My Blogiversary + an amazing giveaway full of my favorite things!

Hi, y'all! I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving! Mine was full of food, family, and fun. It was great!

Since it is my Blogiversary, I thought it would be nice to giveaway a few of my favorite things. I am giving away a beautiful blue patterned scarf because I have a collection of scarves an am constantly wearing them, a genuine howlite necklace because I love jewelry, an adorable mini notebook because I am a hopeless list-maker, and a Cashmere Glow lotion because Bath and Body Works lotions are all I wear. Please enter below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, don't forget that tomorrow is the first day of Dressember! 

I am participating in Dressmber this year and would love it if anyone would like to join! This is Dressember's mission, and I think that it really sums up what Dressember is about: "Dressember uses fashion to advocate for women who've been exploited for their femininity. As women take on the creative challenge of wearing a dress for the 31 days of December, they are advocating for the inherent dignity of all women." I am going to be wearing a dress every day for the whole month of December to advocate and raise awareness for women's trafficking. This means that in all of the outfit posts that I post on Monday's, I will be wearing a dress. This also means that you can donate money to my specific Dressember page which you can find here. My goal is $500. I cannot meet that goal without YOU! I encourage you to donate. It is fast, easy, and secure. You can learn more about Dressember here. There are women and girls everywhere that are being abused. It takes you and me to change that. Please join me in changing that. Every dollar counts.

Linking up here.

3 Outfits Perfect for a Cute and Comfortable Thanksgiving

Happy Tuesday! Today's post is going to be short and sweet. It is also my last post until next Monday, which will be when my Blogiversary giveaway starts. Following are three outfits that are perfect for Thanksgiving. They are comfy and exceptionally cute.

Before we get to the outfits, I want to share just a few things that I am thankful for. I am thankful for an amazing family, perfect friends, an awesome church and church family, health, and most of all salvation and grace.

1.

2.

3.

Also, I am participating in Dressmber this year and would love it if anyone would like to join! This is Dressember's mission, and I think that it really sums up what Dressember is about: "Dressember uses fashion to advocate for women who've been exploited for their femininity. As women take on the creative challenge of wearing a dress for the 31 days of December, they are advocating for the inherent dignity of all women." I am going to be wearing a dress every day for the whole month of December to advocate and raise awareness for women's trafficking. This means that in all of the outfit posts that I post on Monday's, I will be wearing a dress. This also means that you can donate money to my specific Dressember page which you can find here. My goal is $500. I cannot meet that goal without YOU! I encourage you to donate. It is fast, easy, and secure. You can learn more about Dressember here. There are women and girls everywhere that are being abused. It takes you and me to change that. Please join me in changing that. Every dollar counts.

That's all! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with your family and being grateful! See you on Monday with my giveaway!

What are you thankful for?

Linking up here.

A Button Down from Brandzaffair + A Giveaway!

Outfit details:

Top c/o Brandzaffair

Jeans: Old Navy (exact, similar)

Flats: Target (similar, similar)

Bracelet: Wal-Mart (similar, similar)

Do you enjoy getting great deals? Do you like simple shopping experiences? Would you be interested in a site that combines and features all of your favorite stores in one place and highlights their sales? If so, you should check out Brandzaffair. Brandzaffair is an online shopping site that is super easy to use. They feature many stores like Nordstrom, Gap, LOFT, American Eagle, and J. Crew. Brandzaffair also offers an option where you can shop with your friends via chat and video. 

I knew that I needed a few more button downs, and when I saw this boyfriend-style one, I had to get it. It is super comfortable, lightweight, and cute. I love the high-low and split hem. I also really love the pretty blue and cactus flower print. It's kind of unexpected and I like that. 

I decided to pair this button down with my favorite black skinny jeans and some black flats. I wanted to keep everything else about the outfit pretty simple so that the top could shine. Sometime, I want to pair it with something that is that very dark pink color of the cactus flower.

Also, I am participating in Dressmber this year and would love it if anyone would like to join! This is Dressember's mission, and I think that it really sums up what Dressember is about: "Dressember uses fashion to advocate for women who've been exploited for their femininity. As women take on the creative challenge of wearing a dress for the 31 days of December, they are advocating for the inherent dignity of all women." I am going to be wearing a dress every day for the whole month of December to advocate and raise awareness for women's trafficking. This means that in all of the outfit posts that I post on Monday's, I will be wearing a dress. This also means that you can donate money to my specific Dressember page which you can find here. My goal is $500. I cannot meet that goal without YOU! I encourage you to donate. It is fast, easy, and secure. You can learn more about Dressember here. There are women and girls everywhere that are being abused. It takes you and me to change that. Please join me in changing that. Every dollar counts.

Okay, now let's talk about that giveaway. My one-year blogiversary is this week! I can't remember the exact day, but my first post was on Thanksgiving last year. To celebrate my blogiversary, I thought I would do a fun giveaway of things that I love. Stay tuned and come back on next Monday for the giveaway!

What do you think? 

See where I link up here.

Disclosure: Products were provided via Brandzaffair.com. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and not indicative of the opinions or positions of Brandzaffair.

High Five for Friday

Happy Friday! How was your week? Mine was pretty good. Keep reading to see the five high points of my week:

1. On Saturday or Sunday, I started coming down with a cold. By Sunday night, I felt awful. The best part is that I am feeling a lot better and am glad that I will probably be completely healed by Thanksgiving.

2. It's almost Thanksgiving!! Ah! I can't believe it! Can you? This year is just flying by! Also, Black Friday! You can check out my tips on Black Friday for your best shopping trip here.

3. I just recently downloaded the First5 app by Proverbs 31 Ministries. First5 is an app that sends you a new devotional every day by alarm. I chose not to use the alarm option because I already have a morning devotional, so I just go into the app to find the devotion for the day. Also, it has the prettiest graphics that you can save as phone wallpapers. Here are a few that I really love:

4. Who doesn't love coupons? I am always looking for sales and coupons so that I can purchase items super cheap. On Monday, I offered a 10% off coupon code to Elegantees. You can read that post here.

5. Here are some pins that I have recently loved and pinned: (Find me on Pinterest here)

These cookies look AMAZING!

This is such a great-and comprehensive-list of things to throw away.

This outfit is adorable and so easy to recreate.

I am loving this cute way to style a blanket scarf.

I hope you have a weekend that's more awesome than you are! :)

See where I link up here.

How to Rock 70's Fashion Trends

Happy Wednesday! As you probably know, 70's fashion is really big right now. Wearing 70's fashion trends without looking like a complete hippie can be quite challenging. Here are my tips on how to rock 70's fashion trends stylishly:

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

1. I think that the best way to introduce any new trend into your wardrobe is to add it in little by little. Try adding a top that is boho, but also in your favorite color that way it doesn't look completely foreign in your closet.

2. Wear some of your favorite pieces that feel like "you" with a 70's inspired piece.

3. Wear pieces with common textures, patterns, or silhouettes. For instance: suede is super common, but also has a 70's vibe. Or, floral print would be a common pattern with a 70's feel.

4. Wear it in small doses. Such as a fringe bag, or flare jeans.

5. Keep it simple. Don't deck you entire outfit out in 70's pieces. Add it gently in.

The collage above is bursting with options for your best 70's inspired look.

Would you try the 70's trend?

See where I link up here.

5 Black Friday Tips and Tricks for Your Best Shopping Trip

Happy Tuesday! It's almost Thanksgiving and that means that it's almost Black Friday. And that means it is time for me to share my Black Friday tips and tricks. Even though I've only gone for a few years, I have gathered a few tips to offer:

1. Check out the deals as early as possible.
Whether that means looking at the online ads, or getting the newspaper early, you should make sure to look at the sales as early as possible.

2. Make a list.
Have a list ready. It's super important to know what you are shopping for so that you can get in and out in no time and be ready to hit the next store.

3. Compare deals.
It is imperative to compare sales so that you know you are getting the best price for an item. For instance: if Kohl's is selling long-sleeved tees for $9, but if Old Navy is selling long-sleeved tees for $6, you should probably go to Old Navy in order to get the best deal. Completely fake scenario, by the way.

4. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
You most definitely do NOT want to wear shoes and clothes that aren't comfortable enough to shop for awhile. I know that when I go Black Friday shopping, I always plan to wear something that is comfortable enough to shop for at least 5 hours.

5. Don't buy something just because it's a good deal.
Even if it is a really great sale, do not buy the item just because it's cheap. In the long run, you really aren't saving any money because you spend money on something that you most likely will never use.

That's all! 

What are your Black Friday tips and tricks?

See where I link up here.

Elegantees: Black Tunic + a coupon code!

Outfit details: 

Tunic: Elegantees (exact, similar)

Leggings: Target (similar, similar)

Scarf: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

Flats: Target (similar, similar)

Bracelet: Wal-Mart (similar, similar)

Happy Monday! I had such a nice and restful weekend! How was yours?

Let's talk about this tunic. I love it! It is so comfortable, versatile, and perfect. I got it from Elegantees which I chatted a bit about here. Elegantees  is an online boutique that is based in Nepal. Most of their workers are women that have been rescued from trafficking. If I'm not mistaken, all of their profits go to Nepali Rescue Project. Here is there mission statement: Nepal is a beautiful kingdom between China and India with mountains and countryside. It’s also one of the least developed countries in the world and ranks high for sex trafficking. Thankfully, The Nepali Rescue Project finds and returns over 20,000 victims of trafficking each year. We get to employ some of them and play a key role toward a bright future!

I really love that when I buy something, good-lots of good-comes out of it. I am beyond thrilled to offer all of my readers a 10% coupon code off of any and every purchase. The code is "BowsandClothes". Also, Elegantees offers free shipping on every purchase $75+. 

My Elegantee fits perfectly, is extremely pretty, and very well made. I love that a rescued woman made my shirt. I feel like I am making a difference in the world, which I am. And you can too! 

What do you think?

See where I link up here.

High Five for Friday | 5 Ways to Wear a Scarf

Happy Friday! Thank goodness we made it to the weekend! Give yourself a pat on the back! :) For today, I decided to do a 5 ways to wear a scarf edition of my regular High Five for Friday post since it is finally cool enough to wear scarves.

1. As an infinity scarf.

2. With a chambray shirt.

3. The basic loop.

4. With a dress.

5. Buy a blanket scarf.
I have been on the fence about getting a blanket scarf or at least a plaid one for forever and a day. I am finally going to get one soon. Here are a few that I really like:

one, two, three, four, five

All of these options are affordable and adorable!

What do you think?

See where I link up here.

Reflections from My Retreat

Happy Wednesday! Like I mentioned here, I went on a short weekend retreat with my church this past weekend. Overall, there were four services, two additional devotional times, and we also had a prayer walk. The theme of the weekend was Identity. Upon hearing the theme, I knew that I would love it and that it would speak to me.

The whole point of the entire event was finding your identity in Christ. I really enjoyed the services and devotional times. The worship part of the service was my favorite-which isn't surprising because worship is my preferred means of communicating with God and experiencing His presence. 

The first service was centered around the fact that most if not all of us as humans carry around baggage-whether that baggage is from what someone has said about us, to us, how someone has made us feel, or what we think about ourselves. It was also centered around the fact that most of us wear masks that don't show our true identity.

Another service was centered around the difference between salvation and sanctification. Our speaker used the analogy of a man in a car. On many of his drives, he noticed a Jesus, so he eventually decided to invite Him in. That is salvation. Sanctification would be when the man gave God the wheel to steer his life. 

The first devotional was about social media and all of "standards" that the world sets upon us. I was really surprised to discover that many women will take down a photo just because it didn't get enough "likes" on Instagram. 

The other was about the lies that we as women believe about ourselves. For instance, if I only had a smaller nose or a smaller body, THEN I will get the attention that I crave. I learned about how destructive and stupid it is to believe lies like these.

I really loved the theme and all of the services especially the prayer walk that we went on. It was comprised of poster boards scattered around the campground with Bible verses, inspirational quotes, and suggestions of what to pray about. 

I had such a great time and I experienced God's presence in awesome and mighty ways! I know this post is a little all over the place, but I just can't explain the entire weekend effectively. It was just that great. :)

What do you think?

Pattern Mixing and Comfort Zones

Outfit details:

Top: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Skirt: (similar, similar)

Shoes: Target (similar, similar)

Jacket: Old Navy (exact, similar)

Scarf: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

Happy Tuesday! I went on a weekend retreat hence the outfit post today instead of yesterday. I may talk about it tomorrow or Friday or both. 

I love this outfit because it is way out of my comfort zone. I like talking and writing about pattern mixing, but sometimes I don't always practice what I preach. I tend to shy away from wearing multiple patterns for fear that people will think I look like a clown even though pattern mixing definitely DOES NOT make you look like a clown. But, this outfit is perfect because it pulls me out of my stupid fear of what people think.

For the above reason, and because it's just too cute, I really love this outfit. It also has my favorite military jacket. 

What do you like about this outfit? What are your thoughts?

High Five for Friday!

Happy Friday, you guys! I hope you had a great week! Read on to see how my week went.

1. On Saturday, my church had a Fall festival + bazaar. Part of the Fall festival was little games. My game was bowling which was super fun except for the fact that I had to bend down and set-up the pins each time and pick up the 15 pound ball each time a child came to play. I had a great time, but was pooped and sore afterwards. I was so tired that I ended up taking a little nap.

2. This week has been great, but the weather hasn't. Fog + constant showers = an unhappy Sarah. Even though I like rain once in a while, daily rain is not my thing.

3. Monday was a pretty hard day. I don't know what is was, but I was somehow extremely behind. After I did my morning devotions, I realized how ridiculous I have been. I just keep focusing on me instead of on God. My day was packed and I felt like I was suffocating, but I worked at each task with as much joy as I could muster. I ended up having a little time to get some blogging done, but not my post for Tuesday which means I had little to no time for doing things like blogging, reading, etc. And I had an even busier day in Tuesday looming over my head.

As a result of my cheerful attitude on Monday, God so graciously gave me a great day on Tuesday. I woke up happy for no particular reason, and I was ahead on all of my tasks which never happens. I am truly in awe and thankful for His perfect grace. 

4. Can you believe that it is already November?! Neither can I! On Wednesday, I posted my monthly Currently post which can be seen here. The topics this month were cooking, planning, smelling, appreciating, and anticipating.

5. I was thinking the other day about describing past years in one word. If I were to name this year-even though it's not over yet-with one word, I would say learning. I can not tell you how much I have learned so far this year. I have learned so much about God, myself, life, and so many other things. I am just so thankful for God's grace and mercy!

How was your week?

See where I link up here.

Currently: November

Happy November! I can't believe we are already at November! Can you? This month, the Currently topics are cooking, planning, smelling, appreciating, and anticipating.

Cooking
ALL THE PUMPKIN TREATS. Fall is in full swing, so that means that pumpkin treats are all that I am making. I have been cooking pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, pumpkin yogurt, and all of that good stuff.

 via Unsplash

Planning
I am planning Black Friday strategies and wish lists. I have just recently started going Black Friday shopping, so I don't know all of the strategies. I'm only going to buy things that I need. I just can't buy something just because it's a good deal. Do you go Black Friday shopping? What are your strategies?

via Unsplash

Smelling
Apple, pumpkin, and cinnamon. Thanks to Bath and Body Works and Wal-Mart, my house is full of all the Fall smells. Yum!

Appreciating
I am appreciating this beautiful life that God has so graciously given me. I am so thankful that I am healthy. Even if I am busy and stressed, I know that God has a plan and I know that there is someone who has it way worse than I do.

Anticipating
I am anticipating Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fall/Winter is my favorite time of the year. Who doesn't love Thanksgiving and Christmas? I just can't wait until good food, great Black Friday deals, and lots of family time.

Thanks Anne and Jenna for hosting this link up!

Also linking here.

Comfort + Simplicity

Outfit details: 

Top: Ann Taylor (similar, similar)

Jeans: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Cardigan: Target (similar, similar)

Necklace: Claire's (similar, similar)

Flats: Target (similar, similar)

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was great!

This outfit is more on the simple side, and it got me thinking about how sometimes simplicity is the best. I love a good, full-of-activities weekend, but sometimes, you just need a simple weekend. Outfits full of interesting elements are great, but once in a while, I like to keep it simple. 

My favorite part of this outfit is probably the pink cardigan which pops so nicely against the dark colors of the top, and pulls the pink out. I also love how comfortable it is. 

What do you think?

See where I link up here.