Sharon Vinderine CEO and founder of PTPA Media. I am dedicated to helping consumers choose wisely when purchasing products for their family. As a mom of two, my greatest pleasure aside from my family, is the fantastic feedback we have received from the parenting community and the media. Clearly PTPA Media is having an impact. All of our winners are Parent Tested and Parent Approved, because PARENTS KNOW BEST! |
Lena Almeida My obsession with deal-seeking began when I decided to become a stay at home mom, professional diaper change artist, and best friend to my darling little boys. Living well on one salary definitely included trimming (and eliminating) the excess. Since I love to shop, simply abstaining was not an option; so I found an easier solution - just work at constantly finding the best quality for the best price. |
Susan Originally from the midwest, I am currently situated in the beautiful and sunny California. I have 2 daughters, one a toddler and the other a baby. Currently, I am continuing my studies in Motherhood, and a masters in Household Management. My blog MOMMAS IN THE HOUSE was started because I had so many moms approaching me to blog about my own experiences, as well as the products that I used and liked using. I write about products that are innovative, mom-inspired, mom-invented, eco-friendly, and anything from prenatal care to children's toys. |
Kathryn Howell As the Marketing Director at PTPA and a Mom of 2 children I know the importance of finding products that parents approve of! There is so much to choose from on the market and I love seeing the wonderful products that come through our doors at PTPA and seeing the terrific feedback from our evaluators. Each campaign I learn a little bit more about how to find the right products for your family. I love dealing with the companies who submit and the parents who review! It is a fun and rewarding job! |
Alyson Schafer Alyson Schafer is a psychotherapist and one of the nation's leading parenting experts. She's the author of the best selling books "Breaking the Good Mom Myth" (Wiley, 2006) and "Honey, I Wrecked The Kids" ( Wiley, 2009). Alyson is the host of Roger's TV "The Parenting Show" as well as making guest appearances on such well known shows as The Montel William's Show. Alyson mixes humour with wisdom in a way that reaches and inspires audiences internationally. |
Dara Duff-Bergeron Dara Duff-Bergeron is a veteran fitness trainer and a specialist in women’s health and fitness. Dara shares her exceptional experience and down-to-earth philosophy through her fitness company, Fit Family, and her popular Belly Bootcamp pre/post-natal fitness classes for modern mommies. Dara is mommy of one with another on the way, and lives in Toronto with her own little fit family. When she’s not training clients or writing, Dara can be found doing push ups with her toddler and generally avoiding housework. |
Julie Cole As a busy mama of six and co-founding Vice-President of leading personalized label company, Mabel’s Labels, time for leisurely shopping trips is limited! Fortunately, through both roles, I’m exposed to lots of great kids’ items and a fabulous network of savvy mamas, ever ready to share their latest finds. I love stuff that is well designed and of high enough quality to be passed down a kid or three. I’ll be blogging about products that I find especially useful, helpful and just plain cool! |
Leanne Heilman As a busy wife, mom and executive, I'm fighting a constant battle to maximize the time I'm given each day. I am always looking for products that make life with kids easier, safer, or just plain more fun! As the founder and editor of Rave and Review, a Seattle-based review site that showcases new and established children and family items that are family tested with the highest standards, I work hard to find the best products for every family. Rave and Review's mother/father review team covers everything from baby and beyond and anything that encourages time spent as a family. I hope you will stop by and introduce yourself and explore the site a bit! |
Tenille I'm a 32 year old married stay-at-home mom of 2 living on the Canadian prairies. I've always wanted to be a a stay at home mom, but like others I longed for an outlet for my creativity and something to call my own. My blog, Feisty Frugal & Fabulous is my 'other' job and I love what I do! The blog is home to hundreds of product reviews and giveaways for everyone in the family. It's awesome being able to review products for my family and so much fun being able to send out winning emails and making someone's day. I've met some wonderful women doing what I do. |
Nena As a busy mom of 2 (Jr Puff and Jr Princess as my husband has so aptly named them) high energy yet totally adorable children, I am constantly on the look out for the latest and greatest toys, gadgets, clothes, food and health products. As I continue through my journey of parenthood I am thrilled to be able to share the experiences, stories and over the top adventures that we have as family and the products that invade our lives. Happy reading and thanks for following. |
Tammi Roy Tammi is a 30 year old Mother of Twin Toddlers and a 5 year old. Living in Western Canada, she officially became a SAHM after the Twins were born. Blogging has become her outlet, friend and a great way to keep the sanity after a long day of mothering! On her blog, she reviews family-friendly products, gives back to her readers with giveaways as well. The best outcome of it all, she gets to chat with people from all over the world and form relationships with the people behind the brands, and fellow parents as well. |
Jen Ellenberger Jen Ellenberger is a first-time Mom of a seven month old baby girl. Living in Eastern Canada, she is a Sales and Marketing professional currently on maternity leave. On her blog, Mommy Brain, she provides straight-up thoughts and advice for other new Moms and Moms-to-be. She strives to keep readers laughing while encouraging an open forum for exchanging ideas. Jen is looking forward to offering honest and reliable feedback on her featured products. |
Laurie My name is Laurie and I was born and raised in Texas. So if you should ever meet me, don't be surprised to hear me say I am fixing to do something. In 1999, I moved to Colorado. In 2003, I met my husband of now 5 years and started our family. I am a SAHM of 2 beautiful kiddos, one boy and one girl. They keep me quite busy! In addition to my 2 children, I have 3 dogs that are all rescues. In my spare time, (which isn't much) I write on my blog and meet other great clueless moms . I am very passionate about finding new products for reviews and giveaways and sharing them with the people I meet. |
Tara Bucci Stay at home mom, Tara Bucci, was desperate to find a creative outlet after missing some of the the social interactions her professional life before mommy-hood afforded her. After a year of getting a handle on being a new mommy to daughter Isabella, in early 2009 she founded BabyMommaBlog.com. The goal was to help provide a multitude of parenting tips, tricks, product reviews for other new mommies experiencing the same daily challenges as herself. How did she come up with the name? I'm sure some of you have seen the movie "BabyMomma" which was based in Tara's hometown, Philadelphia. The name was catchy and summed up her mission.. the rest is history! |
Bonnie Lee I am a retired Grandmother (60 years' old). My family consists of my beautiful daughter Kathryn, son-in-law Eren, and the most precious grandchildren - Kailey and Dylan and grandogger Jessie. Since my retirement at the end of 2007, my life revolves around my family. I spent 40 years in the work force and owned my own business for 22 of those years, so having time now to help out with my grandchildren is a luxury to me. That seems funny because I was a feminist in the '60s and looking after kids and cooking was the farthest thing from my mind. Now things have changed and I love it. I have a lot of funny stories about my escapades these days! |
Theresa Albert Theresa Albert is a chef and nutritionist who has graced the pages of many newspapers and magazines, appeared on countless television spots, authored two books and hosted her own Food Network show. Her knowledge and enthusiasm about all things food is immeasurable. To hear Theresa speak is an invigorating and informing experience as she shares her passion with humor and verve. She is the voice of practical and healthy reason in a world where food often comes least or last when it can so easily be a simple, delicious and nourishing part of even the busiest day. |
Heather Hamilton I'm Heather Hamilton, the very lucky stay-at-home mommy of three boys (age 6 and 2 year old twins!). One of our beautiful twins, Zack was born with a genetic disorder causing many health and developmental issues. Over the last two years, I have found my own strength, perseverance, patience and inner SuperMommy! I have been called on to be Advocate, Cheerleader, Doctor, Nurse, Warrior and sometimes just a loving mommy! I hope that through these posts, I can be a voice to speak for this group in which I belong, inspire a mom as I have been inspired and reach out to a community who has taught me unparalleled determination, unconditional love and inner strength. |
Deborah Chan Deb Chan is an interface designer and a new mom who is learning "on the job" and adjusting to her first year of motherhood. Along the way she has felt inspired to share her experiences with other mommies and moms-to-be. She started writing "Tips for Mommies" which chronicles the good, the bad and the ugly of pregnancy and motherhood. Her honest and candid perspective has helped other moms to survive and thrive in their first year as parents. |
Nicole Christen I'm a Canadian mom (with two energetic little boys) who is always on the lookout for new ways to better manage the balancing act that comes with motherhood, graduate studies, and blogging. When my first son was born in 2006, I opted to resign from my job as a grade six teacher to be a stay-at-home parent. Recently, my interest in homeschool education inspired me to pursue a Master of Educational Technology degree. My blog, My Real Review, was originally launched as a side project to learn more about social media/networking while I shared my thoughts on what really works. Little did I know how much I would love writing! My Real Review has now become a part-time job and I thoroughly enjoy putting products and ideas to the test! |
Joy David-Tilberg Joy is a certified Makeup Junkie mommy, professional freelance makeup artist, and beauty blogger based in Toronto. She is the founder of MakeupJunkie.ca where she shares beauty reviews, celebrity style, and beauty tips. As a makeup artist, she specializes in bridal, runway, television and print. Some of her makeup work has landed in the pages of Flare and Fashion magazine, and Slice.ca. When she’s not working, Joy likes to spend time with her two favourite boys: husband and son. |
Lauren Carroll Lauren Carroll is the founder of Toronto4Kids, one of the leading children's directories in the Greater Toronto Area. This comprehensive directory includes after-school programs, birthday parties, camps, shopping, services, sports, parenting articles, resources, family travel & more. It promotes family-friendly events & entertainment, seasonal activities & outings - in and around the city. The site also offers Free Coupons & great Contests! Also check out the Babies, Dogs & Educators Zones. |
Andrew Bochman Andy is a father of four who lives in the Boston area half a mile from fabulous Red Sox Fenway Park. He works (mainly from home) for IBM and is the founder and author of two influential energy blogs: the Smart Grid Security Blog, and the DOD Energy Blog. Andy is an avid runner and cyclist, but mainly stays in shape chasing kids, a cat, and a dog....and running up and downstairs doing laundry. |
Allison O'Kelly Allison O'Kelly, founder and CEO of Mom Corps, graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia, passed the CPA exam on the first try, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. |
Tracy Ouellette I am a 37 year old full time mom of three busy boys. They are 11, 3 and 1 year old. I hail from beautiful northern Nova Scotia. I am a very busy and creative mom and I totally enjoy all life has to offer. I love spending time with my family, being healthy and staying active. I work part time outside the home in the customer service industry. I enjoy connecting with people and what better way to do that than to create a blog. After reading so many fantastic blogs, I decided to create The Daily Mom Diaries. I love to share stories, parenting information, health and fitness ideas and recipes. (especially recipes for food allergic children!) I also love to try new things and share my thoughts with anyone and everyone!! |
Garah Cassady I'm a wife, mother of three, and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Palm Coast. I have been a SAHM for the past eight years. I love being a mother and feel that it is the most important duty I will ever perform. I am so excited about having a voice here on the PTPA Panel of Moms! I look forward to sharing my experiences, tips and honest opinion with all of you! |
 Mom of 2. Wife of 1. Lover of coffee, naps, bad movies, and fluff books. 80s music trivia genius. Not kidding. |
Amanda DeGrace Here I go on the journey of motherhood with many ups, downs and bumps along the way. Join the laughs, mistakes and fun as we take one day at at time. Baby #1, a boy, arrived Friday May 14th, 2010. His arrival was much anticipated by mommy and daddy. Our fingers are crossed that we are not in over our heads!! I really want to know after 9 months of vomitting and now breastfeeding around the clock, when do I get to have a gin and tonic again? When not busy being a mommy I am an experienced yoga teacher in the Ottawa area, and can be found developing my business DeGrace Energetics as we specialize in our Little Lotus Yoga & Parent Safe First Aid programs. More info can be found at www.littlelotusyoga.ca & our facebook fan page @ Little Lotus Yoga or on twitter @littlelotusyoga After years of being a nanny I decided it was time to raise my own children and am delighted that I have an excellent man to dive into this roller coaster ride with! Follow our family journey at http://namastemommy.wordpress.com & on twitter @amandadegrace |
Kristin I am an official boo-boo kisser, monster chaser, book reader, baby rocker, lullaby singer and jungle gym to three fabulous kids. In my free time (an astounding 17 minutes per day!) I like to write...especially on my blog, Reviewed By Mom. |
Marcella Franco I graduated with an Early Childhood Education Diploma and then specialized in Montessori Education - so when my first daughter was born, I thought I knew what to expect and what to do...little did I know! I am now a stay at home mother of two beautiful little girls who is learning about love, life and children everyday. And although I still run to my books for information, I have found that the greatest lessons I've learnt have come directly from my two sweet, yet mischievous little treasures. My blog has become my outlet to share, rant and rave about our experiences, stories, lessons, products and of course sales! |
Sara Roberts I am a SAHM of three and we live in the great state of Iowa. Go Hawks! The Millennial Housewife is dedicated to helping moms find great deals, laugh a little, and be better homemakers. |
Melissa Massello As the CEO and “Stealfinder in Chief” of Shoestring Magazine, a style-savvy, budget-conscious, and eco-friendly online magazine, Melissa is a new media entrepreneur who's passionate about bringing her readers resources that are both good for the wallet and good for the planet. She does just that through Shoestring’s free weekly "Gumshoe Files" email, as well as in her work as co-founder of The Swapaholics, an event planning company changing the way we shop for clothes by marrying retail therapy and recycling at their regularly hosted urban clothing and beauty product swaps. |
Soulla Lindo My name is Soulla and I'm a blogaholic. I love connecting with new and fascinating people in the blogosphere. I'm a communications professional who is currently on maternity leave and blogging allows me to both express myself and continue to hone my skills. I'm also a mom, stepmom, dog-mom and devoted wife to four fabulous boys who make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Tune in as I share my stories, frustrations, thoughts, mommy tips (and blunders), great shopping finds, yummy recipes and hopefully you can share the same with me! |
Brenda Stull I am a SAHM to a 10 year old son and 6 year old daughter in Sunny Florida. I have always had a passion to plan parties and socials with my friends and family. Now that I am a mom, I enjoy planning parties on a budget that will delight my children. When I'm not volunteering at school, crafting with my daughter's Daisy troop, reading for my Book Club or just being a super busy Mom, I love finding creative and affordable ways to transform a simple party into a memorable event. |