The Proud Pioneer

11/04/2024

Roaming to Roamstead . . .

What comes to your mind when you think of The Great Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg, TN? A recent trip with family and friends prompted me to think about my views on the region.

Read my thoughts here: https://www.theproudpioneer.com/post/roaming-to-roamstead

or visit www.TheProudPioneer.com

Upon uttering the words 'Great Smoky Mountains', each person's mind instinctively conjures specific imagery. The Great Outdoors. Gatlinburg/The Strip. Dollywood. Pigeon Forge. Great food. Confederate flags. Traffic. The thing is – all these are true, but none of them even really start to capture t...

11/03/2024

Are you looking for some kid tested, mom approved deals and steals? If you answered "yes" you'd better be following the Pink Peony! You'll find some unique finds with real world reviews. Go check them out!

The Pink Peony

28/02/2024

This chocolate cake is a classic dessert that is known for its rich, chocolate flavor and moist texture. It is a popular choice for birthdays, anniversaries, but is simple enough to make any night of the week.

You can also make mixes ahead of time to keep in your pantry or share with friends! Get creative and try some of the variations I've noted or come up with an addition of your own!

Find the recipe here:

https://www.theproudpioneer.com/recipes/pioneer-chocolate-cake

19/02/2024

A Dolly Parton / Pitbul mashup was not in my 2024 bingo card - but OMG this is THE BEST song and the Absolute best tribute to Powerful Women. You can’t smile and can’t not want to dance when you hear this! Shout out to all the powerful women out there!!

On Amazon Music

14/02/2024

Are you looking for a simple and delicious dinner for tonight? This crowd pleaser is a breeze to make (and since you prepare it all in one bowl - cleanup is super easy!).

Pioneer Tip: Double the recipe and freeze the second batch for 3-4 months. Simply thaw and bake on a day you don't feel like cooking!

Find the recipe here:

https://www.theproudpioneer.com/recipes/cheesy-pesto-chicken-tortellini-

Or visit www.TheProudPioneer.com for other recipes, tips, tricks and travel ideas!

07/02/2024

Brownies . . . any night of the week!

Brownies are a delicious and iconic dessert that can be enjoyed all year round. If you're looking for a simple and delicious brownie recipe, you've come to the right place. Let me introduce you to our foolproof brownie recipe that is perfect for any occasion.

Brownies are loved by people of all ages and are easy to bake at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create rich and fudgy brownies that taste just as good as the ones from your local bakery. Our recipe will guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your brownies turn out perfect every time. You can also make this recipe as a mix for your friends that is great for any occasion!

Let the brownies cool completely before slicing and serving. Top them with your favorite frosting, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream and enjoy! Pioneer Tip: Don't cut your brownies in the pan! Let cool in the pan, then flip on to a cutting board. You can then make cleaner cuts and avoid the mess of getting that first brownie out!

These brownies are rich and fudgy, with a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolaty goodness. They pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious treat, our brownie recipe is sure to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Give our foolproof brownie recipe a try and indulge yourself in this timeless dessert. We guarantee that you'll be hooked after the first bite!

Find the recipe here:

https://www.theproudpioneer.com/recipes/pioneer-brownies

05/02/2024

Make your Travel Dreams Come True

When it comes to magical and memorable vacations, there's no better destination than Disney! As a travel agency specializing in Disney travel, Travel Dreams is here to make your dream of visiting the happiest place on earth a reality. They have in-depth knowledge and expertise in all aspects of Disney vacations, from theme park tickets to hotel reservations, dining reservations, and even Disney Cruise Line vacations.

When you work with Travel Dreams, you unlock a world of benefits that go beyond just booking your trip. They will make sure you get the absolute best price available and offer you lots of exciting extras! This means they can often secure better prices and extra perks that will make your vacation even more magical.

What sets a Travel Dreams apart from other travel agencies is our unparalleled level of service and expertise. Their team of Disney specialists has specially trained, and they have a deep understanding of the Disney parks and resorts. They know the ins and outs of each Disney destination and can provide you with expert advice and recommendations based on your preferences and budget.

In addition to booking your vacation, their services extend beyond the reservation process. They offer personalized itinerary planning, helping you create the perfect Disney vacation tailored to your interests and needs. Let them guide you through the myriad of options, from choosing the perfect resort to planning exciting activities and dining experiences. Their goal is to ensure that your vacation is seamless and unforgettable.

If Disney isn't your thing, Travel Dreams can help you book any other type of vacation you have been dreaming about. Let my friend Eric and his team make your next vacation one you will never forget!

Visit Travel Dreams at: https://www.wemakemagic.net/

or visit the Village Marketplace at www.TheProudPioneer.com

02/02/2024

Chattanooga, TN - More than Just the Cho-Cho!

Chattanooga TN is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or family-friendly activities, Chattanooga has something for everyone.

We visited Chattanooga last fall and fell in love with the charm, the downtown scene and all the possibilities for adventure! Pioneer Tip - stay at the Moxy downtown! While the rooms are small, they have a delightful Bohemiam vibe and the hotel is close to everything. The staff is super helpful, it's pet friendly and has both indoor and outdoor space to hang out!

Check out my whole article on Chattanooga here: https://www.theproudpioneer.com/post/chattanooga-tn-more-than-just-the-cho-cho

Or Visit the Travel Adventures section of:
www.TheProudPioneer.com

31/01/2024

Pioneer Caramel Popcorn!

Are you looking to elevate your movie nights with an absolutely delicious treat? Look no further! This caramel popcorn recipe is a game-changer that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create an irresistible snack that everyone will love. So, gather your friends and family, grab your favorite movie, and get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering treat!

Click the link below for the full recipe!

https://www.theproudpioneer.com/recipes/pioneer-caramel-popcorn

So where did the Proud Pioneer name come from?  It's a name I picked for two reason.  First, I'm a proud Alumni of Glenville State College (now Glenville State University) in Glenville, WV - where our mascot was the brave and proud Pioneer.  Secondly, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I spent ...

29/01/2024

The story of a Broadway star who transforms into a soap maker is a fascinating journey that takes us beyond the bright lights of stage and into the quiet simplicity of a small countryside town. But this isn’t just any countryside town, and this isn’t just any Broadway star!

With his captivating voice and effortless charisma, Gregg Goodbrod became one of my favorite people when I saw him onstage in 9 to 5 The Musical (of course . . . you know how much I love Dolly, anyway!). Our family quickly became Gregg fans – going to see him in several shows including Les Misérables, The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Momma Mia (which our youngest son, from the third row, thought was a sing-along!).

Moving to Woodstock, NY . . . yes THAT Woodstock, Gregg found joy in living the country life - chickens and all. With a passion for natural ingredients and a desire to create products that were gentle on the skin, Gregg delved into the world of soap making. He has spent countless hours researching and experimenting with various formulas, determined to create a line of soaps that would provide both effectiveness and a luxurious experience.

The result is his own line of soaps, Peace. Love. Lather. As soon as Gregg announced his soaps were ready for purchase, I ordered three bars and fell in love with them. I’m sure you will too!
You can find his soaps here https://PeaceLoveLather.com
or in The Village Marketplace at https://www.theproudpioneer.com/

Peace Love Lather

Gregg Goodbrod