Making Food Fun from Start to Finish

Making Food Fun from Start to Finish

 

Getting kids to eat right is something every parent works at. But sometimes the process is not so easy. Kids can be picky and they may not want to eat what is prepared. The good news is, there are ways to combat this situation. Keep reading for some ideas that you can use right away.

Snacks

If there’s one thing kids enjoy eating, it’s a meal that comes in-between meal times. You got it – most kids prefer snacks over actual meals. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy snack options you can offer. For instance, take a look at the “Flower Salad” below. What kid wouldn’t enjoy this nutritious snack?

 Start at the Beginning

One way to get kids interested in eating right is getting them in on the food ideas from the start. That is, take the kids with you to the grocery store or farmer’s market. Teach them about choosing fresh and healthy foods. Sometimes kids can surprise you with the things they are interested in. The reality is, your kids have probably learned something about healthy food choices at school. Food shopping helps reinforce what they already know. 

 Make Food Preparation a Family Affair

Cooking can be fun and it can be educational. Why not include the kids in meal preparation? This is a great way to teach kids some basic cooking skills while also having an opportunity to spend quality time together. The whole family can get involved.

 Getting your kids to eat right isn't that difficult, but it can require a little effort. Try these strategies - your entire family might develop better eating habits and as a bonus, the time you spend together will strengthen family bonds!

Debbie Allen is a regular contributor to this Package From Santa blog. She writes about everything from home life and lifestyles to business topics.

Is Your Child Musically Inclined?

 

Let her sing!

Many kids show a love for music at a very early age. Some like to sing and others seem to have a natural talent for playing instruments. If your child is musically inclined you will probably want to encourage the talent along. The reality is, some parents overlook the traits of a musically gifted child. Don’t let that happen to you – here are some things to be on the lookout for.

Signs of a Musically Gifted Child

If you think your child may be musically inclined you should watch for some of these signs:

• ·         Your child has a strong interest in playing an instrument and needs little instruction or help
• ·         He/she remembers songs and seems to be able to hear music in his/her head
• ·         Your child enjoys spending long periods of time playing or practicing
• ·         He/she writes songs

Of course, these are just some of the things you should look for. Other ‘signs’ can include the ability to read music at an early age and a great sense of rhythm.

Don't worry - he'll grow into the guitar!

Raising a Musically Inclined Child

So if you have discovered that your child is indeed musically inclined, you would probably like some tips on how to proceed. After all, the child’s talent should be encouraged – not wasted.

Let your child lead the way – that is, find out what it is that he/she wants to do with the talent. Is your child interested in formal lessons or would she/he prefer to ‘play’ with the idea of music? Perhaps it is better to provide some instruction as well as to allow your child to explore his or her music inclinations.

An instructor can provide insights based on experience.

Even if instruction is only a temporary part of the child’s life, it will help enhance the natural talent he/she has. In addition, a professional instructor can help deepen your child’s appreciation for music.

Making the Determination

Knowing whether your child is truly gifted or not can be more difficult than you might expect; it is wise to get opinions from experienced instructors.

Keep it fun!

Every child that has a love for music should be allowed to pursue that interest. Keep in mind, musically gifted and musically inclined children can be ‘turned off’ if they are pressured to do more than they are willing to do musically. Show support according to your child’s desires. This may be as simple as encouraging plenty of play time with a favorite instrument or by allowing your child to perform for you, or, at the other end of the spectrum, you and your child may opt for formal lessons. Who knows, your child may be famous someday!

This Package From Santa blog post was created by Debbie Allen.

Help Your Kids Get Organized

Help Your Kids Get Organized

Some kids seem to be natural neat freaks and others are far from it. In some instances it appears that kids mimic what their parents do; if a parent is well-organized her kids might be too. On the other hand, some kids tend to take the opposite course; they may be very unorganized.

Organizational skills can benefit people of all ages. In fact, these skills can help in everything from stress management to saving time. With that, helping kids get organized is a great way to help them work more efficiently in the classroom, on home projects, and much more. It can even help when it comes to money management and in workplace settings. In other words, this is a skill that kids can learn and then use throughout their lives.

Start With the Basics

While you wouldn’t expect a toddler to sweep and mop the floors, even very young children can learn to put their toys in a toy box or other container. Teaching them to do this is a wonderful way to help them gain an appreciation for organization. They will know where to find the things they want.

Toddlers Like To Clean

Toddlers like doing things like stacking blocks and sorting according to colors. These basic skills can be used to help teach kids more about organization. For instance, even young kids can ‘help’ with the laundry chores. They can find socks that match and they can help toss clothes into the washer and dryer.

Toy brooms, dustpans, and vacuum cleaners are popular items for toddlers. Kids in this age group do not think of cleaning as work – that is, unless an older person clues them in. That being said, cleaning and organizing tasks should be made to be fun.

Creative Storage

Storage solutions do not have to be the typical and expected. Getting creative can make using the containers more fun. For example, kids can make their own desk accessories. A simple craft project, like painting an empty jar to use to hold pencils can make a child want to keep his or her pencils where they belong.

Out of Sight Is Good

Kids can also be taught about the use of ‘unseen’ or unused spaces. This includes the space under a bed, in a closet, and in cabinets. Showing kids that ‘under the bed storage’ can be ideal for out of season clothing or for certain collections helps them gain an understanding that not everything has to be out, in the open. They learn to prioritize storage solutions according to how often an item is accessed or needed.

Do You Need This?

One way to instill good habits is to ask if an item still fits or if the child still plays with or uses it. The idea is to teach kids that it is important to ‘get rid of’ things that are not needed. This makes space for the things that are wanted and used.

Responsibilities Can Help

Giving kids chores or responsibilities is an excellent way to reinforce the need for organization. Start with something small and age-appropriate. As the child grows his or her responsibilities can be increased. But do keep in mind, everyone is different and some people are simply better organized than others. Setting basic standards is a good idea but you should also be willing to allow some flexibility.

Debbie Allen is a team member at Package From Santa. She writes about everything from home decoration and ways to save money to health topics and tips for parents. Visit her site for women at TheThingsWomenWant.com.

Awesome Ideas For Easter Basket Stuffers

Easter baskets are fun to fill – but you may be wondering what you can add besides candy – after all, too much candy is not a good thing! And maybe you are creating baskets for someone that is not exactly a child. First, let’s review some ideas that will work for almost anyone.

Awesome Stuffers That Will Please Almost Anyone

Movies – People of all ages enjoy movies. Whether you rent or purchase a great flick, it is sure to be appreciated.

Puzzles – Whether you go with a board puzzle or a puzzle book, this can be a great option.

Gift Cards – Giving this stuffer makes it possible for the recipient to purchase something they have a true interest in.

Food – Easter basket stuffers don’t have to relate to the holiday. For instance, you could add jerky or a tasty trail mix to a guy’s basket or even a special pastry item. Preparing a basket for a tea lover? Add some great tea bags and a cute tea cup.

A Plant – Some people love plants and for those that do, receiving a plant is always special. It’s also the perfect time of year to add a few packets of seeds as stuffers.

Now let’s talk a bit about things you can add to Easter Baskets for kids. First thing to remember – kids want to have fun. With that in mind, the stuffers you add should offer a fun activity or they should relate to something the child is interested in.

Kids’ Easter Basket Stuffers

Bubbles

Play Dough

Jump Rope

Slinky

Coloring books – crayons and markers

Silly Putty

Toy Cars & Trucks

Animal Figures

Water Guns

Frisbee

Temporary Tattoos

Stickers

Sidewalk Chalk

Legos & Other Building Blocks

Baseball Cards

Bath Time Toys

Hair Accessories

Stuffed Animals

Books

Fashion Jewelry

Sunglasses

Cap or Hat

Socks

Water Bottle or Sippy Cup

More Ideas

Other ideas for Easter Basket Stuffers include more personalized gifts – like special jewelry or colognes. You could also consider pajamas, house slippers and other items of clothing.

The reality is, Easter Basket stuffers are very similar to Christmas Stocking Stuffers. You can spend a lot or spend a little. The main thing is to consider the person receiving the stuffer and give something that will interest him or her.

Debbie Allen is a team member at Package From Santa. She writes about holidays, home decoration, online business strategies and more.

Trampolines

Trampolines – Playing It Safe!

Turning your backyard into a fun place for kids often includes the addition of a swing set, swimming pool, and a trampoline. But just as each of these can be lots of fun, without proper precautions, they can also lead to accidents, injury, and even to death. Let’s talk about some ways to add safety to the use of trampolines.

The Risks

The most obvious risk related to trampoline jumping is falling off. But using a trampoline incorrectly can also lead to such injuries as sprains and fractures, as well as head and neck injuries.

From The American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that trampolines are not safe for at home use or in playgrounds. However, using trampolines for supervised training is supported – as long as all safety guidelines are followed.

Giving In Does Not Have To Mean Giving Up On Safety

The truth is, jumping on a trampoline is fun – and kids want to have fun. With that in mind, many parents give in and add trampolines to their backyard. The good news is, there are some ways to lessen the dangers of trampoline jumping – ways to make it safer.

Trampoline Safety Rules

1)      Choose the location – Trampolines should be placed on level ground – for added safety you can put the trampoline in a pit, ensuring that the jumping surface is level with the ground. Trampoline should not be too close to trees or buildings.

2)      Add a trampoline net – This surrounds the trampoline which minimizes the risk of falling from the trampoline to the ground.

3)      Use pads – Shock-absorbing pads can be used to cover the exposed metal parts, such as hooks, springs, and frame.

4)      Regular maintenance – Like most items, a trampoline in good repair is safer than one that’s not. Make it a habit to routinely check for any tears or other problems.

5)      Supervised activity – Only one person should jump at a time – and all activity should be supervised. Risky moves should not be allowed. Never add a ladder to your trampoline – a ladder can encourage younger children to use the equipment without supervision.

Although these measures can help make jumping on trampolines safer, it still does make the activity risk-free. In addition to concerns about risks associated with a trampoline you may want to consider the need for liability coverage, and you could also find that your homeowner’s insurance premium goes up.

Debbie Allen is a regular contributor at Package From Santa blogs. She shares tips and ideas about everything from holiday decorations and cherished traditions like writing letters to Santa to ways to save money, home decorating ideas and issues relating to kids’ health.

Make Your Own Fairy Garden

Gardening is an activity that is fun for old and young alike – it’s something the entire family can enjoy together. But not everyone wants to commit the time, money and effort required to make and maintain a large-scale garden. With that in mind, smaller versions can be the ideal alternative. In this case we are referring to ‘fairy gardens’.

Getting Started

Fairy gardens are perfect for decks and patios. But they can also be added to almost any outdoor space. Plus, you can use a variety of ‘garden’ containers. This includes everything from an old suitcase to a picnic basket, wooden box or a discarded wagon. Other options include a non-working outdoor fountain with a large base or a large concrete planter.

The basic step is to fill the container with dirt and add plants. Small compact plants, such as succulents and ground covers are good choices. Since this is a fairy garden you should try to use plants and other items that are small-scaled, but that are interesting.

The Fun Begins!

After you have the plants in place you can begin the fun part – accessorizing the garden to make it the perfect home for fairies!  Keep in mind, this will probably be an on-going process – because as time goes by there will likely be new ideas and items you and your kids want to try.

One important consideration is pathways. You should add paths that will take the fairies through the garden. These can be made with any type of small rocks – a good choice is aquarium gravel.

You may even want to use some aquarium decorations in your garden. You can find great-looking caves, houses and castles that any fairy is sure to love. You can also find some items that make wonderful ‘statues’ for the fairy garden.

Use your imagination to create the perfect garden. Want a gazing ball for the fairies’ front lawn? Just glue a pretty marble to a golf tee!  Want a pond in your Fairy Garden? Partially bury a small dish. Check out the idea of using small knick-knacks to decorate your garden.

Besides using aquarium accessories and knick-knacks you may already have you might also want to visit the craft aisle of your favorite department store. You will find things like small bird nests, birds, butterflies and bees that can be added to the garden.

Be creative and have fun – the fairy garden will be a magical place that your family will enjoy for the long term.

Debbie Allen writes about everything from real letters from Santa to home decoration and gardening tips. Visit this Package From Santa blog regularly to stay informed.

Traditional St. Patrick's Day Meal

Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Meal

Maybe you’re like millions of others – you don’t have a lot of time but you still like to make holidays fun. And with that the thought of planning and cooking something special probably doesn’t sound too appealing. But the good news is – you can make a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal very easily – in fact, you can use a crock pot!

Corned beef and cabbage is the traditional meal most people associate with St. Patrick’s Day.

Main Ingredients:

• Corned Beef Brisket (3 pounds) & Spice Packet
• Small Red Potatoes (10 -12)
• Red Onion (1 - diced)
• Carrots (5 – peeled and cut into small pieces)
• Head of Cabbage (cut into small wedges)
• Water (3 cups)

Cooking Instructions:

• Add vegetables to crock pot. Combine contents of spice packet with 3 cups water – then pour over vegetables. 
• Add brisket to pot – then top off with cabbage.
• Add cover and cook on low for approximately 8 – 9 hours. Meat and vegetables should be tender at completion.
• Place cabbage and vegetables in separate bowls. Add broth to bowls. Place brisket on a platter and slice to serve.

Don’t Forget About Dessert!

What could be more appropriate for a St. Patrick’s Day dessert than a rainbow cake or cupcakes in a jumbo size? And the best part is – this recipe is easy!

Ingredients Needed:

• White Cake Mix - 2 Boxes
• White Cake Frosting – 2 Containers
• Water – 2 ½ cups
• Vegetable Oil – 2/3 cup
• Food Color – Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green

Directions:

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare paper muffin cups or you can choose to make a rainbow cake.
• Add cake mixes, egg whites, vegetable oil and water to large bowl and mix until thoroughly blended.
• Separate mix into six smaller bowls. Add food coloring to create the following colors: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Orange (add 10 – 12 drops of yellow color and 4- 5 drops yellow), and Purple (9-10 drops red color and 5 – 6 drops blue).
• Begin each muffin (or the bottom layer of the cake) with 1 tablespoon) red batter.
• Build the color layers of the rainbow as you desire using all 6 colors you created.
• Bake for approximately 35 minutes (test by lightly touching center of cake/muffin or by inserting a toothpick).
• Cool for 10 minutes before adding frosting.

There you have it – a delicious way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

Debbie Allen is a regular contributor at Package From Santa blogs. She writes about everything from everyday lifestyle tips to craft projects and recipes and even about holiday traditions like writing letters to Santa .

Home Remedy Treatments for Diaper Rash

Do You Know About These Home Remedy Treatments for Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is not uncommon – but if you are very careful you may be able to eliminate it – forever! Below you will find some home remedy treatments for diaper rash as well as some ways to prevent it.

First Things First

Wet or soiled diapers are the perfect breeding ground for the development of diaper rash. With that in mind, a bare-bottom can be healthier for your baby. Of course, that isn’t a reasonable option for most of the day. With that in mind, you should change your baby’s diaper often. Keeping your baby clean and dry can certainly make a huge difference.

Clean and Dry

Store-purchased baby wipes may contain alcohol or other substances that can irritate skin. In most cases, a soft washcloth wet with water and a very gentle soap is a better choice. After cleaning baby you should use a washcloth wet with plain water to rinse away any residue left behind. Baby’s bottom should then be dried. Use a soft towel and pat dry. If possible, wait a few minutes before diapering baby.

Creams and Ointments

There are countless creams and ointments available that can be used as protection for baby. These products add a barrier that helps to defend the baby from irritations that urine and feces can cause. Keep in mind that these ointments can also prevent air from reaching the skin – therefore, they should be used sparingly on skin that is already irritated.

Change Can Be Good

It is possible that a baby is sensitive to the materials used in any brand of disposable diaper. Sometimes changing to another brand will make a difference. So if you change your baby frequently and allow air to get to the baby’s bottom but diaper rash continues to be a problem, you may need to try a different disposable diaper.

Consult With A Professional

All these suggestions are just that – we do not provide medical advice. In fact, if diaper rash is an ongoing problem or if it seems severe in any way, you should consult with a healthcare professional.

Debbie Allen is a regular contributor at Package From Santa blogs. She is the owner of The Things Women Want – an online magazine for women.

How to Handle Unsolicited Parenting Advice

How to Handle Unsolicited Parenting Advice

When it comes to parenting it seems everyone has an opinion. Whether it's from your own mother, your mother-in-law, your next door neighbor, or a complete stranger, as a parent you are likely to receive lots of advice - much of which is not asked for and not wanted.

Many people feel they are experts in the field and therefore, they are ready and willing to give you advice. The problem is, unless you ask for the advice, you probably don’t want it. Even so, most of this advice is given with good intentions – and it is up to you to respond to it in whatever way you see fit.

However, since the advice is given with good intentions, you probably want to respond in a polite way. At the same time, because you don’t want the advice you may feel a bit offended. So how should you handle unsolicited parenting advice?

Public Parenting

Every parent has or will experience a time when their child misbehaves in public. You may be at the grocery store waiting to pay and your child decides to cry because he/she is tired or maybe because you didn’t buy the candy they wanted. This is a perfect time for someone to offer advice about how to help your child calm down.

You could of course let the advisor know that you don’t need any advice – but that could be considered rude. Another way to handle this is to simply thank the well-intentioned person and ask if they have any solutions for another situation, such as how to get your child to sleep through the night, etc. – you may even go as far as asking for their phone number so you can call them if needed. In most cases the advice giver will back off from giving additional parenting tips.

Isn’t He Too Old For That?

Sometimes family members as well as strangers like to help out with parenting advice – but in a subtle way. They may ask if your child is too old for this or shouldn’t she be better at that by now. Rather than being hurt or offended, take control of the conversation. Ask what their experience is with children. If they are not qualified to give advice they may immediately feel regret for asking the question; on the other hand, if they happen to be experts in some way, you may get some free advice that is truly helpful.

Spoiled Rotten

What one parent considers spoiling a child is what another thinks of as being a good parent. Parenting styles differ. If you are accused of spoiling your child you should simply give appreciation for the opinion but feel confident with your own parenting skills and style.

Keep in mind that most people giving parenting advice really do not mean any harm or hurt to you. Responding in kindness and understanding can keep the interaction cordial and in some cases, it may be the best way to build or enhance a relationship.

Debbie Allen is a regular contributor at Package From Santa blogs. She often writes about ways to live a happy and healthy lifestyle – her topics cover everything from craft projects to ways to save money and recipes.

Have Your Trail Mix Your Way!

Now days you can buy various kinds of Trail Mix at your favorite grocery store. However, this limits you to choosing from what is available. The reality is, you can create delicious trail mix treats very easily. And when you make it yourself you get to choose exactly what goes in. In other words, you can have your trail mix your way!

Typical Trail Mix Ingredients

Although there is not a right or wrong ‘mix’, the typical ingredient choices include nuts, seeds, dried fruit, grains, sweets and seasonings. Obviously, within these choices you can go very healthy or create a mix that is heavy on calories and fat content.

Cooked, Roasted or Raw

Some people prefer a ‘cooked’ mix. That is, the sweets, such as chocolate, peanut butter, or butterscotch chips may be melted and combined with the dry ingredients. Nuts and other ingredients can be roasted or added raw.

Mix It Up

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Seasonings and spices can make even an ordinary Trail Mix more exciting to eat. You can create a sweet mix, a salty and sweet mix, a spicy mix, or whatever sounds good to you. Add in some surprises – for instance, you could add a few wasabi peas or M&Ms. These ingredients can make the mix more interesting and fun to eat.

Debbie Allen is a regular contributor at Package From Santa blogs. She shares tips and ideas about everything from real letters from Santa to recipes, kids’ health, home decor and ways to save money. You can read more of her content at The Things Women Want.

Top Sledding Safety Tips

Many states across the nation have snow-covered hills ready and waiting to be conquered. Sledding is lots of fun, but countless sledding injuries happen each winter. Read over these sledding safety tips before you and your kids venture out to sled down a hill.

The Right Hill and the Right Sled

Choose hills that are covered in snow – not in ice. You should also look for hills that will allow your sled to glide to a stop at the bottom – that is, the hill should have a gradual slope and a flat area at the bottom.

Be sure that the end of your ride will not include landing on or near a street, parking lot, pond, fence, trees, or other dangers.

The hill should be as smooth as possible – avoid hills that have lots of rocks, bumps, or trees.
There is a wide range of sled styles available, but you should choose one that is designed with safety in mind. Some sleds can be steered – which adds to the riders’ safety, and some sleds even come with brake mechanisms. Spending a little extra on a safe sled is money well-spent.

Dress Appropriately

Sledding is a cold-weather activity so you naturally need to dress warm. Ideally you should be bundled up with a hat or hood, gloves, boots, and a winter coat or jacket. Since scarves can potentially get caught in the sled they should be avoided.

Depending on the snow and other circumstances, you may find that your clothing becomes wet. This is a definite safety hazard – take extra clothing just in case.

With just a little effort you can limit the risks associated with sledding. Use sensible precautions, such as keeping young children with adults and allowing only 1 sled to go down the hill at a time. When you follow these sledding safety tips you will not only have a fun day at the hills, you’ll also create great memories!

Debbie Allen is a regular contributor at Package From Santa blogs. She enjoys sharing tips and ideas about everything from child-friendly activities and home décor to business management.

Popcorn Balls – They’re Not Just for Halloween

Popcorn Balls – They’re Not Just for Halloween

Be different - do your own thing - decorate your popcorn balls with candy!

Popcorn balls can be a delicious treat any time of year and for any occasion. The Package From Santa team has found a super easy way to make popcorn balls – in fact, it only takes 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients For 1 Dozen Popcorn Balls

• Popped Popcorn – 10 cups
• Large Marshmallows – 10 ounces
• Butter – ¼ cup
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Candy Decorations - optional

Add popcorn to large bowl, cake pan or other large container.

Combine marshmallows, salt and butter in a saucepan – use low to medium heat and stir constantly until the mix is melted. Pour over popcorn and mix well.

Allow to cool slightly then with buttered hands, shape into 12 balls. Place on waxed paper and decorate with candy if desired – the melted mixture will act as a sweet-and-tasty glue!

Debbie Allen enjoys sharing tips and ideas that can make your life easier and more fun. She writes about everything from new ideas to try when your kids write letters to Santa, recipes, ways to save money and home remedies.

How Do You Deck Out Potato Skins?

Whether you’re planning a Super Bowl Party or just looking for an inexpensive way to feed your own family, a potato bar can be the ideal solution! When it comes to feeding a crowd, potato skins are a great option. They can be customized to each person’s preference and even if you ‘go all out’ with toppings, your overall costs will still be very low.

You can bake and prepare the potatoes yourself or you can purchase frozen potatoes that are already scooped out. This makes your prep time faster and easier.

We suggest that you set up a ‘potato bar’. This makes it possible for everyone to add the toppings they prefer. Not only is this convenient for your guests – it also takes the work off of you.

Variety is the key to pleasing everyone. Some people like to fill potato skins with meat and cheese and others prefer veggies. You can’t go wrong if you provide a bit of everything at your potato bar. Dice up the veggies and prepare the other toppings, then display them in small containers at your bar. This will look nice and it will add to the enjoyment of everyone.

While there isn’t a wrong way to top a potato, we do have some suggestions  – but of course, you probably have some ideas of your own!

Potato Skin Fillers

• ·         Chili
• ·         Taco meat
• ·         Diced ham
• ·         Bacon
• ·         Refried beans
• ·         Shredded cheese
• ·         Roasted peppers
• ·         Banana peppers
• ·         Onions (offer green and sweet red onions)
• ·         Jalepenos
• ·         Diced tomatoes
• ·         Salsa
• ·         Sour Cream
• ·         Cheese sauce
• ·         Bar-B-Q sauce
• ·         Herbs
• ·         Salt & Pepper

Set your potato bar up in a way that makes sense. You will need to include serving dishes and utensils and napkins. Since the potato is the foundation of this dish you will need to place the potatoes in a very convenient location.

Try grouping your toppings. Placing all the meats together will make it easier for everyone. A person that prefers only vegetables can easily be preparing his/her potato at the same time a meat-lover is creating a work of ‘meat art’.

Some items will be used by nearly everyone. Shredded cheese, creams and sauces fall into that category.

The idea is to make toppings as easily accessible as possible. That will make it easier for everyone – even kids, to prepare their potato their way. Plus, it means you can relax!

Debbie Allen enjoys sharing tips and ideas that can make your life easier. She writes about everything from new ideas to try when your kids write letters to Santa, recipes, and even ways to save money.