Avoid using GAS and ELECTRIC !

Annie021063

I wanted to say how motivated I am by this thread. My power bills were horrendous last winter and I'm determined to reduce them this year. I have made the first step at reducing my water bill by applying for a meter to be fitted. I have told the family that we will hold out until Novemeber before we put heating on. I already picked up one hot water bottle at a jumble sale.
I would love to start the grocery challenge for October but as it's the 9th 1/3 is gone already and I'm not 100% what i've spent so could I start from now? I would like to spend only £80 by 30th October (approx £26.50 per week) we are a family of 4 but have 2 full freezers (thanks to tesco R&R policy) so it will be fruit/veg and other essentials.
Look forward to reading the thread from now on.
Annie

rchrisp

my OH has got me into the habit of boiling water in a kettle first than on the hob when cooking pasta, rice etc. which is the cheaper method? (our stove is electric too).

kittiwoz

Definitely cheaper to boil water in the kettle first and then transfer it to the hob. It's quicker too.

We have the heating set to come on for three hours in the morning now. If it was down to me it wouldn't be on yet. I haven't even had to use my hot-water bottle yet. I was thinking we might need to put it on soon at the begining of last week when it was cold but it has warmed up again now. I may try turning it down to two hours or even one and hope no one notices. I'm the only one here who can work the programmable timer so there's a good chance no one will bother figuring out how to programme it to change it back.

kittiwoz

Just thought of something I thought I'd mention. When I was at school we used to wear white cotton polo necks under our shirts in winter to keep warm. That was pretty good and still counted as our being in proper school uniform whereas we wouldn't have been allowed to wear a scarf in the classroom. I guess it would be good for offices with a dress-code too or just if you don't want to disturb your usual look too much.

justanothermuppet_2

Just thought of one...

If your workplace has a hot water dispenser (for making cups of coffee throughout the day) fill up your thermos flask just before you go home and you'll be sorted for hot drinks that evening!

Also (if you've got the option) stay longer at work...get paid overtime and save money on the heating at home!

OverlandLandy

EagerLearner wrote:

Can anyone advise where I'd get a good thermos mug that Mr EL can take on his walk to work? He always boild the kettle, leaves it, reboils it then only drinks half a mug.... If he had a thermos he could make the coffee and take with, warming him on the way?

I looked in Robert Dyas at lunch but none of the mugs looked 'manly' enough for him and they had weird 'half' handles... any ideas much appreciated!

I got a couple from Ikia for £1.50each (i think) - used them loads - good for keeping T/C hot - during the day or at night (how often does the phone ring/you get distracted...you think its only been 5mins...then gulp a mouthfull of stone cold T/C....YEUCH!):drool:

This fits with the ethos of the thread - It sure makes me boil my kettle a lot less now!

I also find them good for in the car & in the garden - stops the flies falling in!:cool:

EagerLearner

Thanks OverlandLady - shame I'm nowhere near an Ikea... the thermos flasks you mention sound perfect - and cheap!

I will keep hunting - any other ideas much appreciated...

mirry

cant believe the weather today , thunder storms.
Yet here I am sitting in a t.shirt and its nearly mid october....
I am feeling hopefull about not using the heating until November now....
or maybe even later ? who knows ?
Got dinner for tonight in the slow cooker already, also doing a mass baking frenzy today so I fill the oven right up.

sammy_kaye18

Yep agreed Mirry.

Thats my game plan for today too. Im going to go and pay a few outstanding bills i have then have a mass baking frenzy with my little boy. Fill the oven right up adn i can stay cosy warm then

MORPH3US

mirry wrote:

I am feeling hopefull about not using the heating until November now....

Me too, the only thing that might prevent me lasting that long is the girlfriend moaning how cold she is......

M