Month: January 2019

Donuts to Dancing: Fundraiser for the United Way of Sevier County

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I was running late for a noon appointment in Knoxville, but had just enough time to run into Courthouse Donuts and check up on two contestants in their fundraiser for the United Way of Sevier County in advance of the Dancing With the Stars competition next month.

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The competition, as I understand it, has two parts. Fund raising and dancing. This a lot for someone to take on so I wanted to stop by and help these two hard working members of the community who have a long history supporting the United Way of Sevier County.

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Parking is so easy on Saturday mornings. I parked in front of the new yoga studio and walked around the corner to Courthouse Donuts for the fundraiser. Courthouse Donuts is the heart of downtown Sevierville, in my opinion, so that was a good place to be this morning.

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When I arrived around 11:00 a.m., the competitors were a whirlwind of energy. Pictured left to right: Marcie Shrandt with dance contestants Mike Comer, and Jaclyn Kile.

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I knew that $5 from each order of a dozen doughnuts went to the fundraiser so I looked at the menu to make a decision. An assortment was the easy option. I just looked at the last line on the menu and will order that next time!

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Jennifer Dyer was busy preparing the treats for all customers. She is a strong supporter of multiple organizations in Sevier County.

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Amy Barnett showing her support for the Comer/Kile team at the fundraiser.

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As I picked up my order, many people were starting to line up for their donuts too.

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Team Kile/Comer supporters from left to right: Amy Barnett, Amy Harper, Jodie Everhart, and Marcie Schrandt.

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It was time for me to run so I took one last look at the activity behind the counter. I asked the team if they have danced before. Mike Comer replied, “hell, no!” Asked if he would do it again? The same answer! For those reasons alone, I think that it would be great fun to attend the main event next month!

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Jaclyn Kile and Mike Comer have been practicing for their performance 2-3 times a week in addition to fund raising for the United Way. I can’t think of anyone better to win the mirror ball for dancing or the fundraising award for the United Way of Sevier County.

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A Visit to Wanderlust Salon and Spa

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I have several spas that I like in this area. They are special in different ways. However,  when Jennifer messaged me yesterday about Wanderlust Salon and Spa then I knew that I had to visit soon. In fact, I was lucky enough to be there just a couple of of hours later. If you don’t know about this place then follow along for a quick overview until you can make your own appointment. This is another ‘don’t miss’ place that should be on your radar. Come with me to Wanderlust Salon and Spa.

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According to this sign, it would meet almost any spa need. I already know the location because I use A+ Alterations next door. It is on the right on the way to Walmart, before the Pilot station.

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I like this sign and am sure that there is a story behind it. I asked about how the salon got started and understand that it was opened by a lady who was working somewhere else but had a dream to open her own business. There is a lot more to the story, but I will wait to hear more next time. I had booked a 25 minute massage right before closing time so time was of the essence!

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I was excited to see that this is an Aveda Salon. My hair has been in the care of Aveda salons over the years and I like their products.

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I loved the sparkly floors and cute foot rests for the shampoo bowls. Cute!

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The vibe is unique and you will enjoy the visuals and decorations. Also, I heard Oasis playing in the background so that was a good start for my visit.

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The salon is quite spacious. The next picture will show what really caught me by surprise.

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The spa part of the business is actually upstairs. You walk up a cool “Harry Potter” kind of stairway to the spa. It gives you the feeling that you are going to a special place!

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The hallway contains at least 12 different rooms. It is quite spacious and I love the ceiling lighting.

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I liked the robes hanging in the dressing room. Just lock the door, change, put valuables in a locker, take the key and go across the hall into a relaxation room.

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The lighting creates a nice ambiance in the hallway. Hot and cold beverages were available so come a little early or stay a little late to unwind.

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My time in the relaxation room was brief so I will unwind a little longer there on my next visit to the spa.

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I had a wonderful 25 minute massage and can’t wait to go back for at least an hour. I remembered the massage therapist from another spa in town and was delighted to see her. She was wonderful!

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All too soon, my massage was done and it was time to go. I found a hair finishing product that I needed and added it to my total. Certainly, I was glad not to have to drive to Knoxvegas to get it. The ladies were very friendly and helpful making the visit easy and relaxing, making you want to return soon.

Here is link to the Wanderlust Salon and Spa website. https://wanderlustsalonspa.com/hours

Wanderlust Salon and Spa

1338 Parkway, Ste 5, Sevierville, TN 37862

(865) 366-3100

Hours

Mon

Closed

Tue

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Wed

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thu

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Fri

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sat

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sun

Closed

 

Or, check the Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/Wanderlustsalonspa/

Both the website and Facebook page have a lot of photos. If you want a salon cut with a modern edge then this may be the place to go in Sevierville. I loved the color work in the photos as well.

I am always glad to get tips from friends in regard to new places to visit in Sevierville. In this case, I could tell by the way that Jennifer described the Wanderlust Salon and Spa that it would be special and the massage would be divine. As luck would have it, they fit me in before the day was over. It is a new place that I recommend when you are out and about in Severville. 

Pastry Heaven at the Wildflour Bakehouse

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During the holidays, I allow myself to have a couple of pastries so last week was the perfect time to visit the Wildflour Bakehouse on the Parkway. It is located almost across the street from the K-mart shopping center, behind McDonalds and Long John Silver’s restaurant. You can also access the back of the building from Court Avenue. Come along with us for a holiday lunch to the Wildflour Bakehouse.

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First, you will notice that it is spacious and has a variety of seating areas.

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I liked the vintage sectional sofa on the left side of the room, under the flat screen TV that plays the Food Network. It is clearly the right color!

IMG_1995There is also a room to the right for sipping  coffee or relaxing. We loved the deep purple.

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Next, you will notice the abundance of pastries in the case. The owner and her friend will tell you the specials of the day and how things are made, if you like. They are very friendly and will tell you how their friendship and working situation actually began in Knox County when they worked together at the 911 Center.

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It can get a little busy during the lunch hour. David Verble works downtown and is a happy return customer.

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Several of us ordered the chicken salad sandwich on cranberry bread. You also receive a cookie with your lunch. We really enjoyed the mini cookie trays which were used to serve our lunches. So cute!

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That day, soup choices were tomato basil or chicken pot pie soup. Both were very good.

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Someone said that their cinnamon bun eaten later at home was very, very good!

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I actually returned to the Bakehouse with a friend a few days later for lunch. Here were the specials that day.

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I ordered the avocado toast and it was wonderful.

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A beautiful gold cake!

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Wildflour Bakehouse was ready for New Year’s Eve customers with these cute sugar cookies. During lunch about 8 people were in line to order so it was a busy.

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A special holiday cookie with peppermint—what a good idea !

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They make everything at the Wildflour Bakehouse, even scones!

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The shelves were freshly stocked with breads and other pastries for the New Year’s Eve and Day holidays.

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The Bakehouse also has a private room that can be used for different events. Talk to them about that when you visit. If you order a cake from them then you may get a very good deal on using the room for the first hour.

We really enjoyed our lunch(es) at the Wildflour Bakehouse and will return again soon. I was glad that we were there during our holiday and didn’t have to rush through lunch. You will want to linger a little with friends, but maybe sit a little farther from the pastry booth if your willpower is weak. There are many tempting treats at the Wildflour Bakehouse and you will want to try them all!

See you out and about in Sevierville.