Ask Anna

Answers to your cleaning, organizing questions & more!

How to Clean a Dorm Room

  Question: “How can I manage to clean and prevent the spread of germs while living in a dorm room with two other girls , especially since we share the same bathroom?  Let’s just say that bathroom cleanliness is not their highest priority. How should I approach the topic with the girls and also how should I keep up the room if they don’t seem to care. It’s hard especially if someone is sick too.  Lots of challenges of dorm life but it’s a great experience and I know all these compromises will help me in the future.”   Answer:… Read More

Turkey Pesto Burgers

These turkey pesto burgers are PURE DELICIOUSNESS!  They are also super easy, which makes it a win for you and the family. Ingredients:1lb ground turkey3 TBS basil pesto4 cloves garlic1/2 cup bread crumbs4 sliced Pepper Jack cheese4 Ciabatta rolls Cooking spray   Directions:1. Mince garlic.   2. In a large bowl mix together turkey, pesto, garlic and bread crumbs.   3. After ingredients are mixed well form the mixture into 4 patties.  Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat.   5. Next turn the broiler in your oven on Low.  Place the rolls on a cookie sheet and spray them… Read More

Tips for a Stress-Free Move, including Moving Checklist

  Reader Question: “Do you have any helpful tips for moving?  I hate the last minute rush of packing where nothing is organized and unpacking is a nightmare…. I’m planning on starting to pack this week and I have a few weeks before we will be able to move, so there is lots of time to get organized and have a plan… but I’m not quite sure where to start. Any ideas on how to stay organized in the process and not go crazy on moving day?” Answer: It is so important to have a plan when you are packing… Read More

How to Clean a Dyson Vacuum

Let me just start by saying: I love my Dyson!!!  Vacuums do a lot of dirty work for us and once in a while they need love.  I would recommend doing a thorough cleaning of your vacuum at least every 6 months.  Today I’m going to give you a tutorial on how to clean a Dyson vacuum. How to clean a Dyson vacuum, here’s what you’ll need: Washcloth Dish soap (this is my favorite) Disinfecting wipes (these are my favorite) Scissors Step 1:  Empty the canister Remove all the attachments and set them aside for step 7. Place the canister… Read More

Whitening Whites: Laundry Tips

  Question: How do I get my whites whiter ? Some of my shirts are a dingy / grey color. HELP please!     Answer: Whitening whites is easier than you might think!  All you need is a good detergent and some baking soda!    Before I give you the tip for whitening you whites let me tell you about the awesome all-natural detergent I use.  When I was pregnant with my daughter everyone told me that I had to use Dreft Laundry Detergent to wash her clothes because it didn’t contain any harsh chemicals.  I agreed that it was… Read More

Eye Opening Information About House Cleaning Products

A good friend of mine emailed this to me the other day and I was shocked when I read it.  Maybe I’m the only one that didn’t know about this, but I doubt it.   She emails: “I was thinking about a good blogging topic for you when I was watching the Today show a few months ago.  They were talking about how you have to read the label on disinfecting cleaners to see how long it actually needs to sit there to disinfect.  I was just picking up some cleaning products this week and looked at the back and was… Read More