Thanksgiving has arrived! It has always been one of my favorite holidays as it includes delicious food, time with family & friends, a chance to pause and reflect and kicks off the holiday season.

Thanksgiving in Geneva has taken on a bit of a different meaning for us. This year, due to meetings and schedules, I am not able to take today off. However, tonight we will once again share our American traditions with fellow Americans and our European friends. There will be lots of wine, more homemade food than we can imagine eating and laughter. While we can’t be with family today, it does feel wonderful to make our traditions. Typically, right about now, I’d be with my mom in the kitchen, sipping coffee and whipping up sweet potato casserole!

This morning we woke up early for a Turkey Trot 5k which was our casual attempt to bring tradition to Geneva. We decided the route upon meeting at the starting point and our neon group chatted in the darkness of Geneva before sunrise. Meghann had the chance to meet many people she’ll see again tonight at dinner, which was a bonus. Can you believe three people in this picture are from Tampa, Florida?

Before signing off for the day, I wanted to also share a few Black Friday shopping specials. Thanks to the awesome site Unroll.me, I haven’t received many Black Friday emails. While I do not support shopping in store on Thanksgiving Day, I love snagging a good deal just like the next person. Maybe I’m partial since I work in the eCommerce space, but I’d rather shop online any day! Below are a few of the deals I’ve found online along with one item I’d snag at each retailer. I’ve listed these, subjectively, based on the level of discount. It’s amusing that these are all advertised as Black Friday deals since it’s not Black Friday yet!

• Target has the Canon Rebel T5 50% off today on their website! http://buff.ly/1CkEXxU
• Amazon has the Kindle on sale for $45! http://buff.ly/1CkI9ta
• Bloomingdales is featuring 50% off LOTS of items AND $25 off every $200 you spend! This cashmere sweater is perfect for winter – cozy and cashmere!
• J. Crew Factory is offering 50% off everything! Considering the prices on this site are an average of 50% less than their parent site, this is a deal not to miss. I just added this multistrand pearl necklace to my bag. It’s the perfect, classic accessory to take a basic top to the next level!
• Ann Taylor is offering 50% off everything! Nothing screams winter and a fireplace like an ivory cable sweater.
• Ann Taylor Loft is offering 50% off! These denim leggings are the perfect staple for any wardrobe and at less than $40 they are a STEAL!
• C Wonder is offering 40% off through Dec. 1! It’s hard to choose just one item but with the discount these slippers are perfect for any lady on your list, including you!
• J.Crew is featuring 30% off and free shipping which is a rare luxury! I love the Minnie pant for work as it’s comfortable like a legging or jean but has belt loops and a zipper, all the things necessary to make it more work appropriate!
• Madewell: Get 25% off through Nov. 30 at Madewell with code GIFTON. My favorite heels are on sale, AND you get an additional 25% off!
• Piperlime: Get 25% off through Nov 29 using the code THANKFUL.  Sales like this are always the perfect time to replace my favorite items, such as black jeans! I swear by these and at 25% off I’m tempted to buy two pairs!

Are you a Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday shopper?