Normally, I’m pretty much a put-together kind of gal. In fact, I like it when all things come into place and the universe is aligned nicely and neatly. If there is no calendar within my range of vision, I’m not always able to tell the things I have to get done. This is where I can get myself into a bit of trouble.

Neither JCPenney nor BlogHer knew this about me when I was asked to try out the new Linden Street Collection. For that, I’m grateful. They never would have offered in the first place. Since they didn’t know it and I am slow to the uptake and finally hiked my rear into the store when the collection was 50% off, I feel the need to rejoice about my tardiness. By the time I went into the store for the Entire Shopping Experience, I was walking out with $1,000 worth of products for $500 which was allotted in the form of a gift card they provided.

Can you, like a proper slacker, say Score! with me? Excellent. Moving on.

Prior to walking into the store with my camera I contacted the manager by phone explaining what I would be doing. She was helpful and glad to offer assistance, but I told her that I’d like to look around on my own to see how easy the collection is to find. There were Linden Street Collection signs everywhere and two other floor saleswomen came to ask how I was doing. One of them, Angie, came to inquire about all the Linden Street items in my shopping cart so I clarified what I was doing.

“You must try the sheets then! The sheets are really nice!”

What do slackers like to do more than lie around on nice 300 count sheets? I wondered.

While picking out sheets I wondered how well they would go with my current bedding. Now, most slackers don’t get this lucky, but these matched perfectly! The feel is like a blend between jersey and cotton and is listed as 100% Egyptian Cotton. They appear smooth to the touch and they are. This was an excellent choice. Especially because the original price of $80 went down to $40.87 after my discount.

All together now: Score!

Genuinely, these items were all great bargains and not just because of the sale prices. They are of good quality and are like the bargain-shopping items I normally get from other department stores or discount places like TJ Maxx, but without all the searching and digging around.

My favorite purchase of all has to be the set of 3 framed pictures of the old fashioned cameras because they are simply divine. I wanted to get one of the other pictures with people (I like people! I do!) but their choices there were limited. If I had to say one bad thing about them, it’s that: a lack of diversity. Like I need Buggin’ Out or Radio Raheem coming over to my house re-enacting Do The Right Thing and asking me, “Hey, Sal, how come they ain’t no brothas on the wall?” No, I most certainly do not need that. Still, the frames are basic black and medium quality, but the pictures inside are what attracted me.

I’ll bet you’d like to know about some of the other purchases, right? Sure! You’d probably like to see some pictures but seeing as my computer is being held hostage by the Apple folks and all my pictures are on there, you’ll have to just deal with a list until I can update this page:

3 framed pictures of older cameras. Sale: $51.08 each (originally $100 each)
Birdcage Adjustable Table Lamp. Sale: $71.51 (originally $140)
Slate Serving Tray. Sale $25.54 (originally $49.99)
5” Round Metal Clock. Sale: $20.44 (originally $40)
Heavy Chenille Pillows in Toffee. Sale: $15.33 each (originally $30 each)
Queen Size 300 Count Sheets in Pale Willow. Sale: $40.87 (originally $80)
7 x 5 inch Black picture frame. Sale: $15.32 (originally $29.99)
Textured Waffle Placemats. Sale: $16.52 (originally $39.99)
2 Sets of Napkins (in red and gold). Sale: $6.13 each (originally $11.99)

While doing a little happy dance for all the great purchases, Angie aka Super Sales Lady Supreme, noted that I was almost over my limit but kept ringing me up on the register. When she added the last item she happily declared, “Your total is $501.90.”

I would have gladly paid the extra $1.90, but then she chirped, “Wait! I know there’s a $10 coupon around here somewhere! Let me find one for you.”

If there is a lesson to be had here, folks, it’s this: sometimes, it’s worth it to wait around and be a slacker because you might meet an angel posing as a saleslady named Angie and get a last-second coupon to make you a happy customer.

I know it worked for me.

Once again, for JC Penney: Score!