Christmas – The Origin Blog https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog A place to learn about Origin, energy and the environment Tue, 07 Jan 2025 05:09:14 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 Jingle Bites: White choc passionfruit cheesecake recipe https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/jingle-bites-cheesecake-recipe/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 22:00:29 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/?p=22530 The festive season is here and I’ve teamed up with Origin to create a low-energy Christmas menu that’s packed with flavour. This no-bake passionfruit cheesecake is the perfect way to top off your Christmas lunch. Fresh and tropical, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family! Serves 4 What you’ll need To decorate […]

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The festive season is here and I’ve teamed up with Origin to create a low-energy Christmas menu that’s packed with flavour. This no-bake passionfruit cheesecake is the perfect way to top off your Christmas lunch. Fresh and tropical, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!

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)
This showstopper is the perfect end to your Christmas Lunch

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.

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Jingle Bites: Mediterranean roast chicken recipe https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/jingle-bites-roast-chicken-recipe/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 02:44:44 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/?p=22528 This air fryer Mediterranean chicken is the perfect addition to your Christmas menu. Packed with flavour and energy-efficient too!

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The festive season is here and I’ve teamed up with Origin to create a low-energy Christmas menu that’s packed with flavour. This Mediterranean roast chicken is perfect to serve as the star – your main course – this Christmas Day. It’s juicy, zingy and packed with flavour and, best of all, it uses the air fryer so it’s energy-efficient and easy!

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
This air fryer roast chicken is the perfect addition to your festive menu

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.

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8 homemade gifts to impress this Christmas https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/homemade-christmas-gifts/ Sat, 07 Dec 2024 08:59:28 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/?p=14874 Homemade gifts are a great way to save a few dollars during the festive season. These unique DIYs are sure to impress this Christmas.

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Gifts made from scratch and given with love are a great way to save a few dollars during the festive season. Sprinkle a little extra joy this Christmas with these unique DIYs.

1. Mason jar iced chocolate mix

We might not be blessed with a white Christmas here in Australia, but there’s nothing like the smooth goodness of chocolate to get you into a festive mood.

Take your lead from the Aussie summer and swap out the traditional hot chocolate for an iced-chocolate treat this year. This gift only requires chocolate mix, a small package of chocolate sauce, marshmallows and a mason jar. Simply layer the ingredients in the jar, add some twine or ribbon, a personalised label and decorative spoon.

Tip: Want to add a little something extra? Pair this mix with a cute set of mugs and some colourful socks for the perfect Christmas Eve pack. 

2. Peppermint sugar scrub

A candy-cane scented sugar scrub? Yes please!

Create this holiday scented scrub by combining sugar, coconut oil and peppermint essential oil. All that’s left to do once you’ve whipped up this easy DIY is to bottle it in a decorative jar, add ribbon and a label.

Tip: For a festive touch, tie some candy canes to the side of the jar.

3. DIY cookies

Give the gift of baking with a DIY cookie mix jar. Grab a decorative Mason jar and layer in the ingredients for the cookie mix of your choosing. Some classics include choc chip, oatmeal and raisin or snickerdoodles.

Once you’ve layered all the ingredients, decorate the jar with twine, ribbon or pop a square of hessian over the top. The final touch is to write out the recipe method on a card and attach it to the lid.   

Tip: Tie a set of measuring spoons and some cookie cutters to the top of your jar for some added fun!

4. Succulent planter bowl

For the plant-lover in your life, a succulent planter bowl is sure to cement your place in their heart.

All you’ll need for this project is a shallow planter bowl or pot, potting mix (a succulent mix is best), decorative pebbles and a handful of different succulents. If you want to go further and really personalise this gift, you could even paint the planter with the colour or pattern of your choice.

Tip: You can often find succulent cuttings on places like Marketplace or Gumtree for a fraction of the price that you’d pay at a nursery. To save on planter bowls, scour your local op shop for cute coloured bowls or patterned pots.

5. Coffee scrub

Buying for a coffee lover? This invigorating coffee scrub is sure to start their mornings off right.

Best of all, you’ll just need a few pantry staples to create it. Once you’ve whipped up the scrub, it’s time to pop it into a nice jar and add a few finishing touches like ribbon and a personalised label.

Tip: Add a spoon or scoop to the top of the jar for easy application.

6. Iced Christmas cookies

Who doesn’t love a festive cookie? Whether you choose a classic sugar cookie or a more traditional gingerbread recipe, gifting a batch of homemade cookies is always a hit.

Up the wow factor by icing your treats and decorating them with sprinkles, sugar glitter, cachous or candy. You can pick up decorative cookie tins at most bargain stores around the holiday season too.

Tip: Consider pairing the oils with a fun apron or a cookbook.

7. Infused olive oil

Infused oils are a great gift for the avid home cooks in your circle.

Gather up some decorative bottles, quality olive oil and your favourite fragrant herbs. Classic flavours include rosemary, basil, chilli and lemon, but there are plenty of recipes online that will help provide endless inspiration when it comes to flavour combinations.

Be sure to follow recipes closely to reduce any risk of contamination and maintain food safety.

Tip: If you’re looking for an eye-catching alternative, stained glass cookies make a truly beautiful gift. 

8. Peppermint bark

Peppermint bark is a festive treat that’s super easy to make! Grab a couple of blocks of good quality white chocolate and melt them down. Pour onto sheet pans lined with baking paper and sprinkle crumbled candy canes over the top. Refrigerate, crack into shards and pop it into a festive tin or jar. Finish off with some twine and a card – you’re all set!

Tip: You can balance out the sweetness of the white chocolate by first putting down a layer of milk or dark chocolate, allowing it to harden and then pouring over a layer of white chocolate.

Don’t have time to DIY?

Why not fill their Santa sack with gifts 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! Our customers also get access to up to 45% off movie tickets and vouchers – including Lux and Gold Class – the perfect stocking stuffer!

You’re bound to find a gift for every one on your list 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!

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How to make a dried orange garland https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/how-to-make-a-dried-orange-garland/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 02:47:05 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/?p=14991 Add some rustic charm to your Christmas decorations this year, and get crafty in the process, with this festive dried orange garland DIY.

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Add some rustic charm to your Christmas decorations this year with a dried orange garland. This DIY is super easy, requires just a few items and, apart from a couple of steps, is kid-friendly too. And, if you prep the orange slices ahead of time, it makes for a great SpikeHour activity with the family.

What you’ll need

For the garland

Oranges*
Twine or string

Utensils

Sharp knife
Paper towel
Baking paper
Baking trays
Cooling racks
Needle with a large eye (yarn needles are great)
Scissors

Method

Before SpikeHour

  1. Preheat oven to 120 degrees Celsius. Slice oranges into rounds that are roughly half a centimetre thick.
  2. Once you’ve sliced your orange, pat each slice dry with paper towel and arrange on a lined baking tray.
  3. Bake your slices for three hours, flipping each hour to make sure they bake evenly. Once the edges are slightly browned, remove from oven and place on cooling racks. Set aside and allow the slices to dry completely for 2–3 days.

During SpikeHour

  1. When your orange slices are dry, thread your needle with twine and begin stringing the slices on. Make sure you make a complete stitch through the orange slices: take the needle in one side of the flesh and out the opposite side. (We recommend horizontal stitches – in on the left and out on the right side of the flesh.) This ensures that the slices hang neatly on the twine/string.
  2. Once you’ve got the length of garland you need, snip the twine/string and tie a knot in each end to prevent slices from slipping off. Leave enough string on either end to tie to your banister, around your Christmas tree or to affix to other garlands (for example pine or spruce).
  3. Repeat the above to make as many garlands as you’d like!
  4. To add an extra touch of festive joy, consider adding in some pieces of spruce or weaving some twinkle lights around your finished garland.


Note: Five orange slices will give you roughly 50cm of garland depending on how far apart you space them.

Want to get rewarded for saving energy?

Spike is our energy-saving rewards program. During periods of peak demand on the energy grid, we run regular SpikeHours where Spike members are encouraged to reduce their energy use and meet personalised energy-saving targets.

Spike members that successfully reduce their energy use and meet their forecasts during SpikeHours are rewarded with Watts which can be redeemed for PayPal Cash or gift cards. SpikeHours are also a great time to take up hobbies or simply bring out the arts and crafts. With dedicated hours set aside weekly to switch off devices – AKA distractions – it’s the perfect opportunity to save energy and try something new. 

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13 easy ways to save this holiday season https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/13-easy-ways-to-save-this-holiday-season/ Thu, 05 Dec 2024 07:11:36 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/?p=14862 From roast lunch to gifts, the festive season can quickly add up. These tips will help you budget for a stress-free Christmas.

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From the traditional roast lunch and seafood, to decadent desserts and gifts, even the savviest budgeter can find the festive season stressful. These tips will help you cut costs this Christmas without losing the holiday magic.

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 upT&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.

 

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Jingle Bites: Whipped feta recipe https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/jingle-bites-whipped-feta-recipe/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 02:49:38 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/?p=22526 This low-energy whipped feta dip is the perfect way to start your Christmas Day feast. Packed with flavour and colour, it's sure to be a hit.

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The festive season is here and I’ve teamed up with Origin to create a low-energy Christmas menu that’s packed with flavour! First up, a starter that will add colour to your table and get mouths watering. This whipped feta dip only uses a handful of ingredients and you can even prep it in advance.

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
This whipped feta dip makes the perfect starter for your Christmas Day menu

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.

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6 tips to get your Christmas lights right https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/tips-to-get-your-christmas-lights-right/ Sat, 30 Nov 2024 05:20:43 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/uncategorised/6-tips-to-get-your-christmas-lights-right These 6 tips will help level up your Christmas lights this festive season and bring the sparkle to your neighbourhood.

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It’s the most magical time of the year, and for many people nothing says jolly quite like decking out the place with Christmas lights. These tips will help you crank up the Clark Griswold charm at your place this holiday season.

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?

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Clever ways to save this Christmas https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/clever-ways-to-save-this-christmas/ Thu, 28 Nov 2024 08:28:45 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/?p=22532 Téa Angelos from Smart Women Society shares her top tips for saving this festive season without compromising on joy.

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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. We’ve partnered with Smart Women Society, to help you celebrate without overspending. Founder and CEO Téa Angelos shares her mix of practical energy-saving tips and clever budgeting strategies, to make your Christmas both joyful and economical. 

Set a festive budget and stick to it

Before you dive into Christmas shopping, create a clear budget. Created in collaboration with Origin, the free Smart Women Society Christmas Planner spreadsheet is the perfect tool to help plan your spending. It includes tabs for tracking gifts, planning checklists across various festive categories, as well as a handy Christmas budget and spending tracker.

Shop smart

See if you have access to any exclusive offers or discounts through your utility providers – think energy, internet, mobile, etc. For example, Origin customers can take advantage of Origin Rewards and access discounts at some of Australia’s fave retailers like The Iconic, JB HiFi, The Good Guys and Endota Spa – perfect for snagging Christmas gifts for the whole family without the stress.  

Using price comparison tools and signing up for newsletters – to receive alerts about exclusive promotions from your favourite retailers – are also great ways to save. 

And for stocking stuffers or some summer holiday fun – Origin Rewards also offers up to 45 per cent off movie tickets and vouchers, including Gold Class and Lux, so you can catch releases like Wicked and Gladiator for less.

Light up your home, not your bills

Christmas decorations are part of the holiday magic, but they can drive up your energy costs. Switch to energy-efficient LED Christmas lights, which use significantly less power than traditional lights and last much longer. Set your lights on a timer to ensure they’re only on during the hours they’ll be enjoyed by your family and guests. For extra savings, consider solar-powered outdoor lights that require no electricity at all. 

Get creative with gifts

Instead of buying a gift for everyone in your circle, organise a Secret Santa to reduce the number of presents you need to buy. For a more personal touch, consider DIY gifts like homemade candles, baked goods, or personalised photo albums. These options are thoughtful, budget-friendly, and show your loved ones that you care.

Energy-saving habits for the holidays

Christmas gatherings often mean more time spent at home, which can increase energy usage. Some simple tweaks can help you save while entertaining and hosting the family.

Keep costs down by:

Simplify Christmas entertaining

If you’re hosting this year, plan ahead to avoid overspending. Plan out your menu in advance and take advantage of specials in the lead-up to Christmas Day. keep an eye out for specials in the lead-up. Bulk-buy non-perishable items and ask guests to bring a dish to share. This not only spreads the cost but also adds variety to the meal.  

Check your energy plan

The summer break is a great time to audit your energy bills and make sure you’re on the best energy plan for your needs. Taking the time to check your plan could result in significant savings. And while you’re doing life admin, check whether you’re eligible for any concessions or rebates. New year, new energy plan!

For more budgeting tips and tools, follow Smart Women Society on Instagram and TikTok.

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How to make salt dough Christmas ornaments https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/salt-dough-christmas-ornaments/ Mon, 04 Nov 2024 03:38:00 +0000 https://www.originenergy.com.au/?p=14939 If you're looking for a festive craft project to do with the little ones, salt dough ornaments can be made with just a few pantry staples.

The post How to make salt dough Christmas ornaments appeared first on The Origin Blog.

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If you’re looking for a festive craft project to do with the kids during your next SpikeHour, salt dough ornaments can be made with just a few pantry staples. All you’ll need are three ingredients, a few bits and pieces from the craft store, and your imagination.

For the dough:

4 cups plain flour
1 cup salt
1½ cups warm water

Utensils:

Spoon
Large mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
A straw
Baking tray

To decorate:

Acrylic paints
Paint brushes
Glitter
Ribbon or twine
Clear spray glaze or Mod Podge

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well until it begins to form a dough.

2. Take the dough out of the bowl and knead for at least 10 minutes. If your dough feels too dry, add in a little more water and continue kneading. Be careful not to add too much water or the dough will end up sloppy. Your dough should be smooth and roll out without many bumps – you should also be able to press your thumb into it. If your dough feels too firm, continue kneading a little longer.

3. Roll dough out until it’s roughly 1.5–2cms thick. Don’t make your dough too thick or it will take too long to dry.

4. Use assorted cookie cutters to cut out your shapes – we love snowflakes, stars, candy canes and gingerbread people! 

Tip: To make a handprint ornament, get your little one (or your fur baby) to press their hand (or paw) first and then cut around it with either a circle or heart shaped cutter.

5. Use a straw to make a hole for the ribbon at the top of your ornament. 

6. Place ornaments on a lined baking tray on the bench and let them airdry for 24 hours. This cuts down your baking time.

7. Do this step ahead of – or after – your SpikeHour. Preheat oven to 120°C for 10 minutes. Once preheated, pop your trays in the oven and bake for 1–2 hours. When the tops of your ornaments look dry and solid, flip them over to bake the underside. Baking time can vary depending on thickness – if yours still appear doughy after two hours, bake for another hour or so (keeping an eye on them to avoid burning them).  

Tip: If they’re taking too long to dry in the oven, let them finish by air drying them for a few more days. Be sure to flip them over so the bottoms also get exposed to air.

8. Once your ornaments are fully dried, it’s time to paint. Top your creations with glitter, glitter glue, puff paint – the sky’s the limit here! Let the kids’ imaginations run wild. If you’ve created a hand or paw print ornament, you may want to paint the handprint itself and sprinkle on some glitter.

Tip: If you want to add glitter to your pieces, paint them first and allow them to dry. Then apply some craft glue and sprinkle on the glitter.

9. After the paint’s dried on your ornaments, it’s time to seal them to make sure they last for many Christmases to come. Seal them by either painting on some Mod Podge or spraying them with a clear glaze. (Adults should always do this step.)

10. The last step is to tie a loop of ribbon or twine through the tops of your creations and find the perfect spot to hang them on the tree.

Want to get rewarded for saving energy?

Spike is our energy-saving rewards program. During periods of peak demand on the energy grid, we run regular SpikeHours where Spike members are encouraged to reduce their energy use and meet personalised energy-saving targets.

Spike members that successfully reduce their energy use and meet their forecasts during SpikeHours are rewarded with Watts which can be redeemed for PayPal Cash or gift cards. SpikeHours are also a great time to take up hobbies or simply bring out the arts and crafts. With dedicated hours set aside weekly to switch off devices – AKA distractions – it’s the perfect opportunity to save energy and try something new. 

The post How to make salt dough Christmas ornaments appeared first on The Origin Blog.

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