Why did you start MOM Magazine?

Long story short, I seriously thought I was the only mom who swore, drank wine (lots and lots because it's SO yummy!) and listened to Aerosmith instead of the Wiggles. I don't drive a mini van, I don't bake cookies unless they come from a tube but I do everything I can to raise my kids properly.

Also, I really REALLY got tired of picking up magazines that featured products from Toronto or Vancouver. And the stuff I was picking up around Edmonton is crap. I figured I could do a better job than what I was seeing on the stands at Safeway.

So far, I think we have put out a better product and I think MOM Magazine is nothing like what is out there. Too many "mommy" magazines focus on things other than the mom. We focus solely on the WOMAN inside the mom.

What the hell happened to MOM? I haven't seen an issue since December 2009!

Long story short, I had some family issues that blindsided me in December 2009. I had to make a decision whether or not to continue publishing or take care of my grandfather during his battle with cancer. I chose my grandfather. After he passed away, I slipped into a terrible depression and have only recently come out of it. Losing my grandfather was like losing a dad to most people because we were extremely close and he was like a dad to me. I have absolutely no regrets with my decision and I hope that most people who love MOM, will understand. However, it is also time to start a new chapter with MOM Magazine and that will be the relaunch of MOM as an online magazine! I am very excited about the direction we are going and there is a LOT of amazing things ahead! Bare (bear?) with us as me make these adjustments because in the end, it will be WORTH IT!!!

Some of your stories are offensive. Why do you publish headlines like "Do You Spit or Swallow" or "Are you Pro Bone?"

In the immortal words of George Michael, "Sex is natural, sex is FUN!"

We don't take ourselves too seriously here at MOM Magazine. Back in the day when I was a sports writer, one of my favourite things was coming up with a catchy lead or headline. In fact on my last shift at the Kelowna Courier the Atlantic Falcons made it to the show. They weren't suppose to be there, they were the ultimate underdog. My headline for the sports section was "No Falcon way!" I also wanted to use "Un-Falcon- believable!" but the night shift editor just about shit his pants when he saw what I had done. Needless to say it was a good thing I was leaving the paper...

Anyway, now that I have my own magazine, I can publish what I want. We don't cross the line and our headlines are meant to catch your attention. We have and we will continue to do so.

Big Daddy is a Big Dick.
How does someone as obviously chauvenistic as he is end up in your magazine?

Well, Big Daddy is funny. He really isn't as bad as he seems... he does it to get a reaction out of the readers. It works. Do you know how many times we've been asked to take him out of our magazine because he has offended someone?

First, he isn't writing about YOU. If you think he is you are completely narcissistic and need to realize that Big Daddy doesn't even know you.

Second, if you truly have a sense of humour like you CLAIM to have you will realize that it is all tongue in cheek.

Third, if you really have a problem with Big Daddy, you need to email him. Trust me, he will reply. You make not like what he says but he will take the time to email you back.

Last, check out his page... it may explain a few things.

Do you take submissions?

Yeppers. We don't really have any guidelines... just send us something and if we like it we might use it.

Did you steal What the FAQ?!

Yes. Yes we did. I did a Q&A with Owen Garratt who is a colourblind artist and a super cool dad/hubby. When I checked out his website he had a section called What the FAQ?!

I even mentioned to him that I might steal it in the Q&A. Check out the interview online... He knows... we're not that devious PLUS I give credit where credit is due. What the FAQ is FAQing funny!!

So what does Tamara really do??

Not much, she blogs a lot, schmoozes and boozes, and keeps herself busy with a knitting project.

What's been the biggest problem with the magazine so far? Biggest success?

I have had to deal with some loose cannons, let me tell ya. But the biggest problem I have had has been waking up at 3 a.m. and not having any coffee set to go or worse not having ANY coffee in the house. That causes a HUGE problem because if I have to get up that early to work there had better be coffee!!

Biggest success? There have been major milestones throughout the past couple of years but my BIGGEST coup to date was my interview with the incomparable BEN BARRY!!! He is a trailblazing badass who is turning the fashion industry on its perfectly-coiffed head! Actually, he's not a badass at all, he's a sweet, loveable, charismatic man who's positive attitude is highly-contagious. I love him!!

So what's in store for the future of MOM Magazine?

Well, we plan on taking over the WORLD! One magazine at a time. Beyond that, we want to continue having fun and being passionate about what we do. Without the passion, there is no mag. Ah, who are we kidding, without the ADVERTISERS there is no mag.