Before we dive into the gadgets, let’s take a look ‘under the hood’ and understand your energy habits first.  

Understanding your energy habits

Before we dive into the gadgets, it’s important to first ‘look under the hood’ and understand your energy habits. Understanding the way you use energy at home, is the first step to taking control and understanding which smart devices might be most beneficial for your household.

If your home has a smart meter, you can see a breakdown of your daily usage patterns with My Account or the Origin app. Smart meters collect your usage data in regular intervals, usually every 30 minutes, and securely send it to us – your energy provider. We’ll even show you weather data for each day, so you can see how the temperature affects your usage habits (and adjust them – either manually or by using smart devices – accordingly).  
 
If your property doesn’t have a smart meter, not to worry. You can do an energy audit in under 10 minutes to help identify which rooms and appliances are using the most energy in your home – and come up with a plan for optimising them.  

Now that you’re familiar with your usage patterns, let’s jump into the different devices that can help automate and optimise your energy usage.

Smart hubs and voice assistants

Smart hubs (such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub and Samsung SmartThings) go beyond just playing music and helping you access recipes in the kitchen. These devices can act as the ‘conductor’ of the smart home – orchestrating an array of devices from smart lighting to thermostats and plugs, helping automate your energy savings.  

Smart plugs

Smart plugs are a great entry point when it comes to kitting out your home with smart devices. They allow you to automate your appliances – think shutting off your TV, computer, lamps, toasters – and avoid the drain of standby power in your home (which could be costing you up to $176.99 per year).   

Beyond using smart plugs as automated timers though, many models can also measure the flow of electricity to particular appliances, so you can better understand how energy is being consumed around your home. 

As an example, the TP-Link HS110 Smart Plug can display how much energy an appliance is using and how that consumption has been tracking over time, allowing you to make informed choices about your energy use. This can also help you identify appliances that may be using more power than they should, and might need an upgrade.  

Smart power strips

Smart power strips are advanced versions of traditional power boards that can automatically cut power to devices when they’re not in use. Like smart plugs, they can help you save on standby power and provide insight into how much power the appliances plugged into the board are consuming.  
 
These are especially handy for people who work from home, allowing you to schedule your PC, printer and other office devices to shut off automatically when your workday is over. Saving energy and your work life balance as well.

Smart lighting

Smart lighting consists of LED bulbs, light switches, or fixtures that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or voice assistant (Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri). These lights offer advanced features like dimming (lowering power consumption and extending bulb life), scheduling, motion detection, and even colour adjustments – helping to improve energy efficiency (or in the case of the latter, productivity or rest depending on which colour you choose). 

Smart bulbs are LED-based – consuming up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs – and allow you to turn your lights on or off from the palm of your hand (or via your voice assistant),helping to reduce unnecessary usage. You can even schedule them to come on when you arrive home from work and switch off as you go to bed.   

Depending on the type of smart bulb or lighting solution you choose, some even have motion sensors – automatically turning lights off when a room is empty – or adaptive lighting capabilities, adjusting brightness based on the time of day (for example, dimming the lights in the evening). 

Smart lighting can also integrate with other smart devices such as smart plugs and thermostats, allowing you to further optimise your energy usage.  

Smart thermostats for heating and cooling

Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi-enabled devices that control your home’s heating and cooling systems more efficiently than their traditional counterparts.  

Depending on the model you choose, they offer the ability to turn your AC or heater on or off from the palm of your hand (or via your voice assistant), helping to prevent unnecessary usage. Some models can adjust the temperature based on how hot or cold it is outside, helping to reduce the strain on your AC or heating system.

Motion sensors and occupancy sensors

Smart motion sensors and occupancy sensors detect movement in a room and automatically control lights, appliances, or heating and cooling based on whether someone is present. In some cases certain models won’t even turn on lights in the home if enough natural light is detected.

Beyond integrating with smart lighting and bulbs, some motion and occupancy sensors can also link in with smart thermostats and adjust the heating or cooling when a room is occupied or empty. 

Solar panel inverters

If you have solar installed, solar panel inverters are a great way to keep track of your usage. Many inverters can connect to your home’s wireless network and provide live energy usage and energy generation data that you can view on your smartphone. When you turn on the dishwasher, gaming console or air-con, you can instantly see how much energy it uses and adjust your usage patterns to align with when your system is generating the most power throughout the day. Allowing you to reduce your reliance on the grid and maximise the value of the energy you’re generating from your panels during the day.

Smart appliances

If your home has solar, and you’re in the market for new appliances, many newer whitegoods – such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers – are often equipped with smart technology which links to various mobile apps, allowing you to set delays when running your loads of washing and dishes. Making it easy for you to set your energy-heavy appliances to run when your solar is generating the most. 

Thinking about solar?

We can help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation*

*Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post Smart devices to help you save energy appeared first on The Origin Blog.

What is an electrified home?

In its simplest form, an electrified home is one that has no reliance on natural gas – just electricity.  With gas prices rising, making the switch to all-electric appliances could help you save on electricity bills, make the most of solar (whether you already have rooftop solar panels or are thinking about it), and can reduce your home’s carbon footprint if you’re able to take advantage of electricity sourced from renewables. So, if your home’s stove, hot water system or heating runs on natural gas, it may be worth considering electric when your appliances reach the end of their life.

When is an ideal time to consider electrification?

Building or renovating is a prime time to consider all-electric systems and appliances. While energy-efficient electrical appliances may cost more upfront, over their lifetime they’ll have lower running costs than their natural gas or less energy-efficient counterparts. And if your new home has rooftop solar, the savings could be even greater, as the real benefit of solar comes from using the energy you’re generating first, rather than feeding it back into the grid.

Do I need solar to electrify my home?

Whilst rooftop solar is a great way to help increase the green credentials of your home, and help bring your energy bills down, it’s not a requirement when making the switch to electrification. Opting to use electricity as much as possible allows you to take advantage of energy-efficient appliances – helping to reduce your household emissions and running costs.  

How much will it cost to electrify my home?

Costs will vary depending on which natural gas appliances you currently have, as well as your style and personal goals. For example, let’s take a look in the kitchen. Many brands now offer induction cook-tops in a range of sizes, designs and price-points. The technology is fast, simple to control, safe – and easier to clean than gas cook-tops (a huge plus).

It’s important to remember that electrifying your home is an investment that will continue to provide benefits over the long term.

What if I rent?

If you’re a renter and your property has gas appliances, unfortunately the only option is to find electric alternatives. It may be worth considering a portable plug-in induction cook top for your kitchen and making the switch to an energy-efficient electric heater.

If you have a good relationship with your property manager and landlord, it may be worth floating the idea of electrifying the property. Energy efficiency upgrades may be subsidised (as well as tax deductible) and upgrades to the property can also help increase property value long term.

What are the perks of electrification if I have an EV?

If you own an EV, or are in the market for one, electrifying your home should be on your radar.  Whilst you may no longer have to pay for fuel, charging your EV still comes at a cost. If your home has rooftop solar charging your car during the day, whilst you’re generating power, is a great way to offset the electricity costs. If you prefer to charge at night, adding a battery to your setup is a great option, as it allows you to utilise the power you’ve generated as opposed to it being fed back into the grid. 

Solar technology has come a long way since the early days, with some states even offering rebates as an incentive.

How much could I save by going all-electric?

Sustainability Victoria estimates that, for a home with solar panels, making the switch to electricity could save you around $1,250 on your energy bills per year. This is in addition to approximately $950 of savings per year from an existing 6.6kW solar system. You can take your savings even further, by adding a medium-sized battery system, you could save an additional $520 per year.  
 
If you don’t have solar, there are still savings to be had by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. In fact, two of the biggest energy users are heating and cooling (41% of home energy usage) and hot water (21%). Upgrading appliances as they approach the end of their life, to energy-efficient electrical options, could result in savings on your energy bill – and allow you to take full advantage of your solar if/when you do invest in it.

Where to start

If you’re not in the process of building or renovating your home, the starting point is a little different. Upgrading major appliances, like hot water systems and heating, can be costly, so for many households the best time to consider electrification is when these appliances are reaching the end of their life. It’s a good idea to plan your electrification transition over a few years, allowing you to budget for the replacements and slowly transition off the natural gas network.  

Our step-by-step guide to going all-electric

• Identify which appliances currently use natural gas in your home and which are reaching the end of their life first. 
• Set a budget for the appliances in question and plan for when they’ll likely need replacing. 
• Research the appliances you need and ensure they work for you, for example, if you’re an avid home-cook, make sure you find an induction cook top that ticks all your culinary boxes. 
• Seek out quotes for both the product and installation so there are no surprises when it comes to budget.  
• Research whether there are any rebates available in your state that can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.  
• Prior to installation, check in with your installer and discuss whether you’ll need to reach out to your energy provider to have your electricity meter updated. 
• Once you’ve moved all your appliances over to electric versions, reach out to your energy provider to disconnect your natural gas account. 
• Plan ahead – what does the next phase look like for your home beyond just replacing your appliances? Are there opportunities to further save on your energy bills and increase your green credentials through additions like EVs, rooftop solar and batteries?  

Electrification at home is one of the ways Aussies can increase their energy efficiency, bring their energy bills down, and can help reduce carbon emissions when powered by renewables. 

There are also some simple, passive solutions to help make your energy at home work more efficiently like installing blinds, draught proofing, and planting trees to provide shade. Seasonal window shutters can also help to reduce or maximise sun exposure. And if you’re building or renovating, there’s bigger projects you can take on to improve energy efficiency — like upgrading insulation, installing double glazed windows, fitting insulated doors, creating zoned living spaces that can be sealed off to keep warmth or cool air in, and installing oversized eaves. 

As Australia transitions to more renewable energy, and big change is happening across our energy network — there are plenty of ways to get involved now and make an impact at home today. 

Thinking about solar?

We can help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post A guide to electrifying your home appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Pull the plug on hungry appliances

It seems like a no-brainer but many of us often leave appliances on standby when we’re not at home, or away on holiday. While the day-to-day costs of power hungry appliances such as microwaves, TVs and washing machines might not seem high, turning them off at the switch when you’re away from the house for extended periods of time can quickly add up in savings.

In fact, standby power consumption can cost the average household between $104.07 and $176.99 per year. That’s a nice meal you and a friend could be enjoying by the hotel fireplace!

Invest in smart tech

Another great way to prepare for the break is to invest in smart devices such as smart plugs. Smart plugs can help identify areas and sources of high energy use, and allow users to remotely manage household devices or switch them off, with the click of a button.

Monitoring and adjusting appliances like air conditioning units – that might have accidentally been left on (yikes!) – or automating security sensor lights are just two examples of how smart plugs can help you save.

Get house guests up to speed

While many of us may be well versed in how to save energy within our own homes, house sitters might not be as savvy.

One way to ensure your energy use is low while you’re away is to educate house guests on the ins and outs of your home. Simple things like organising a walk through to explain how appliances work, or leaving a helpful checklist for when they leave the house or go to bed at night can keep energy use to a minimum.

For those wanting to go that one step further, why not consider getting the house sitter involved in SpikeHours? Educating them on the interactive nature of Spike and forwarding SpikeHour alerts is a great way to keep in touch and save.  

Those with solar can suggest helpful tips like having showers during the day or setting the washing to run during the middle of the day. Easy changes like these not only reduce the load on the energy grid but save you a dollar or two in the long run by using stored energy from the sun.

Switch off

Creating a list of energy guzzlers around the house in the lead up to your holiday, is a great way to remind yourself what to switch off before you walk out the door.

While we naturally gravitate towards flicking off light switches, have you ever considered other creative ways of saving, like switching off your hot water system while you’re not home? Turning off the hot water system, especially for those set up on timers, can help reduce unnecessary energy use and quickly contribute to savings. 

Other handy saving tips for extended holidays include challenging yourself to make use of what’s in the fridge. Not only does this save on grocery bills but means you can clear out the fridge and switch it off while you’re away.

For more energy saving fun your hip pocket will thank you for this holiday season, check out our Spike program and smart devices store now. 

Keen to find out more about becoming an Origin Spike member?

The post How to save energy at home while on holiday appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Serves 4

What you’ll need

• 250g plain biscuits (for example Scotch fingers or milk arrowroot)
• 100g butter (melted)
• 100g icing sugar
• 160g good-quality white chocolate (broken into pieces)
• 500g full-fat cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 250ml heavy cream
• 4 passionfruit (halved)

To decorate

• 300ml double cream
• 2-3 passionfruit (halved or cut into wedges)

Method

1. Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm / 8 inch loose-bottomed cake tin with non-stick baking paper. Set aside.
2. Tip biscuits into a food processor and blitz into fine crumbs. Add the butter and whizz again until you have the desired crumbly consistency.
3. Tip the biscuit mixture into the prepared tin and pat into a smooth and compact layer using the back of a spoon. Cover and chill in the fridge whilst you make the filling.
4. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Stir occasionally until smooth and melted. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.
5. Scoop the insides from the 4 passionfruit into a sieve over a bowl. Using a spoon, press down to extract as much juice as possible and catch all the seeds. Set aside.
6. Whisk together the cream cheese and double cream until you have soft peaks. Add the icing sugar, cream cheese, melted chocolate and passionfruit pulp, then continue to whisk until just combined.
7. Spoon the mixture over the biscuit base in an even layer, finishing by smoothing over the top. Cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 5 hours, or overnight, to set.
8. When you’re ready to serve, whisk the double cream until you have medium peaks. Spoon over the top of the cheesecake and decorate with the remaining passionfruit pulp and/or slices of halved passionfruit.

More ways to save this Christmas

Christmas is a magical time of year, but it can also put a strain on your wallet. With gifts to buy, festive meals to plan, and social expectations to meet, it’s easy to feel the financial pinch. Check out our handy guide for loads of ways to save this festive season without compromising on joy.

Follow Hoda for more recipe inspiration on Instagram and TikTok.

The post Jingle Bites: White choc passionfruit cheesecake recipe appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Serves 4

What you’ll need

• 1 whole chicken
• 1 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 a lemon
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 sprig of thyme or oregano
• 2 teaspoons sea salt

To serve

• Your choice of chopped root vegetables (e.g. potato, sweet potato)
• Extra lemon wedges if you desire

Method

1. To a bowl add olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, salt, oregano and honey. Mix together well.
2. With a paper towel pat down the chicken skin to remove any excess moisture, sprinkle with some sea salt and pour over the glaze. Rub through the cracks on the chicken and ensure it’s evenly spread.
3. Place the chicken along with any chopped root vegetables of your choice directly into an air fryer with a rack. This will capture all the chicken juice and you can use this as a sauce when serving.
4. Set your air fryer to 175°C and cook for 15 minutes, the skin will turn a dark brown. Lower the heat to 150°C and cook for another 40 minutes. Turn the chicken around and turn the back heat up to 175°C again and cook for another 10 minutes. This will ensure a crisp skin all around the chicken.
5. Place chicken and vegetables on a serving dish and drizzle over any remaining juices. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme.

More ways to save this Christmas

Christmas is a magical time of year, but it can also put a strain on your wallet. With gifts to buy, festive meals to plan, and social expectations to meet, it’s easy to feel the financial pinch. Check out our handy guide for loads of ways to save this festive season without compromising on joy.

Follow Hoda for more recipe inspiration on Instagram and TikTok.

The post Jingle Bites: Mediterranean roast chicken recipe appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Switch to ‘Secret Santa’

Presents are often one of the biggest expenses during the festive season. Instead of buying for everyone, chat to your friends and family about setting up a Secret Santa gift exchange.

This way, you all still get the joy of opening a present, but with (at least) half the stress! It also means you’ve got more time to make sure the gift’s meaningful. You can keep the mystery alive by using websites that randomly draw names for you and deliver them to straight everyone’s inboxes.

Go in on a group gift

Is there a gift that the whole family would love? Something you and your significant other could do together? Or something that your housemates would also get enjoyment from?

Going in on a group gift for Christmas is a great way to purchase something that may be a little pricier, but because you’re splitting the costs, it allows you to budget for it in advance. Think TVs, game consoles, inflatable hot tubs and big-ticket experiences. 

DIY presents

If you’re looking to really up the personalisation this Christmas while also keeping costs low, DIYing gifts is a great option. Not only will you avoid shopping-centre carpark mayhem, you have complete creative control.

Think homemade cookie mix in a Mason jar with a cookie cutter and wooden spoon, festive wreaths and decorations, sugar or coffee scrubs, bath salts and even personalised hampers. Pinterest has an array of great ideas for gifts you can make from scratch!

Set a limit for gifts

It’s easy to get carried away when buying gifts for our nearest and dearest – after all, we want to spoil them.

Before Christmas, chat with your inner circle and set a spending cap for presents. This helps you all budget in advance and gives you plenty of time to trawl the shops, or online, and get creative within your means. And with countless end of year parties and catch-ups, a “silly season” budget can also help curb your spending. This, together with “spend trackers” from many top banks will help you stay on top of your budget.  

Do your Christmas shopping with Origin Rewards

Shop smarter this festive season by doing your Christmas shopping through Origin Rewards. We’ve partnered with a range of stores including Endota spa, JB Hi-Fi, Temple & Webster, The Good Guys, The Iconic and more, to give you access to great discounts – and in some cases access to commercial pricing!

You’re bound to find a gift for every family member this Christmas. Simply log in to the Origin app or My Account and head to the ‘Rewards’ tab to take advantage of a range of discounts – it’s our way of saying thanks for being an Origin customer!

Save by switching to digital cards

An easy way to save some extra coin this year is to skip the traditional posted Christmas cards. Sure, snail mail has its charms, but by opting to spread the joy digitally, you’ll also be making a more sustainable choice.

There are loads of free e-card sites online – some even let you add your own pictures – and some of the more sophisticated paid services plant trees as an eco-add-on. If you really want to personalise your e-cards, take a trip down memory lane and create a collage with old Christmas photos.

Upgrade your fairy lights

If you’ve been lighting up your tree with the same fairy lights for many Yuletides past, it might be time to consider swapping them out for some new ones – specifically LED.

LED lights use up to 90 percent less energy than older incandescent bulbs, and with many of us leaving them on overnight (who doesn’t love the magic of a glowing Christmas tree during the night?), it can result in significant savings. Try warm-white LEDs for that traditional Christmas look.

Put your Christmas lights on a timer

Do you bring festive sparkle to your local neighbourhood? Instead of turning your lights on and off manually – and sometimes forgetting to – hook them up to an electric timer to easily save money.

You can find inexpensive options online or at your local hardware store. If you’re lighting up your home’s exterior this holiday season, take advantage of the sunny Aussie Christmas and go solar with your decorations – it’ll cost you nothing in energy usage.

Potluck your Christmas lunch

If your house is the entertaining hot spot for family and friends, you’ll know how expensive it can be to keep everyone fed and hydrated (at any time of year).

It’s not a faux pas to ask people to bring a plate – suggest a salad, some snags, maybe some goodies for the grazing board. Not only does this save you a trip to the shops and give you some time back, but it can also provide significant savings on your supermarket bill.

If you’d prefer to have control over the menu, chat with your guests about chipping in for the groceries or set up a group chat outlining what everyone will bring.

Cook clever and save on energy

Whether you’re a MasterChef or closer to a contestant on ‘Nailed It’, you can cut down your energy bills by cooking more efficiently this Christmas. Cook a few dishes at a time while the oven’s hot and check the progress of your dish by looking through the glass instead of constantly opening the oven door.

Feel like switching it up? Ditch the kitchen and fire up the BBQ this Christmas. What’s more Aussie at Christmas than cooking your turkey on the BBQ? Check out these 10 tips for a winning BBQ.

BYO bevvies

We all like to pop a few corks, open a few stubbies and crack out the soft drink when the sun comes out, especially with Christmas round the corner. But that doesn’t mean you need to pay for it all. Make sure people do a little BYO to help ease the costs. If you want to really dial up the festive charm, decide on some signature Christmas cocktails/mocktails and ask each guest to bring along an ingredient.

Out with the old

Before Santa rocks up with a sack load of presents to add to your home, it’s a good idea to offload things you don’t use or need any more — and make some money along the way. So why not do a ‘summer clean’ and list your old goodies on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree or even donate them to charity. Who knows, you might even make someone else’s Christmas and save them money too!

Join Origin’s Everyday Rewards

You can help your Christmas lights make more than a spectacle this festive season. Simply join Origin’s Everyday Rewards plan and get rewarded for the energy you use over Christmas. There are double bonus points for new energy sign-ups, which could equal up to 10,000 points! That’s $50 Everyday Rewards dollars. So give yourself an early Christmas present by signing up. T&Cs apply.

Help is available

We know the holidays can be an expensive time. If you need a helping hand with your energy bills, we have support available. We encourage anyone needing some extra assistance to reach out to us, so we can provide them with tailored support via our Power On Program.

The post 13 easy ways to save this holiday season appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Become a fan of fans

Over summer, the air conditioner is probably your first choice when it’s hot outside. While it does a great job of keeping your home cool, it can be very expensive to run – so try using a fan instead. They’re good at cooling specific parts of a room and use a lot less energy. If you’re lucky enough to have ceiling fans installed, one of the best things about them is that they can cost as little as two cents an hour to run! If you’re opting for a pedestal fan, the best place to pop it is near your windows so it can push cool air through your home.

Be AC savvy

We know that the fan won’t always cut it during those long hot days and nights, and the air conditioner is sometimes a must. To make sure your air conditioner is working efficiently and not using more energy that it needs, it’s a good idea to give the filters a good clean or replace them regularly.

The temp you set your air conditioner can also make a big difference to your bill. Even on those super-hot days, it’s best to set your air conditioner to 24°C or higher – each degree under that uses 5-10% more energy. And for even bigger savings, only use your air conditioner when it gets to over 30°C outside.

Not using every room in the house? Set your air conditioner to cool different parts of the house when you need it or alternate the rooms you’re cooling – that way, you’re not wasting energy.

Make your windows work for you

During the day, when the air conditioner is pumping, it’s ideal to keep your windows closed to make sure the cool air doesn’t escape. But at night, when the temp has dropped and there may be a breeze, try opening the window to let the air flow in.  

On days where the heat is milder, try opening windows at different ends of the house to create a cross breeze. Better still if those ends aren’t in direct sunlight.

Keep the sun’s rays at bay

As nice as it is to have the sun light up your home, it also increases the temperature – and in the warmer months, this just means your air conditioner must work harder to cool the room.

A single windowpane can gain up to 10 times more heat than the same sized area of uninsulated wall. Luckily, you can reduce the temperature of your home just by using blinds, drapes or window shades to keep the sunlight out . Window coverings with white surfaces facing outdoors will reflect the sun and do an even better job at cooling your room.

Another inexpensive and easy way to keep the sun out is getting some shade cloths for your front or back yard.

Switch off before you head out

Taking a holiday can already be an expensive exercise, so why keep paying for things at home that you won’t be using? Before you leave, take a wander around your house and switch off appliances like TVs, toasters and coffee machines at the wall.

Got a second fridge? Consolidate all your perishables into your main fridge and switch the second one off at the wall too. Then kick back, relax and enjoy your holiday! You could also invest in smart plugs. They help you turn switches on and off from wherever you are with your smartphone. Just make sure you’re holidaying somewhere with reception!

Quick ways to save this summer:

1. Opt for a fan over the AC when possible.
2. Position your fan near the window to circulate cool air.
3. Keep your air conditioner to 24°C degrees or more.
4. Only use the AC in rooms that you’re using.
5. Keep your doors and windows closed during the day.
6. Open your windows at night to let the cool air inside.
7. Use blinds, drapes and curtains to keep sunlight from heating the house.
8. Use the BBQ instead of the stove or oven when you can.
9. Hang your clothes on the line to dry and avoid using the clothes dryer.
10. Having friends over in the evening? Entertain outside when it’s cooler.
11. Going away? Turn off appliances you don’t need or install smart plugs.
12. Take advantage of summer by spending your weekends at the local pool, the beach or head out for an ice-cream date.

The post 12 tips for staying cool this summer appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Serves 7

What you’ll need

For the feta dip

• 400g feta
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the balsamic tomatoes

• 400g cherry tomatoes
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 4 sprigs thyme
• Salt to taste

To serve

• Olives
• Lemon zest

Method

1. Preheat oven to 170°C.
2. Whip the feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil and lemon zest in the food processor until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Place the tomatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle the salt and thyme over the top and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Spoon the whipped feta dip onto a serving dish, and once cooled, spoon tomatoes over the whipped feta.
5. Top with olives, lemon juice and/or zest and serve with your choice of crackers or bread.

More ways to save this Christmas

Christmas is a magical time of year, but it can also put a strain on your wallet. With gifts to buy, festive meals to plan, and social expectations to meet, it’s easy to feel the financial pinch. Check out our handy guide for loads of ways to save this festive season without compromising on joy.

Follow Hoda for more recipe inspiration on Instagram and TikTok.

The post Jingle Bites: Whipped feta recipe appeared first on The Origin Blog.

1. Testing 1,2,3

No use getting those Christmas lights up to find they don’t work, so test them first. Stretch them out, switch them on, and make sure all the bulbs are working. It’s much easier to replace a bulb when your lights are on the floor. 

To help with packing, and to prevent tangles next year, considering wrapping your string lights around a piece of cardboard or something similar.

2. Plan out your design

Will you opt for a classing winter wonderland or an iconic Aussie Christmas (think landmarks and koalas) theme? Is simple gold and silver your jam or are you all about loads of colourful globes? Working out your style, as well as what lights go where, is half the fun of decorating.

Some general tips are to use warm white lights as the foundation for your display. These can be used to accent the various edges of your house particularly around the gables.

Coloured lights can then be used to highlight certain features of the display and throughout your garden. If you’re stuck for ideas, Pinterest is always a great place to go for inspo.

3. Out with the old, in with the new

Consider making the swap to LED lights. LEDs use up to 90 percent less energy than their older, incandescent bulb cousins. Given that Christmas lights are usually left on overnight, this can mean big savings. There’s no need to lose out on any of the festive cheer either, nowadays there are plenty of LED lighting options available.

4. Switch to solar

Your Christmas lights don’t need to spike your energy bill – why not try a solar powered option?

Solar-powered lights are a popular choice because they charge throughout the day and then shine through the night. Although they can be a little pricier than regular LED lights, they can last up to 6 hours with around 8 to 10 hours of solar charge. Plenty of time to impress your neighbours.

5. Mind your step

Safety first when it comes to decorating your home! It may sound obvious, but If you’re putting Christmas lights up high, use a sturdy ladder and ask for some help. If you’re heading up on the roof, consider investing in a safety strap in case you slip on tiles. And always wear shoes with grip and avoid decorating in wet conditions.

It’s also important to doublecheck that your lights are fit for purpose, for example, indoor and outdoor use.

6. Pay it forward

Consider putting all of your hard work and effort to good use by taking donations for your lights. Whether it’s for local community initiatives or clubs, food security charities that feed Aussie families year-round or any number of toy drives. It’s a great time of year to raise funds for a worthy cause!

Thinking about levelling up beyond just solar-powering your lights?

The post 6 tips to get your Christmas lights right appeared first on The Origin Blog.