Ask Anna

How to Make a Message Board

I am so excited about the project I’m sharing with you today: how to make a message board! When I started thinking about how I was going to makeover my office, the one think I knew I wanted was a message board. I searched all over Pinterest and didn’t really find anything that I felt would fit my needs exactly, but then I found this great message board on Pottery Barn Teen and knew it was “the one”. The great thing about this message board is that you can totally customize it to fit your needs. Each 12″ square can… Read More

10 Tips for Healthy Eating Habits & an Organized Kitchen

I am really excited about this post because I get to talk about two things I’m really passionate about: organization and eating healthy. From talking to friends I’ve learned that these two subjects can be intimidating to people. Today I want to show you how I organize my kitchen and meals to create a healthy lifestyle and eating habits for my family. #1 Meal PlanningMeal planning is very important when it comes to eating healthy. I prefer to shop for two weeks at a time, which is great because I always know that I have two weeks of meals that… Read More

Creating a “Chore” List for Malea (Teaching Kids about Money)

A few years ago, Matt and I took Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace class. I can’t even tell you how much the course changed our lives and the way we think about our money! I could go on and on but that’s not what today’s post is about. 🙂 One of the things he mentioned in the course is that we are responsible for teaching kids about money. Not only are we supposed to teach them about life, love and the world, but we are responsible for teaching them how to be wise with their money from an early age. My… Read More

How to Clean a High Efficiency Washing Machine

Hi! My name is Samantha and I am the blogger behind Simply Organized! I LOVE reading along here on Anna’s blog. She has taught me so much, especially when it comes to natural cleaning with white vinegar, and she throws a pretty awesome themed party too! Anna has a GREAT post for cleaning a standard top-loading washer, but if you are struggling with a mildew smell coming from your HE front-loading washing machine, my post here on Anna’s blog will show you how to clean a high efficiency washing machine and get rid of those odors! Thank you SO much… Read More

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes

My friend Melissa is a culinary genius! She is passionate about food and about eating the best, most healthy food possible. A few weeks ago she went and stayed with her sister’s family and got to celebrate her niece and nephew’s birthdays. Her niece is allergic to eggs so Melissa came up with a recipe for vegan chocolate cupcakes, including zucchini and other unexpected ingredients. Here are her and the kids making the cupcakes. I told her I would love to try the recipe because I’m always trying to find healthy alternatives to desserts we love {that way I have… Read More

Wedding Cake for my Mom (Nature Wedding Cake)

On July 1st my mom tied the knot up in Trinity County. Their wedding was in the middle of nowhere on a beautiful campground so my mom wanted a cake that would fit the setting. Here’s the cake I ended up making for them. It was a camping wedding so here are a few pictures from Malea’s 1st camping trip. My mom and Malea the day before the wedding. Fishing with Daddy. Malea and her cousin hangin’ out in the hammock. All dressed up as the flower girl. 🙂 My mom getting her hair done. Malea showing off her pretty… Read More

How to do Your Laundry

Well, now the laundry blues are no more and if you have been trying to find your winning laundry stride, here’s the answer: once a week. That’s it! Believe me, it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds. I have a large family and the clothes do pile high when all brought down from the rooms for me to wash. But I would rather tackle my laundry on one day, then every day of the week! I hated being a slave to my laundry and no amount of discipline did it for me. I just didn’t want it on my plate… Read More

Mad Men Birthday Party

I am so excited to finally share all the picture from my Mad Men birthday party with you! I hope you’re ready to look at lots and lots of pictures! Let’s start with the basics. When you’re planning a Mad Men themed party there are certain things you will need… #1: Great Invitations When it comes to needing amazing invitations there’s only one person to go to and that’s my friend Tracie of Tiny Oak Studio. Check out these fantastic invitations she made for me! (I’ve received lots of emails asking where these can be purchased, they can be customized… Read More