When it comes to under-rated and misunderstood holidays, Thanksgiving is probably one of the top ranked events all year round. For most people, Thanksgiving seems to be nothing but an excuse to eat some roast turkey or pumpkin pie and get most of the family together as a kind of prelude to the Christmas Eve. Well, we think it should be much more than that, and hopefully you’ll agree.

This is nothing personal we’re holding against Christmas, mind you; and we understand that Thanksgiving is traditionally a day when you’ll query your family concerning their desired Christmas presents… and there’s nothing wrong with that, really! Regardless… there’s a lot more to Thanksgiving once you think about it! This year, when you’re cutting up your nice beefy turkey, why not take the chance to just pause and think about what you’re really doing? I mean, don’t you have SO many reasons to be thankful? Just leave that turkey alone for an instant, and take a good look around you – I’m sure you’ll be thankful that you did.

You see, you might have thought I’d turn this into a pro-Native Indian rant, but there’s really a lot more to it! Besides its historic importance and background, Thanksgiving should be regarded as a chance to say thanks for everything you’re grateful for… your family, your friends, your career… everything in your life that makes you happy. Why not think about actually saying thanks, this year? If that’s not a family tradition in your home, it might as well become one, and you could just lead by example. Think about that!

At Planaganza, we strive to make a difference in the lives of our members who use our site to assist in planning all of life’s events. As such, we wanted to send a reminder to our members that is it Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Did you know?!?!?…

Please keep this in mind when you plan your events! Planaganza offers 3 favors that benefit women’s health-focused charities. A percentage of each purchase will benefit the Young Survival Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the unique issues and concerns that are important to young women with breast cancer. The Young Survival Coalition educates communities through advocacy and awareness and provides support to those living with this devastating disease. For more information on the purpose and mission of The Young Survival Coalition, please visit their website at http://www.youngsurvival.org/.

Who knew a favor could do so much?

“In Favor of a Cure” Pink Ribbon Plantable Wildflower Favors (Set of 12)

In Favor of a Cure Pink Ribbon Frosted Glass Photo Frame

“In Favor of a Cure” Pink Ribbon Favor Box (Set of 24)

Though this tough economic environment has reduced the amount some couples can spend on their special day, there are couple who can afford an expensive wedding (due to savings, parents, etc.). For these couples (or for couples who would like to see the luxury wedding trends), luxury bridal shows are the place to be to learn what goes into a luxury wedding!

While most luxury bridal shows offer the same features as a traditional bridal show, it is access to vendors and the ability to learn the latest bridal fashions that makes a difference. These luxury shows cover the typical aspects of a wedding, including ceremony area, live music, and ballroom dancing. Guests can sample dishes from leading caterers in a true wedding-reception environment and tables are usually set by the finest florists, designers, and tableware companies.

In NYC, a company named 4PM Events is hosting its annual luxury bridal show -The Wedding Salon on October 22 in Manhattan at the Prince George Ballroom. At this “million dollar wedding” showcase, over 50 of New York’s high-end bridal vendors – David Tutera, Sylvia Weinstock Cakes, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and Oscar de la Renta just to name a few. Be sure to check it out if you are planning you special day and tell them Planaganza sent you!

Are you planning a luxury wedding? We would love to hear from you…Please leave a comment below!

Back to school and Labor Day are two great times to have a BBQ with family and friends. This is one of the few time left this year to really enjoy the company of loved ones in the warmth of the sun (at least in the northern part of the country) and before the rigors of another academic school year.

Recently at a “college send-off BBQ”, we played several games that were a blast.

Scavenger Hunt Icebreaker – In terms of outdoor BBQ party games, this one is fantastic if your guests don’t know each other. Prior to your event, create a list of categories that people may fall into, give one copy to each guest. Examples include “someone who has the closest birthday as you”, “someone who shares the same hat size as you”, “someone who plays an instrument”, or “someone who is a football enthusiast”. This game invite guests to mingle with each other until they are able to find someone who meets each of the categories on the sheet.

Musical Chairs – This familar classic of your youth is even twice the fun as an adult. To refresh your memory you need to set up chairs in a double row, back-to-back, with one less chair than there are players. Select and play a favorite song, and the players march around the chairs. The music suddenly stops; at which point everyone tries to sit in a chair. The player who is standing is out of the game and one chair is removed for the next round. The last player left wins!

Spoon and Egg Challenge! – Balance hard boiled eggs on a soup spoon and race to the line to gently hand off the egg to your relay team partner. The team that completes a hand-off and crosses the finish line wins!

Have you played a game at a BBQ or party recently? We would love to hear about it in the comment section below!

Can you believe it!  We are three months into the Major League Baseball season?!? At Planaganza we love the game and this has been the season of many surprises. Who would of predicted the Tampa Bay Rays would have the best record in the American League or last year’s National League Champs -Colorado Rockies would have the worst record in the National League?

If you and your friends enjoy the game, or you are looking for a different type of outing visit your local ball park. A few sample outings are below:

• Bachelor Party – Start your special day with a round of golf in the morning and finish the day at the park. It will be a great place to hang out with your buddies and unwind before your big day! If you can attend during a special event such as Boston Red Sox Picnic in the Park or a promotional night that could be an added bonus -Toyota Chase Utley Bobble Figurine
• Girl’s Get together – A day at the park will provide a great environment to catch up with the girls in a social environment. Some teams have event geared towards women, for example the Minnesota Twins recently hosted ‘Wine, Women, and Baseball’.
• Family outing – Some teams like the SF Giants offer packages for children. The Giants offer 2008 XTREME Kids Club which includes: 2008 4th-edition Lou seal ceramic mini wind-up; 2008 Xtreme Kids/Giants backpack; Membership card with a $5 credit to the Dugout Store; and Two (2) View Reserved tickets to a select Giants home game. There are also benefits for the parents. A day at the park can be a great way to bond with a child and leave lasting memories both you and your child!

Plan your baseball outing at Planaganza.com!