GOES BACK TO BASICS IN NEW BOOK: NOT THAT FANCY
HOME + DESIGN SOUTHERN LIVING IDEA HOME
FOOD + BEVERAGE CINNAMON BUN DELICIOUSNESS
Williamson Health has four world-class imaging facilities across Williamson County to ensure you get the preventative care you need, no matter where you live.
Our advanced breast imaging technology and proximity to The Turner-Dugas Breast Health Center makes your experience more convenient and less stressful – speeding up the coordination between physicians and imaging while minimizing wait time.
We even perform breast biopsies on-site and utilize the latest generation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which doubles the strength of a typical MRI, resulting in exceptional detail in imaging and faster scan times.
To schedule a mammogram or other imaging service, call (615) 435-5022.
FRANKLIN: 4601 Carothers Parkway, Suite 100
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I am excited to share our latest and most delectable issue yet - our October Food and Drink edition!
But before we dive into all the scrumptious content, let's take a moment to admire our cover star – the one and only Reba McEntire! We had the privilege of sitting down with this iconic singer, actress, and author to discuss her latest book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots. This captivating book is a delightful collection of funny, poignant, and deeply personal stories, accompanied by stunning photos, lifestyle insights, and mouthwatering recipes that you won't want to miss.
In this issue, we embraced the delightful challenge of uncovering the best cinnamon roll in town. After indulging in the sweet creations from six local bakeries, I can confidently say we'd be more than happy to do it all over again.
But that's not all - we also love to tell the stories of the people, places, and things that make our communities truly special! One shining example is Efficiency Home Improvements, a company that generously gives back to our communities in numerous ways. Looking for a place where compassionate and caring people are providing solutions for the health of our communities? Look no further than Mulberry Vitamin Infusions and read about their mission to help you feel better. Plus we delve into the inspiring journey of resident Anna Warner, who ventured into entrepreneurship with The Fizzy Mule. Did you know that the 2023 Idea House is right here in Thompson's Station? Read about how this innovative home was thoughtfully designed to embrace its beautiful rural surroundings and also look toward the future. Located at 3921 Perkins Road, the Idea House is now open for public tours until December 17th. What's even better is that a portion of the proceeds from these tours will benefit Hands On Nashville, Harpeth Conservancy, and Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee. Look inside for more information on the 2023 Idea House and how to purchase tickets.
So as we welcome October, let's raise a toast to a month filled with delectable discoveries, joyful moments, and the warm embrace of community.
PUBLISHER
Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Maria Dinoia | maria.dinoia@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Emily Smith | emily.smith@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jenna Liggett | jenna.liggett@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Valentine, Karen Creason, Ed Atlas, Lauren Kelly
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
Thompson's Station Lifestyle is available for pick up at the following locations:
• RE/MAX Encore (100 W. 6th Street, Columbia)
• The Fainting Goat (Spring Hill)
• Spring Hill Public Library
• Sweet CeCe’s (The Crossings at Spring Hill)
• Parkway Wine and Spirits (Spring Hill)
• Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery (Spring Hill)
• Local doctors and professional offices around the area
Proverbs 3:5-6
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Thompson Station's Tennessee Equine Hospital (TEH) is behind the formation of one of the largest specialty teams of equine veterinarians in the southeast. Highly regarded in their respective fields, Drs. Fairfield Bain, Alvaro Bonilla, Christine Cocquyt, Colton McInturff and Allison Stewart bring decades of experience to TEH’s diverse caseload.
“From Lexington, Kentucky, to West Palm Beach, Florida, we have become one of the largest equine specialty teams at a privately owned hospital in the southeast,” said Dr. Monty McInturff, co-owner and President of TEH.
TnEquineHospital.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ThompsonsStation
After 10 years in business, The Children's Ballet Theatre has opened a second campus in Spring Hill. This location is a one room studio designed to propel dancers in their junior and senior year through a program called Pathways, helping them achieve their goals for their college or professional development.
ChildrensBalletTheatre.com
A new chapter unfolds for Living615, previously nestled in Spring Hill, as it finds a fresh new home in Columbia, reinventing itself as Living on Sixth. Located in the previous Faded Farmhouse building at 113 E 6th St, Columbia, the store is set to wow its customers with furniture, decor, and lighting, designed to infuse homes with a unique and high-quality charm. LivingOnSixth.com
I embarked happily on my mission searching for the perfect combination of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness. Yet I quickly discovered choosing the best cinnamon roll is as impossible as choosing my favorite child. Just as my children possess unique qualities and endearing traits that make them beloved in their own right, each cinnamon roll I tasted offered its own distinct appeal, making it impossible to single out a definitive favorite.
1. Fluffy and Tender Dough: The foundation of a delicious cinnamon roll lies in its dough. The outer layer should boast a delicate, golden-brown crust that adds a satisfying crunch while the inside remains pillowy soft.
2. Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: The signature swirl is the heart and soul of a cinnamon roll. It should be spread generously throughout the layers of dough, boasting a perfect balance of cinnamon’s warm spiciness and sugar’s sweetness.
3. Decadent Frosting: The crowning glory of a cinnamon roll is its luscious frosting. Whether it be cream cheese based, vanilla glazed, or a creative twist, the frosting should be velvety, smooth, and rich.
1. Triple Crown Bakery: Ooey-gooey, hand-rolled, caramel-drizzled brioche dough cinnamon rolls made from scratch daily using a recipe based on award-winning Pastry Chef, Alena Vaughn’s Swedish heritage.
2. The Davis General: Delicious rolls loaded with cinnamon, topped with homemade icing and a pat of butter - because, you know, everything is better with butter.
3. Papa C Pies: Stop in or drive through to pick up Papa C Pies delectable grab-and-go non-GMO flour cinnamon rolls that are rolled by hand and inspired by a family tradition.
4. Nolensville Feed Mill Amish Market: Delicious Amishbaked deep dish pan cinnamon rolls are sold both fresh and frozen so you can enjoy some now and savor some later.
5. Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery: Based on a secret family recipe handed down to owners Sasa and Frank Georgalos, these baked-fresh-daily cinnamon rolls are worth the trip!
6. Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse and Bakery: Baking over 60 pans of their famous cinnamon rolls each week, Marcy credits the addition of vanilla pudding as the secret to her heavenly cinnamon rolls.
In the end, I failed my mission. Perhaps it is not about picking a favorite or the best, but rather reveling in the impossible task of choosing a favorite. I hope you enjoy National Cinnamon Roll Day! Excuse me while I research on which date National Steak Day is celebrated.
HENRY WALKER | #351198 | 615-319-0168
· LISA WALKER | #342949 | 615-268-5547
1.1 ACRES CUSTOM HOMES SITE IN THE TORE OF AVALON CUSTOM FARM HOUSE AND FARM ON 50.3 ACRES
SUPERB FINISHES, COMPLETE REMODEL ON COUNTRY CLUB HOME WITH DUCK RIVER FRONTAGE
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Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots
ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Reba McEntire’s impact on country music is nothing short of legendary. Bursting onto the scene in the late 70s, McEntire captured the hearts of fans with her distinctive twang, singing real life lyrics that resonated with listeners. With a career that includes an extraordinary string of number one hits, 56 million albums sold worldwide, Grammy, CMA and ACM awards, and countless accolades, McEntire solidified herself as a true country music luminary.
But her star power didn’t stop there. Beyond her vocal prowess, McEntire’s versatility shone as she ventured into acting, most notably starring in her own successful sitcom Reba from 2001 to 2007, showcasing her comedic talents. Guest starring roles, including more recently ABC-TV’s Big Sky, television movies and Broadway roles, McEntire left an indelible mark in the acting world as well. She can also be seen on the upcoming season of The Voice.
And it doesn’t end there. Besides actress and singer, author is in the famous redhead’s repertoire. She’s set to release a new book this month, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots, a collection of funny, poignant, and deeply personal stories, photos, lifestyle tips, and recipes. Specifically, Not that Fancy includes over 50 recipes from Reba’s family traditions and her Atoka, Oklahoma restaurant, Reba’s Place, never-before-seen photographs and never-before-told stories from Reba’s personal and professional life, and simple, not-that-fancy lifestyle tips.
Reba will also release an accompanying album with the same title, Not That Fancy, a collection of stripped-down versions of some of her most iconic songs. The 14-track collection features a brand new single “Seven Minutes In Heaven.”
City Lifestyle had the opportunity to talk to Reba about all of the fun things happening for her in her enduringly enjoyable career.
Well, we were just looking for things to do and we thought it would be a great idea to do a coffee table book and then it turned into a coffee table cookbook with lots of great pictures and stories and tips on how to throw an impromptu dinner party. Even Rex coming in with his 10 best favorite horror movies to watch. It’s an eclectic group of pictures, stories, advice, ways to do things. I love it! My attention span is like a twoyear-old so I read it three times to proofread it, and I was totally entertained. If it held my attention, then I hope everyone else can be entertained by it also.
It was really a group project. People would ask me questions - I was interviewed by a young lady - it would prompt me to answer them in a story form. What I really wanted is for the recipes to have great pictures. I do not like a cookbook without pictures. I want to see what it’s supposed to look like. I really enjoyed doing it. It was a huge undertaking with a lot of wonderful people involved who had a lot of great ideas that made it happen.
You have less people working on it, for one thing! And a song is contained in one area and this book is all over the place and different avenues of entertainment.
WHY DID GARTH WRITE THE FOREWORD?
He’s the busiest person on the planet, so I was like, ‘Yes, Garth!” He and I go way back. We’re both from Oklahoma. We toured together in ‘90 and ‘91. He’s a very special person and I couldn’t have been more pleased when he said he’d write the foreword.
AND HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE TITLE? WOULD YOU CONSIDER “FANCY” YOUR BIGGEST HIT?
I would say “Fancy” is my most recognizable song. Everything we do is bells and whistles, smoke and mirrors, big productions and changing outfits. The bigger the better. But this is just about topics not that fancy. Like a dinner party. Or wearing something out to dinner. My philosophy is you be comfortable, you have fun and if you’re uptight and wearing something that’s not comfortable, then you won’t have as much fun. All the topics are simply not that fancy. Just everyday living. Even if the silverware, glasses and plates don’t match, bring out the solo cups. Have fun. Don’t not have a dinner party because you don’t have the right dishes.
YOU’VE DONE IT ALL. AUTHOR, SINGER, ACTRESS. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE CREATIVE OUTLET? OR DO YOU LOVE IT ALL?
I do love it all, and I’m very blessed to get to do it all. When I finished my tour in 2022, I got to do television. Last year I was doing Big Sky and touring at the same time. Which was not a good idea, but I did it and it keeps everything interesting. I don’t get tired or bored of one thing. I do it, we finish that and I go do something else. Like The Hammer movie for Lifetime. We finished that and then we went on and did the tour for a while. It keeps things fresh for me. I really enjoy it and I’m so grateful I get to do it like that.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX AND UNWIND? DO YOU TAKE TIME IN BETWEEN ALL THESE THINGS YOU HAVE GOING ON?
If time allows and the calendar is open, I like to vacation, hang out at the house, sit on the back porch. I like to be home and hang out with my friends, family. I’m just like everybody else. Throw a dinner party and have everybody over, eat and play games.
IN YOUR STORIED CAREER, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU HAVEN’T DONE THAT YOU’D STILL LIKE TO DO?
Career-wise, no. Travel-wise, I have not gone to Japan. Niall {Horan} was telling me when we were doing The Voice that it’s his favorite place on earth.
WHAT’S NEXT AFTER THIS BOOK?
I am one of the coaches on The Voice That will wrap in May 2024. Then probably go back out on tour in 2025. Just continuing to do what we love to do.
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE SONGS FOR THE ALBUM THAT ACCOMPANIES THE BOOK?
We asked the fans what they wanted us to re-record. Then we added a new song, “Seven Minutes In Heaven.” We wouldn’t be where we are today without the fans. I’m so appreciative of my fans. They’re the best. They’ve been with me through thick and thin and every genre of entertainment you can think of!
Reba.com
Jill Arnold and Duwayne Matz of Southern Homes Collective serve buyers and sellers in Williamson County. We also own SHC Property Management, LLC and manage rental properties for investors in Middle Tennessee. Our office is located in Tollgate Village. We would LOVE the opportunity to help you with all your real estate needs!
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In a very literal sense, the windows in your house are your windows to the world. But it’s important to keep certain elements of the world on the side of the panes where they belong.
“Far beyond the modern comforts that efficient and properly sealed windows provide, they work as a preservative and protector of your home and family,” says Efficiency Home Improvements (EHI) founder, Lou Beltran. “Water and insects are the more common invaders, but spiders, squirrels and other pests love an unsealed opening. You don't want these guys in your house destroying your investment.”
Beltran started the company in 2006 and, after a decade of steady growth, his longtime friend, Jim Sanders, came aboard as sales partner in 2016. The two have known each other since their days with Nashville-based footwear retailer, Genesco.
“I enjoy going into someone’s home and helping them realize their vision,” says Sanders. “I love it when I can help someone open a space with a great view that they were never able to take advantage of before.”
EHI has donated time, materials and financial support to numerous organizations including Both Hands, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue, High Hopes Development Center, Gigi’s Playhouse and GraceWorks Ministries. It’s also been a source of renewal for people who have fallen on hard times.
“We get a chance to work with young guys who just need someone to take a chance on them,” says Beltran. “Our culture provides them with an opportunity to take ownership and pride in what they do. I’ve seen boys become men, then husbands and fathers. They learn how to save money and take care of both the material things they buy and the relationships they establish, and we get to talk openly about our faith.”
According to Beltran, the commitment to philanthropy, faith and craftsmanship sets EHI apart. “The crews have a chemistry like that of a championship sports team,” he says. “They’re relaxed and have fun with one another, but they are incredibly serious about what they do and how well they do it. Quality matters to us. It matters in the materials we use and the people we hire.” EfficiencyHomeImprovements.com
I’M
IT
Nestled in the hills of Thompson’s Station, the 2023 Idea House is a 5,600 square-foot home that blends a contemporary feel with the warmth and character of a classic Tennessee farmhouse. This year’s Idea House was built and designed with an eye to the future, and sustainability was considered throughout the process, such as selecting energy-efficient windows and appliances, sourcing antique and local furnishings, and prioritizing natural and biodegradable materials. Inspired by its proximity to Music City, the home features a music room complete with a piano, a party barn primed for entertaining, and decor inspired by local artists.
“We’re calling this our country house as a nod to Music City, and to the fact that it was designed to embrace its beautiful rural setting,” said Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Livin g. “This home is all about a connection to the land, and that comes through in design choices that
prioritize sustainability, endless porches for entertaining and living outside, and plants everywhere.”
The 2023 Idea House was created by a talented team of experts including interior designer Laura Hodges of Laura Hodges Studio, architects Bill Holloway and Luke Sippel of Lake & Land Studio, builders Mary and Patrick Hatcliff of Hatcliff Construction, and landscape designer Butch Hamby of Southern Creations Landscaping.
The home, located at 3921 Perkins Road in Thompson’s Station, is now open to the public for tours through December 17. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hands On Nashville, Harpeth Conservancy, and Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee. In November, the Idea House will be decorated for the holidays, with activations to be scheduled in celebration of the season. To purchase tickets, visit HatcliffConstruction.com
ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREY GLENN STYLING BY ZOE GOWEN
Henry Ford
Whether it’s a backyard party, baby shower, or wedding, local entrepreneur Anna Warner is a master in elevating events to the next level with her mobile bartending business The Fizzy Mule. Spending her high school years in Thompson’s Station, Warner—who moved to nearby Columbia last year—says she knew from a young age that she had an entrepreneurial spirit. “I’ve always wanted to work for myself. I definitely have always wanted to run my own business,” says Warner who found her niche in the events industry.
ARTICLE BY LISA VALENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY COLE
As a recent college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business and a minor in entrepreneurship, Warner wasted no time in making her dream a reality, as she spent
her junior and senior years at Middle Tennessee State University working on the business which she officially launched in January of 2023, just a month after her graduation.
Working as a wedding coordinator the past four years while in college, Warner had witnessed a variety of bartenders and vendors at events and wanted to create a different type of service that was interactive, yet also could enhance the background of the event and photos without outshining the special day.
“The Fizzy Mule is a mobile bartending business that is very unique and I’d say very customizable to add to any event,” explains Warner. With the name paying homage to Columbia’s nickname of Mule Town and the company’s bubbly drinks, The Fizzy Mule brings its mobile bars to any type of event. “Our most popular events people book us for are weddings, but we also do corporate events, birthday parties, baby showers, everything, all sorts,” she says.
With her Instagram-worthy mobile bars which she describes as “country modern chic,” The Fizzy Mule supplies bartenders, cups, napkins, mixers, ingredients, insurance and covers set up and tear down— “everything but the booze,” explains Warner.
They specialize in making any type of event stand out with specialty cocktails that can be customized by the party host. If the host doesn’t have a signature drink already in mind, Warner will work with them to come up with a memorable beverage for partygoers. After determining the base liquor—or champagne for those who want a bubbly beverage—she’ll discuss choices for different flavors and garnishes that can create an array of cocktails to complement the event perfectly.
For those events with a younger crowd or one that is looking to provide alcohol-free options to guests, The Fizzy Mule can whip up some delectable mocktails or soda bar offerings. TheFizzyMule.com | Instagram: @TheFizzyMule
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dysfunction, inflammatory bowel conditions and other things where absorption of nutrients is impaired. A lot of people have poor gut health for a number of reasons these days. They’re on medications that inhibit the absorption of micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. And so they’re not getting enough nutrients from their food. In these cases, IVs are a great way to get some of those basic nutrients into the body without having to rely on your gut,” Dr. Hutton explains. “Another thing we can do is give special nutrients directly into the bloodstream to help with cellular repair, detoxification, and antioxidants. Vitamin C is one and glutathione is another. Achieving concentrations in the blood that are hard to get directly through oral consumption is a huge benefit of using IVs.”
ARTICLE BY LAUREN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER EVANSMulberry Vitamin Infusions (MVI) has become a place of rejuvenation and community for the Spring Hill area. Founder and Medical Director of all Mulberry Clinics, Dr. Theron Hutton, MD, and Clinical Manager, Jennifer Evans, FNP, discuss both the benefits of IV infusions and what sets MVI apart.
“At the clinic, we administer intravenous fluid and vitamins through a tiny IV catheter directly into the vein for the purpose of helping people to live their best lives. We deal with people who have low energy, brain fog, and gut absorption issues and also help people with very specialized treatment plans when they have chronic illnesses,” Jennifer says.
Dr. Hutton provides a further explanation on the purpose and benefits of IVs. “IVs can be really beneficial to people with chronic fatigue, persistent immune dysfunction, gut
While there are many benefits to the IV vitamin infusions, MVI’s atmosphere makes the clinic an even more beneficial place to be, according to Jennifer. “One thing that sets Mulberry Vitamin Infusions apart is that we only hire RNs to administer IVs. We customize every single treatment for every single patient, every single time. We really try to provide an atmosphere where people can relax and enjoy their time,” Jennifer says. “We have a private room if people just want to be alone. But we also have an open space where we’ve seen that people can build community and schedule their appointments with their friends. I sometimes wonder if there’s just as much benefit to sitting for an hour and just sharing your life, burdens, and joys which happens organically in our environment.”
The knowledgeable nurses at MVI are yet another reason the clinic is set apart for its
outstanding work. “The camaraderie is not just among the patients, it’s with the nurses as well. A lot of times patients book their appointments on the schedule of the nurse that they have come to know because there’s a trust factor there,” Jennifer says. “Our nurses are all very personable, so they will sit and talk with people and explain things,” Dr. Hutton describes. “They know a lot of the patients on a personal level, and people find that comforting and appreciate that. Certainly, people can come in and just do their work or go in a room and open a laptop and get things done. It’s pretty flexible in terms of what people need. And MVI has given the nurses the ability to utilize the skills they have in terms of administering IVs and monitoring patients in a very customized way. But it also lets them talk to patients, get to know them, see what their needs are, and establish a real, personal, compassionate, caring relationship with everybody that comes in.” Dr. Hutton explains.
MVI is located at 5226 Main Street in Spring Hill. MulberryVitaminInfusions.com
Jennifer Evans, Family Nurse Practitioner
Hydrating IV bag
