The Ask Anna Blog

Mad Men Birthday Party {sneak peek}

I survived last week. I think it’s pretty much a miracle that I survived, but I did. Let me just tell you that I do not recommend scheduling a blog transfer, having your daughter’s 1st ballet recital, having your daughter get sick for 3+ days, and planning a huge themed birthday party all in the same week. All of those things landing on the same week equals lots and lots of stress! But like I said I survived. I think my new site is awesome, Malea is healthy and happy again, the recital was amazing {she totally stole the show}… Read More

Oreck Magnesium Vacuum Review

I am so excited to introduce to you a fantastic set of vacuum cleaners! My friends, meet the “Brand New, Oreck Magnesium Vacuum Cleaner Power Team”!!! Oreck sent me this dynamic duo to review and I was eager for the opportunity to try out a pair of vacuum cleaners from such a well known and reputable company. As a consumer I value product reviews when looking to make a purchase so what you are reading today are my honest opinions. The thing I love the most about the Magnesium is how flat it can get! Definitely don’t need a… Read More

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