Ask Anna

Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

I have a lot of favorite summer recipes but this is definitely in the top 5! This is an original recipe that my mom has made for years now; it’s super easy and takes about 10 minutes, perfect for busy summer nights! I’m not sure what any of the measurements are because I just throw all the ingredients in and toss them so I’m totally guessing on the measurements below. If you want to add more, or less, of something please do! Feel free to make it your own! Basil Pesto Pasta Salad Ingredients 1 Large package Cheese Tortellini 1… Read More

How to Clean Oven Glass

I have never found a good solution to removing the cooked-on grime on my oven glass. However last week after posting about Discoloration on the Oven a reader asked me the dreaded question: “How do I clean oven glass?” So of course I had to find a solution! Because having oven glass that looks like this, is just not acceptable. I needed to find a solution for my reader but also for me! So today I’m giving you a quick tutorial for how to clean oven glass! Here’s what you need: Baking soda Water Something to mix in Clean microfiber… Read More

How to Organize the Mail

Question: “I have the most trouble with paperwork… I get the mail everyday, and feel stressed!” Answer: This isn’t really a question but I know what she means. I think we all feel a little overwhelmed when we pick up the mail and there are tons of bills, junk, cards, ads, etc. It can easily become overwhelming and sometimes even a burden. Here are some tips for how to organize the mail and avoid getting stressed out by it! 1. Open mail as soon as it is brought in. If I can’t open it right at that moment then… Read More

How to Clean a Humidifier

I have had multiple people ask me how to clean a humidifier, so I think it’s time for me to post about it! Spring is here, the “sick season” is almost gone and it’s time to clean out those nasty humidifiers. I have to admit I used to be good about cleaning ours out but then I got tired of it because every time I’d clean it Malea would end up needing it again! Grrr. So ours hasn’t been cleaned in about 2 months and it is gross. I know every humidifier is different but here’s how I… Read More

How to Clean a Fireplace

Photo Source My mom is the one that gave me this tip for how to clean a fireplace and she has used it many times on her fireplace. 🙂 This has been a long and cold winter. I know we have been using our heater a lot this winter, oh how I long for my gas fireplace… However now that winter is coming to a close it’s time to start thinking about cleaning that fireplace. If your fireplace is covered in soot and smoke residue here is your answer to get it clean! Here’s what you need: 1. A damp… Read More

How to Paint a Straight Line (A Perfect Line)

People ask me all the time how I am able to paint perfect lines. It is a huge pet peeve of mine when I see lines that are not properly painted. In fact we were just at dinner with my in laws this weekend and I noticed a red wall that had a messy line that matched up to a yellow wall. Made me crazy and, of course, once I noticed it I couldn’t un-notice it!!! So today I am teaching you how to paint a perfect line so that your home can look like it has been professionally painted!… Read More

How to Clean the Inside of Washing Machine (How to Clean the Washing Machine, Part 2)

Question: “My dark clothing always comes out of the wash with white all over it – like residue or fluff of some kind. Any thoughts, suggestions?” Source Answer: Aside from checking and double checking your pockets for tissues, papers, etc. this question kind of stumped me. However, I did a little research and found a couple of interesting bits of info for you on how to clean the inside of washing machine. 1. Adding 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the wash load will prevent lint from clinging to your clothes. (source). I haven’t ever done this but if you… Read More

Amazing Transformation – Easy Grout Cleaning

I LOVE hearing testimonies from my readers of how my tips help them to clean or improve their homes. I had to share this email I received from a reader after she read my tip on the best way to clean grout. Maria from Agape Love Designs emailed me this, after reading my post on the easiest way to clean grout: “Here are my old, nasty DISGUSTING, stained since before we moved in, tile counter tops. They gross me out. I have hated them since we bought and moved into our home! I have tried cleaning sprays and bleach sprays….. Read More