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Being a blogger has it's blessings. I have been able to partner with some pretty wonderful people, brands, and organizations. GMC is one of those great partnerships. Back in August I participated in a wonderful farm-to-table project where we donated supplies to local school to start their own gardens. Last night I had the privilege of chatting with Carter Oosterhouse and Eric Stromer of HGTV fame.

Carter, Eric, and Sam Tablot have partnered with GMC to bring you GMC Trade Secrets; a website dedicated to showcasing simple DIY and how to videos on cooking, home decor, and home improvement. I have really enjoyed browsing through the videos. Being an advocate for the farmer's market, I loved this video from Sam on tips for shopping at outdoor farmer's markets.



And Carter shared with me that half the videos were filmed at his Traverse City, Michigan home a week before his wedding! Carter also shared with me about his non-profit organization Carter's Kids. They build playgrounds across the country for communities in need.

Here's a great video from Carter on making your own mason jar citronella candles. I never knew how easy it is!



GMC generously allowed me to test drive the 2011 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid while travelling to Los Angeles. .  It was so nice to get chance to test drive the car in an everyday setting. Before travelling to L.A. I took the car on a few errands. While learning to maneuver the largeness of the Yukon was a challenge, the ride was incredible. I could barely tell it was on! The in-dash navigation system and hands free calling Bluetooth technology in the steering wheel made my hour plus drive to Los Angeles a breeze!

If you've long thought of GMC as a truck company, I challenge you to take a test drive and see for yourself how GMC is making their trucks, SUV's and crossovers for all lifestyles, not just truck lovers.

*Disclosure: I was given a car to test-drive for 24 hours, dinner and a hotel stay for 1 night. I was not expected to write a blog post and was not paid to share about GMC. My opinions are my own. I genuinely enjoy GMC cars.

It was the summer of 2008. I was searching online for something. I can't remember exactly what it was. Maybe it was a recipe, or craft activity. I can't remember. I had 2 small children, I could barely remember my own name! Whatever it was, it led me to a kids craft blog that I absolutely adored. Kiddio.org. I remember thinking to myself: I could do what she's doing. I could start blog. I could turn my passion for kids and creativity and writing into something online. So I began scouring blogs. Any blog about moms, parenting, crafts, kids and food.

Then I happened upon an interview by Janice and Susan of 5 Minutes For Mom of Michelle of Scribbit. That one interviewsealed the deal for me. Michelle's perspective gave me wings. So, I decided spread my wings and see if I could fly. Since that summer almost 3 years ago to to the day, I cultivated a career for myself and have been able to stay home with my kids. I get to help families make mealtime fun! My journey to being Muffin Tin Mom has been filled with a lot of hard work, but it has been so worth it.

To add to my fulfillment I am a part of a great group of local women who all support each other on their blogging journey. I count myself fortunate to be among them. Collectively, we support each other and local businesses along the way. My favorite little cupcake shop is a local business that I have been able to support though not only my patronage, but also through social media avenues like Facebook and Twitter. And our local farmer's market? That's like local business heaven!

So now, Intuit is helping small businessesachieve their dreams by awarding $25,000 each month to a local business! $25,000!


So I’m curious to know: What dream business would you love to start? A Blog? Cupcake shop? I want to know! By replying you will be entered to win an iPad 2!  (Yep, you read that right.)

*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Intuit’s Love A Local Businesscompetition. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs August 10 to September 1, 2011. A random winner will be announced by September 6, 2011. Official Contest Rules