We attempt to use less power for aircon by closing up the windows and blinds early in the day and using fans when we can. Most nights it's cool enough here to be able to turn off the aircon and have just the windows open, and if not, then fans will do the job. (Mind you, I'm really feeling the heat right now, and I have to rely on M to tell me if it's too hot for the children... I'd freeze everyone if it were up to me! What good planning to have my baby at the end of summer!!)

We get our fresh fruit and vegies at the markets - although that does take time and planning and sometimes I just can't get there - and I've stopped being quite so worried about having fresh fruit and vegies everyday... most of the vegies will last out the week (we can supplement about a third of what we eat from our garden) but the fruit goes by about 5 days after I've bought it. Rather than making an extra trip, I just make sure we have tinned fruit (bought on special, or it's more expensive than fresh) and other things to eat until I get to the market again. I also get frozen vegies to tide us over if we run out of vegies.