Spring is almost here! Of course you might not know it because it’s still raining, snowing and storming in most of the country but ladies (and gentlemen) it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning our homes! I will be hosting a spring cleaning event here on Ask Anna that will go from April 2nd-16th (I know those are odd dates but it begins and ends on a Saturday). We will be cleaning everything from our windows and draperies to our doors and vents. Tasks will be given every other day so you will have 2 days to complete each… Read More
How to Clean Hard Water Buildup
I had a reader ask me how to clean hard water buildup and I had a little grime around my kitchen sink faucet so I thought I’d demonstrate for you! The key to getting off water grime is actually something that I learned from my father in law. The house we built a few years ago had really hard water so we were constantly battling water build up on our faucets and shower heads. So here’s the trick: white vinegar. Before Step 1: Pour white vinegar all over the grimy area. Step 2: Cover with saran wrap to seal… Read More
Birthday Party for my 2 Year Old
We had my daughter’s birthday party this weekend and it was so much fun! Who would have thought that 14 toddlers, 3 babies and a lot of adults could be so much fun? My awesome friend Bethany took these pictures for me so I wanted to share them with you. She captured some great moments from the party, I hope you enjoy them. 🙂 This was my first attempt at making a fondant cake. I was extremely excited with the outcome, I will definitely be making more in the future! Here are the cupcakes I made to go… Read More
Creamy Artichoke Chicken Recipe
My friend Bethany came up with this creamy artichoke chicken recipe (of course I put my own spin on it because that’s just what I do). She is an amazing cook and I have to admit this recipe is definitely in my top 10 favorites. It’s jammed packed full of fresh, creamy, delicious flavors. I know you love it as much as I do! Ingredients:For the topping1 can artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped (I also pat them dry with a paper towel so there’s no water on them)3 TBS mayonnaiseZest from 1 lemonJuice of 1/2 a lemon1/2 cup Parmesan… Read More
How to Clean a Washing Machine
Ever wonder how to clean a washing machine? Well I have to admit I’ve thought about doing this 100 times but I’ve never actually done it until writing this post. Look at my washing machine, it desperately needed it!!! Seriously gross! Step 1: Fill the washing machine up and pour in 2 cups of white vinegar. Let set for 1 hour. I think mine accidentally sat for 2 hours because I got busy doing stuff while Malea was napping. 🙂 Step 2: Start the washing machine over again and let it run through a complete cycle. When I drained my… Read More
How to Clean Clothing Stains
Over the years I have used many brands of stain removers but my favorite–by far–is Oxi Clean Max Force. Who knows what I was thinking when I let my daughter outside to play in her white pants but it does make for a perfect blog to show you how well Oxi Clean Max Force works! Grass stain Mud stains that were on the entire rim of both pant legs! More grass stains. Thanks to the great cleaning power of Oxi Clean Max Force Malea’s pants are back to new and now I know not to let her out… Read More
How to Meal Plan
The question I get asked more often than any other is about meal planning. My normal routine is to plan 2 weeks worth of meals and then only shop once/pay period. Because really, who wants to grocery shop more then they have to? So today I am spilling it all for you, all my tricks and all the steps I take to plan two weeks worth of meals. Here are my instructions for how to meal plan, it’s actually really easy! Step 1: Make your recipes easily accessible. This is really important because if your favorite recipes are not… Read More
3 Ingredient Mango Salsa Chicken
This is seriously the easiest recipe EVER! This mango salsa chicken on has 3 ingredients and it’s bursting with flavor! I got this recipe from a friend, it’s from a Trader Joe’s cookbook. If you don’t have a TJ’s near you that’s okay, you can find these ingredients at any grocery store. Ingredients:4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts1 (12oz) jar Pineapple Salsa2 cups frozen Mango Chunks Directions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees2. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish, cover with salsa, and top with mango chuncks (don’t bother thawing them). 3. Cover with foil. Bake 40 minutes, or until chicken… Read More