Anna Wallner
Shopaholic
Amateur chef
Powder hound
Savvy shopper
Gizmo geek
Globe trotter
The Pursuit of Smart Shopping
Shopping has always been a passion of mine. From shoes to shag carpets to shaving cream, whatever I'm buying, I get a thrill, however small, knowing I'm buying the right product for the job.
But I haven't always been an expert consumer. I've definitely experienced my share of product mishaps and purchase woes in my time. I had plenty of my own shopping horrors in my pre-Shopping Bag days, and heard plenty more stories from friends and family. Because we were tired of having these experiences, Kristina and I came up with the idea to create The Shopping Bags.
What I enjoy most about being a Shopping Bag is looking at what's out there for consumers and not only helping people see through marketing ploys and quality issues, but also finding those hidden gems that really should be shared with the world.
My Background
Originally from Toronto, I attended the University of British Columbia for my Bachelor of Arts degree and continued on to complete my graduate studies in journalism at University of King's College in Halifax.
In 1994, I returned to the west coast to start my television career with Global News Vancouver as a reporter. I spent two years as the bureau chief of Global's Fraser Valley News Bureau, then moved back to the Vancouver office and became anchor and reporter for Global's Your Health news segment.
In 1999 I was voted Broadcaster of Tomorrow by the BC Broadcasters Association, and in 2000 I was nominated for a prestigious Webster award for my work as a health reporter. Along with Kristina, I've earned numerous awards as host and producer of Anna & Kristina's Grocery Bag, and The Shopping Bags.
Kristina Matisic
Marathon shopper
Bargain hunter
Intrepid traveler
Product tester
Multi-linguist
Book enthusiastSavvy Shoppers Are Happy Shoppers
Whether it's hot and stylish or new and handy, you can bet I'll be putting it through The Shopping Bags testing regimen. And manufacturers beware, I'm not afraid to look under the hood!
But I wasn't always this way. In fact, I'm a reformed impulse-buyer. How much time and money did I spend taking back stuff I shouldn't have bought in the first place? I don't even want to think about it!
Now my motto is: ask questions first; buy later (and only if you think it's the right product for the job).
What I love about being a Shopping Bag is having the opportunity to take so many products for a test drive. And I love the surprises -- when one product really outperforms the rest. Finding a real winner is immensely satisfying.
All this product testing also saves me so much time at the store. No more staring blankly at the store shelves, trying to choose the right product. Now I know what works!
My Background
I attended the University of British Columbia for my undergrad Arts degree and continued on to achieve a Masters in Journalism from the University of Southern California.
I spent six years with Global TV Vancouver, first as an overnight news anchor, and then as the anchor and producer of the 11:30 pm evening newscast.
In 1997 I was voted Broadcaster of Tomorrow by the BC Broadcasters Association and have earned numerous awards along with Anna as hosts and producers of Anna & Kristina's Grocery Bag and The Shopping Bags.
Anna & Kristina
In 1999, we created The Shopping Bags and enjoyed seven fantastic seasons (205 episodes) of product testing and sharing our shopping expertise with viewers on W Network in Canada and the Fine Living network in the US.
In 2008, we launched our new show, Anna & Kristina's Grocery Bag, in which we step into the kitchen to test cookbooks, kitchen products, and our own culinary skills. Catch our shows on W Network in Canada, and Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in the USA and Canada. Check your local listings for show times.
In Fall 2009, we launched a new fashion-based show, Anna & Kristina's Beauty Call, in the same spirit as our previous two series. We put women's and men's clothing, trends, beauty and personal care items to the test, and reveal behind-the-scenes secrets from the fashion and beauty industry. There are some interesting surprises for us, and viewers! Anna & Kristina's Beauty Call airs on W Network and CosmopolitanTV in Canada.
It's shopping like you've never seen it before!
Click the play button below for a glimpse into how we uncover the real story for shoppers around the globe:
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