ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Kids. They are lovable (even when they are being bad) and we could not do without them.

But, their stuff. They need so much, and they seem to outgrow everything just as soon as you turn around. It gets expensive.

Brandy Darden has a solution. The Robertsdale mother of two, Kelsea, 5, and Trenton, 2, is organizing a “Mommy and Me Marketplace” at the Tanger Outlet Mall in Foley March 19-21.

“We have always done yard sales,” said Darden, “and never on a small scale.”

The sale, Darden says, will allow families to bring their goods and shop for other necessities without the fuss and bother of setting up a yard sale of their own.

“I know my own kids’ closets are overflowing,” said Darden. “This is more covenient than a yard sale.”

Sellers, however have to “consign” their items, meaning that a portion of the sale price will go the the event organizers. Full details can be found at Darden’s Web site, mommyandmemarketplace.webs.com. Darden stressed that not just clothes are welcome at the sale.

“We are looking for books, toys, DVDs, anything a child might use or maternity wear,” she said.

A bonus to this sale is that items not purchased at this sale will be held by Darden at no additional charge for the next sale. Consigners will have to provide a storage bin if they wish to use this service.

Unsold merchandise may be picked up, Darden says, March 21 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Another advantage to the sale is, to quote Darden’s Web site, “You don’t have to wait until the drop off day during the sale.  If you have your items ready to go at any time prior to the sale, one month - 2 months - 2 weeks, etc…just schedule a drop off/pick up time and we’ll take them early at no additional charge to you!  Get it out of the way now, why wait!!!”

Consigners have ways of getting extra commission for their sale items

It is possible to earn an additional 10 percent by volunteering to work at the sale from two to four hours. Consignors can also earn a greater percentage on their goods by referring three new consignors to the sale. Darden says she is planning the next sale for fall.

Or unsold items can be donated to a charity, in this case, it will be the Women’s Care Medical Center in Robertsdale.

If truly busy, consignors can drop off their goods with Darden about two weeks before the sale and she says she will prepare the items for sale. A percentage of the sale price will be charged

Consignors will get a first look at the items for sale by shopping the “pre sale.” a time before the sale is open to the public.

Darden came up with the idea of holding the sale as a way to earn some money, help a local charity and allow people to clear their closets and attics.

“I wanted to help out,” said Darden. “I didn’t see me starting my own store and putting my kids into day care.”

Running two large sales a year, Darden says, is the best solution.

Besides her experience with yard sales, Darden says she has management experience. The has been the office manager of a travel agency, a school administrator and taught arts and crafts. She added that she has had other office management jobs.

Buyers, Darden stressed will benefit as well.

“The shoppers will have the opportunity to find bargains,” said Darden. “We have standards. The items must not have stains or rips or missing buttons. this is a chance to find quality clothing and goods at great prices.”