Ask Anna

How to Clean Grease Splatters

This seems to be a very common problem for many of you so I thought I’d address it today. Here’s an email from one of my readers: “We recently moved, and have found a problem that I cannot clean! There is a thick, oily residue on the underside and top of our microwave as well as a rough layer of the same on the cabinets above the microwave. I’ve tried cleaning it with a Magic Eraser and baking soda and it didn’t touch it. If you have any ideas, I would be seriously grateful!“ Unfortunately I know exactly what you’re… Read More

How to Reupholster a Chair

A couple weeks ago I set out looking for the perfect chair for my office. I found the perfect chair at a local consignment shop and it had even been recently redone. Pretty cute, right? Well unfortunately when I got it home and put it next to my desk the colors were too close and it clashed terribly. So I decided to give it a total makeover. I purchased a can of Valspar spray paint and got to work covering up the blue. The chair had been covered in chalk paint and I guess… Read More

Button Cake & a Vintage Bridal Shower

A friend of mine is getting married in a few weeks and I was asked to make the cake for her bridal shower. I’m not usually nervous when I make my cakes but I was nervous about making her cake because she is so beautiful and totally a perfectionist. I wanted her cake to be perfect! I was given a picture of what they wanted the cake to look like but I am learning that cake making is a form of art and each cake takes on it’s own character. When I finished this cake I didn’t… Read More

Video Tutorial: How to Paint a Perfect Line

Many of you may have already read my post on how to paint a perfect line. I wrote this post ages ago but I still get lots of emails asking me to explain the steps more clearly. I’ve been wanting to put together a video tutorial for you but I hadn’t been planning on painting any stripes, until my recent bathroom makeover. I hope this short video helps explain {more clearly} the steps for painting perfect lines, but as always, please feel free to email me if you are still confused. 🙂 Here’s the finished product! Did you know this… Read More

Teaching Kids to Save Money

Happy Friday Tatertots & Jello readers! It’s a little weird being here on a Friday, instead of Wednesday, but I’m excited to get to kick off the weekend with you! A couple days ago on my blog, I wrote a post about how, as parents, it is so important to teach our kids about money. My daughter is the perfect age {three} to start participating in the family chores so I decided it was also a good time to start talking to her about money. I decided that instead of just giving her a list of chores, I would “hired”… Read More

Vintage School Desk Makeover

I was at a trade show about six months ago and found this cute vintage desk. I had hopes and dreams of fixing it up for Malea but as the months went by I was beginning to think that I’d never have time to get to it. However when I started my office makeover a few weeks ago I decided the desk would make a fun addition to my office. It’s the perfect size for Malea and it would be a great spot for her to sit and color while I work.Here’s how it started out… It was very… Read More

Mason Jar Vases {Gift Idea}

I came across the idea for these vases on Pinterest a few weeks ago {here’s the original post}. I was thinking they would make great Teacher Appreciation gifts but I ran out of time so I decided to make them for Mother’s Day gifts instead.Supplies: Mason Jars Spray{I used the color Robin’s Egg} Craft Paint Burlap Twine {or ribbon} A stencil {purchased or made by you} Paint for the stencil Foam brush Glue gun The first thing I did was spray paint the Mason Jars. While they were drying I cut my own stencil, using my Silhouette. I decided… Read More

Strawberry Mango Salad

While on the search for great healthy recipes I stumbled across this great blog called Rawmazing. This blog is full of fantastic healthy and raw recipes. I’ve made a few of her salads but this one is definitely my favorite so far. Everything about this salad is so delicious and it’s super easy to make, perfect for a warm summer evening! Strawberry Mango SaladOriginal recipe from rawmazing.com 1 head romaine lettuce1 cup strawberries, sliced1 cup mango, diced1 avocado, diced 1.Tear romaine and place on plate.2. Mix together fruit. Place a handful of fruit on the lettuce bed.3. Top with… Read More