Electricity Savings

I have gradually been trying to use more appliances on Economy 7 cheaper electricity over night.

I have so far managed to increase the amount used overnight to 30% on average, compared to only 15% this time last year.

There hasn't been many major changes, just making sure the dishwasher , washing machine and bread machine runs overnight. We don't own a tumble dryer and I line dry as much as is possible or use the indoor airer.

We have already switched all our bulbs which can be to the "eco" variety.

The other main area is to make sure that the boys don't leave their tv's and games consoles on standby when they have finished with them.

Kitchen Appliances

During the last month I have had to purchase a new bread machine, and have a replacement rental washing machine. I have a rental as although costing a monthly fee can be upgraded as and when new models come out and can also be repaired as part of the rental if needed.

For us this has seemed to be the way to go as washing machines don't seem to be built to last more than a couple of years anymore.

The washing machine has a larger size drum and is also an A+ rating on the energy grading, this means that it now will wash more in each load (less loads during the week) but is also good for energy consumption etc.

Just in the 2 weeks since we have had this I have noticed that our electrictiy usage has gone down, and nothing else has changed.

The bread machine was an annoying thing as the old machine worked perfectly well but the pan leaked and it didn't matter how many parts places I contacted a spare one could not be found.
I have kept the old machine in case a pan does become available.

Tacos

Saturday was my birthday and I had requested a tortilla press as my present from Dave and the boys as I hate having to roll the dough out.

I found one online at a store which also sells the Masa Harina flour, which is the best for making soft tortillas.

It duly arrived in time for the big day so yesterday I made tacos for dinner.

I have recipe I got from online a few years back which makes up the seasoning mix and you just add this to browned drained beef mince, then serve in the cooked soft tortillas with salad and cheese and either sour cream or mayo.

A lovely dinner which didn't cost a fortune.