10 Garage Sale Tips (ok, really 11).

We've just survived our 2nd United We Dance garage sale and like the first, it was a wonderful success! The money making ratio is still one of the best ($70/hr)!

Here are some tips and things we've learned along the way:

• Have a garbage can on site. Simple notion, but Yard Sales create a lot of garbage..
• Make reusable signs. Then remember where you store them.
• Have a theme.  If you have something special to sell (like flapper costumes), take fotos and add to your Craigslist posting.

                                            

• On that note, never pay for advertising. Use the free stuff: Craigslist, the corner telephone pole, your Fb page. Only advertise a few days before the event if it's held outside in the Great Pacific Northwet.
• Regarding weather, be flexible with your planning.  Even a 'partly rain' forecast will dampen spirits and give you wet feet. Don't hesitate to reschedule. 

                                       

• Buy the colorful round stickers with prices on them. Stick 'em on the 'decent, higher value stuff' as you go. It's psychological ...easy to say "one dollar".  Not so easy to say "twelve dollars".
• Don't price too high.  At our garage sales, we price things really low, but stuff moves and we make money.
• Do it with friends. Have coffee on site. Laugh a lot. (a little protein in the afternoon helps too!)

                                       

• Play store. Dress up your displays. When I drive by by a table full of florist vases, I seldom stop. A stuffed Kermit the Frog, wrapped in a quilt propped w/a book in a rocking chair  ... I stop.

                                                  

•  * Know HOW TO TAKE DOWN the Canopy.*

                                                  

• Call for a pick-up service at the end of the day.  We call "Lifegate Christian Ministries" who come and take all the leftover stuff to a shelter for homeless woman and children (tel: 360-714-8989).

When it's all said and done, take yourself out to dinner (maybe followed by a spa day?). You've earned it.

bliss salon and boutique - cutting hair for dancers!

Time for a little trim? Maybe a new style? Head off to see Stevie Stremler @ bliss salon and boutique in Bellingham with a Dance Studio Coupon and she will donate 50% of the price you pay to United We Dance! Is this cool, or what?!
4 Steps to make it happen:

1. Pick up your coupon Saturday morning, April 24th in the ticket line at the Mt Baker Theater (Ticket Sale begins for The Dance Studio's June 25th & 26th Performance: If the Shoe Fits).
2. Schedule your hair appointment w/Stevie by calling Bliss Salon at 360-656-5569
3. Go to 1031 N. State St, Ste 106 in B'burg and get your fabulous new "doo"
4. Bliss will then reimburse 50% of the price you paid to United We Dance.  

Live beautifully!  Thank You Bliss and Stevie Stremler for your generosity!!!

Shabby / Chic Yard Sale

This Saturday, April 24th, we're hosting a Shabby/Chic Yard Sale.
Place: 2717 Cornwall Ave - Bellingham
Time: Starts 7am (not earlier please!); Ends when it ends (sometime in the afternoon).

Shabby Side: All the normal Garage Sale stuff: clothes, housewares, toys, books, etc
Chic Side: Better than Average stuff: Vintage, paper craft, Art ...

Proceeds benefit United We Dance. Sending dancers to our Sister City in Australia in 91 DAYS !!!
Come Shopping!

Monday's Dancers

Lights. Camera. Action! Centerstage today are middle-schoolers Kathryn, Emily and Rachel. Like their UWD co-dancers, these girls dance all styles. Kathryn's & Rachel's  favorite style is Ballet,  while Emily likes Musical Theater & Jazz. 
Other facts to know:

• Kathryn was born in Salt Lake City and is an accomplished baker. Just try her red-velvet cupcakes!
• Emily is a fan of shopping ... from the Mall to the Farmer's Market ... "it's all fun!"
• Rachel is a figure skater and enjoys cooking ... especially baking and cake decorating.

Australia musings:
Kathryn: I had two Aussie's stay with me in December, twins - Rebecca & Ryan. Their favorite part of Bellingham was the snow, shopping, performing and Red Robin! When I go in July, I'm looking forward to dancing, going to the beach and shopping!

Emily: I can't wait to see the white sandy beaches and go swimming. I'm bringing my iPod and my Star Pillow with me (you know, for the plane). I'll miss my dog, Taz.

Rachel: It'll be fun seeing all the sights and dancing for the Australians. I haven't decided what I'm taking with me yet. I'm an avid Ugly doll collector.....

Ozzieland & Babysitting

Soon we'll be on our way! In less than 4 months, we'll be 'leaving on a jet plane' and flying to Sydney, Australia.  From Sydney we'll head north about 2 hrs to Port Stephens, which is very close to Newcastle, a city you can find on most maps.  The closer we get, the more real it becomes.  But we've still got lots to do!

We've been fundraising, which takes a lot of energy, as anyone who's done it, knows.  It's not really just figuring out ways to earn money.  It's figuring out what we can sell, or what service we can provide, that'll someone will want to pay us for! That's the challenge! (ideas anyone?)
Along the way we've sold cookies and cupcakes for Saturday Dance classes, we've waved Krispy Kreme signs and danced for guests at our auction.  Our moms and dads have worked tons too!  We're starting to host Ballet Birthday Parties and Movie-Nites.  Last, but not least, we're BABYSITTING. As capable, dedicated and disciplined girls (all traits of dancers), we make great babysitters. So, here is another way to help us and help yourself too: HIRE us to babysit for you! We'll come in pairs and your kids will love us! Call the Dance Studio/360-734-1595 for more info. Thanks!