The Ask Anna Blog

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

Are you Lazy When Vacuuming?

Are you lazy when vacuuming? * Are you the kind that vacuums around doors, instead of closing them and vacuuming behind them? * Do you vacuum up to closed doors but not actually open them to vacuum the carpet underneath? * Are you the one that vacuums around the coffee table or ottoman because you’re just too lazy to move it? * Do you vacuum around the dining room chairs instead of moving them and vacuuming under the table too? * Are you the one that doesn’t vacuum the corners and baseboards of a room because you just don’t feel… Read More

A Dirty Little Secret – How to Clean Grout Lines

Here’s a fun little tip that I discovered years ago, out of desperation. It’s a super easy trick for how to clean grout lines and you’ll be amazed at the results! (To see my tutorial post click HERE) Do you hate how your grout lines get dirty and grungy? Well I discovered that using a Bleach Pen to clean them does wonders. What I do is run the pen along the grout lines, let it set for 5 minutes and then wipe it clean. I’ve taught many friends this trick and all of them have been amazed at the results! Happy… Read More