summer! I have developed quite a collection as well! I thought I would get in touch with the experts in the area and see what they had to say about the Summer Trends for 2013! I want to know what to look for when I go shopping!

Liz Huntley of The Swimwear Hut in New Minas gave me the inside scoop of what’s “IN” to get you beach ready this swimming season.

Question (Liana): What would you say is the biggest trend for 2013?

Answer (The Swimwear Hut): “One of the most noticeable and biggest trends in fashionable swimwear for 2013 is the high-waisted bottom. This bottom is NEW, and great for any woman who wants more coverage than a bikini has to offer. It is a different look, not everyone loves it, but certainly worth a try when scoping out new styles for the summer.”

Question: What is a good option if you want to stand out in a crowd but still be “in style”?

Answer: “A few other hot looks for 2013 include “Ruffles” “Bling” and “Eye Catching Prints”. Ruffles appear on tops, bikini bottoms, one-piece swimsuits, and cover-ups, giving your suit a very feminine twist. Add in the Bling and you’re in style! And in 2013, there is certainly a great array of print swimwear to choose from including sea inspired motifs to animal inspired prints. The crazier the print, the better! Bright and Bold styles are becoming the new black.”

Question: What about for the men?

Answer: There is a lot for the guys too! from different inseam lengths and fabrics, solid colours to colourful prints it is ALL here, it is best to take the time to try on the different styles to see what best suits YOUR body type!   

Question: What other must have items do you carry?

Answer: “Cover ups, hats, beach bags, towels, jewelry, sandals and so much more are becoming part of every day wear at the Beach! So after you have purchased your amazing new pool and hot tub, or if you are getting ready for the Beach come in and visit us at The Swimwear Hut!

A huge thank you to Liz at The Swimwear Hut for giving us some swimwear pointers! Everyone  should take a trip out to New Minas and visit them for exceptional selection (Sizes 0-5XL) and amazing service!

 

Marlies Dekkers Swimsuit-

The Swimwear Hut

Talk soon,

And Happy Swimwear Shopping!

-Liana

 

 

The Swimwear Hut
9198 Commercial Street,
New Minas, Nova Scotia , B4N 3E5
(across from McDonald's)

Phone:

1-902-678-SWIM (7946)

 

It is Patio Season!

Now that we have had a few nice weather days behind us, and a perfect forecast for the next two weeks, we have officially hit Patio Season. Already, it has been  exciting to see so many fresh faces come into the store to scout out our selection of Patio Furniture. If you are making a trip into the beautiful Annapolis Valley, come check out our New Minas location and you will be surprised to see we have the largest selection of Outdoor Furniture in Atlantic Canada!

When you come into our Lifestyles Plaza Showroom we hope to make your patio furniture shopping experience as smooth as possible. We can help you select custom colored cushions to coordinate with your outdoor space; and we carry a wide range of in stock inventory, with most items on the floor for you to try.. If you can have a specific style you are looking for that you don’t see on the floor we also do special orders. The options truly are endless!

If you are unsure of what you think would suit you, your family, and your entertaining needs all you need to do is come in with the approximate size of your outdoor “living room” and we can help you paint the “patio” perfect picture! In fact , take a picture before you come in so we can help you match your colors perfectly! From dining sets to deep seating ,we can custom design the set that works for you, and remember all of our pieces are sold individually so that we can build the perfect package for you!

Are you tired of buying your patio furniture every year, and having your old set go out with the Spring Clean up? Our high end durable options are built to last Season over Season so ‘deck’ out your space today and bring a touch of the indoors outside! If you are new to furniture lines like Ebel and OW Lee you will truly be impressed.

 

Picture your perfect Summer’s night right outside your back door…. No travel necessary!

*Cabana Boy Not Included* 

If you have any questions regarding our Patio Furniture Collections contact me directly at liana@hollandhomeleisure.com or call 902 681-3030 and I would be more than happy to help!

Talk soon,

Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer

Manager, Outdoor Furniture and Hot Tub Divisions