My "O" My! We're In O Magazine Again!

Christmas came early for us here at Lug! Our brilliant Cartwheel Fitness/Overnight Bag made Oprah's coveted O List in the January issue of O, the Oprah Magazine! We couldn't be more excited! (Hence all the exclamation marks.) The issue is on newsstands now, so pick up your copy today (makes great holiday travel reading)! And if you haven't checked out all the amazing features this bag has to offer (like the smart front patch that stores a yoga mat!), head to our web site to get all the deets. Go here to find a store near you!

Frommer's Travel Giveaway Reminder

I was just perusing the Lug web site (something I do regularly and highly recommend), and I was just reminded of the absolutely travel-tastic giveaway from Frommer's! Win a trip for two to South Korea. That's seven nights, eight days, and a value of nearly $5,000! But, really, who could put a price on the experience? Want to know what's even better? You can enter once a day! You've got until December 31, 2011 to enter to your heart's content. Click here to enter. Good luck! (Here are the official rules.)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

But just barely! I know some people have their shopping wrapped up in the warmer months, and, honestly, I do think about gifts for loved ones all year long. But I guess the key word in that sentence is "think." So, here it is, December 2, and I've got basically ALL of my Christmas shopping to do. Luckily, I love shopping and, of course, Lug. So, here are a few ideas I've come up with.

For mom: For my petite mom, I thought the Mambo Sun Tote would be a perfect fit. She'll get the big bag for all her stuff, but it's so lightweight, it won't weight her down.

For dad: This one's easy. He just picked up a new laptop, so it's the Delta Laptop Sleeve for him. Done, and done!

For brother: The Shuttle Bus Weekender is a great choice, since he's going on a skiing trip this winter. He'll be able to pack all his bulky clothes with no trouble.

For sister-in-law: The Two-Step Cosmetic Case. I'm thinking I'll fill it will fun lip glosses and cosmetics for double the fun!

For husband: It's always fun to get a new camera, so I think I'll slip one in the Flash Digital Case for another double gift.

This whole gift-giving thing is a piece of cake! We'd love to hear your Christmas gift-giving ideas. Leave a comment and let us know your favorite Lug gifts!

Thanksgiving and Beyond

This year we had a delicious US Thanksgiving full of cakes, casseroles (family recipes, of course), and lots of turkey. Three to be exact: smoked, roasted, and deep fried. Yum. We even discovered a delicious "mock-tail" recipe. So delicious, in fact, that I thought I'd send along the recipe (and a picture of the "ice ring"!).

Ingredients:
2 (2 liter) bottles of ginger ale, chilled
1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice, chilled
1 (64 fluid ounce) bottle white grape juice, chilled
Fruit or edible flowers

Directions:
1. Make the decorative ice ring.
a) Fill a ring-shaped cake pan to 1/2 with ginger ale.
b) Freeze until partially frozen. At this stage you can place edible flowers or pieces of fruit around the ring. (Decorate to your heart's content!)
c) Fill the pan with ginger ale and freeze until solid.
d) Place in the punch bowl just before serving.
2. Combine 1 bottle of ginger ale, pineapple juice, and white grape juice, and enjoy!

So, we ate. We drank. And now ... we work out. We're on the home stretch of our fitness challenge, with only a couple of weeks to really kick it into high gear. Our luggers have until December 12 to make it across the Lug Fit Club map. Who will win? Sure, the right answer is that we've all won because we're all more fit than when we started, yada, yada, yada. ... But that competitive spirit is strong on the Lug team, and our Luggers are sure to make it a close race to the tape! We'll keep you posted!

Lug Tackles Turkey Day Grocery Shopping with Style

Today I tackled the grocery store. Normally, it's a lovely experience. I go on Monday morning (or whenever I think the least amount of people will be there), and I take my time, smell the produce, taste the samples. Not today. Today is two days before Thanksgiving. Today, the grocery store was a zoo! Luckily, I came prepared. Of course, I had my list and my plan of attack, but better yet, I had the right bags for the shopping spree. I packed several of my Eco Shoppers—I never leave home without at least one. But I think my smartest move of the day was to grab my Somersault Shoulder Pouch, and here's why.
1. I kept it slung across my body the whole time. This proved key because I could walk away from my cart without having to worry about my purse/wallet. And I'm glad I didn't have to wind my cart through the crazy crowds I was battling.
2. Carrying the lightweight bag the whole time freed up valuable cart space, so I was able to take one of those smaller buggies, thus, making me super agile. I was bobbin' and weavin' like a pro athlete in there!
3. The messenger-style satchel kept my hands free to shop, pack, and load my bags without the hassle of having to grab a purse.
4. Also, I looked cute. A point never to be overlooked. 

The Somersault was my savior today. Do you have a similar story? We'd love to hear it. Let us know how you and Lug tackle everyday adventures.

Lug Contest! Win a Lug Bag Signed by Howie D!

That's right! You could be the lucky winner of your very own Lug bag signed by Backstreet Boy Howie D, and (Yes, there's an and!) you'll also be getting a signed copy of his just-released debut solo album, Back to Me. It's easy to enter. Just tell us why you should win. That's it. Easy as pie. Check out our Facebook page here for all the info you need. Good luck Luggers!

What's In Your Bag: Cartwheel Edition

We all know the Cartwheel makes an amazing gym bag. I use mine every time I go to the yoga studio (some months that's a lot; others, not so much ... but I digress). But if there's anything you should know about Lug at this point, it's that we LOVE versatility. So, this installment of "What's In Your Bag" is about the Cartwheel as a carry-on. It has become my go-to carry-on for a lot of reasons: it's super lightweight, it's got that front pouch that I can stuff my sweater or travel blanket through, and it's certainly roomy enough to handle everything I need. Plus, it's got that luggage strap that I slip over the handle of my roller bag. See. Lots of reasons. So, without further ado. Here's what's in my bag:

1. Snacks. Girl's gotta eat. I store them in the ventilated compartment on the back.
2. UCB Travel Blanket and Pillow set, slipped through the front patch. I always get cold on flights.
3. Glasses—both the reading and sun variety.
4. Shoes. Why can't I ever fit all my shoes in the suitcase? Luckily there's the drawstring pouch to the rescue.
5. Camera. I store it in it's own small case, which fits nicely in the bag.
6. My Kindle. I've spoken of my adoration for it before.
7. My Planner. If it's not in there, it's not happening.
8. Hairbrush. Girl's gotta look good (especially after taking a nice nap with her UCB during the flight).
9. Keys. They hook onto to the removable Lug key fob, which is attached to the inside of the bag. It's reassuring to always know your keys are safe and sound. 
10. Lip gloss. I'm addicted.

I think that's it. Hopefully you can see a little bit of where everything goes from the picture. It looks like a ton of stuff when it's outside of the bag, but once you pack it, there's still a ton of room, which is how I like it. I always leave a little wiggle room to pick up some girlie magazines at the newsstand.

That's what's in my bag. What's in your bag? E-mail me at katie@luglife.com, and let me know!

Lug Line Dances ... Yee-haw!

Our Lug Fit Club is still going strong, but sometimes doing the same thing over and over gets a little, well, uninspiring. That's why we mixed it up with some heart-pumpin', rootin' tootin' country-and-western line dancing! And let me tell ya, it's a workout for your brain as well as your body! We had a blast, as you can see from all the pictures. Even our beloved mascot, Brooklyn, got in on the fun.

But now we want to know, What do you do to mix up your workout routine?

Lug Supports the Teddy Bear Affair ...

... and has a fabulous time attending the black-tie party!

Last Saturday night, four Luggers had the pleasure of attending the 25th annual Teddy Bear Affair, benefiting the Children's Aid Foundation. It's always a thrill to support a great cause, and it's just icing on the cake when we get to attend a fabulous black-tie affair, complete with celebrities to ogle! Which celebrities, you say? Why, acclaimed chef Jamie Kennedy and Grammy-nominated artist Jarvis Church! Don't believe us? Check out the pictures! (Yes, we were total fans and had to get pictures!) Again, it's always fun to have a good time while supporting a good cause. Visit the Children's Aid Foundation site for more information about their worthwhile mission.

 Luggers pictured making a Jamie Kennedy sandwich: Marlene, Freda, Laura, Kanae.

Customer Innovation: Tuk Tuk

We love designing bags that are super functional. It makes us happy. You know what else makes us happy? When our awesome fans write to us with innovative uses for our bags. Check out how this creative customer carries her Tuk Tuk.

"My baby is a handful and sometimes you just need your hands free. What I discovered with this bag is that you can actually make the shoulder strap full length and loop in between the carry handles in the center and then clip each clip to the regular D rings they normally hook to. This way, you can slip it on like a backpack!!! it works and everyone gasps in amazement!"

If you use your bag in an innovative way, please let us know! Send a message to katie@luglife.com so we can share your creativity with the Lug community.

Lug Had a Happy Halloween!

The whole Lug gang really got into the Halloween spirit this year. And I've got the pictures to prove it! We hope y'all had a spooky, silly, and supremely happy Halloween, just like us!

Steven and Chris Show, Featuring ... Lug!

Guess what? Okay, I kind of spoiled it in the headline, but Lug is going to be featured on the  Steven and Chris Show TOMORROW! (That's Friday, Oct. 28). We had so much fun at the taping and LOVED meeting Chris and Steven (see pic!). So, check out the show, which is on weekdays at 2:00.

October ALSO Adopt-a-Dog Month!

I didn't even know there was an Adopt-a-Dog month, much less that said month was October. But I LOVE it! Here's a little info about the push to bring awareness to all the amazing shelter and rescue dogs out there that need good forever homes. In light of this great cause, I thought I'd bring your attention to our Somersault Shoulder Pouch—a.k.a. the petite little pouch that's perfect to take on walks with your dog. Three reasons why it's perfect: 1. What's that they say? Great things come in small packages! This pouch may be petite, but it's got plenty of room for your dog-walking essentials, like treats and doggy bags. 2. It's a cross-body bag, so both hands are free to hold a leash. 3. It's cute. (Just like your dog.)

Happy Adopt-a-Dog Month, and as the American Humane Association says,

"Find out what a shelter or rescue dog can bring to your life this October during Adopt-A-Dog Month!"

What's in Your Bag: Somersault Edition

Time for another installment of "What's in Your Bag?" In the spotlight today, the Somersault Shoulder Pouch! So ....

I was about to head out to run some errands around town, and rather than lugging my big bag along, I thought I'd pack light in my Somersault. Of course, "packing light" still means I need my collection of lip glosses (neatly stored in my Clearview Envelope) and my newest obsession, the  Amazon Kindle (there's always a long wait at my post office, so it's best to come prepared). Aside from those essentials, here's what's in my bag:

1. Pens—a no-brainer.
2. My handy business card case.
3. My glasses (stored in their own special soft-lined pocket).
4. A mini tape measure. (Put one in your bag and see how often you'll use it. Seriously. Don't knock it till you try it.)
5. My flash drive. (Don't actually know what that's doing in there.)
6. Car keys.
7. Grocery bag (Lug Eco-Shopper, of course).
8. Tissues. (Always.)
9. Pocket mirror.
10. Hair clips.

That's it and that's all!

So, what's in your bag? We love to hear how you're using your Lug. Send pictures and details to katie@luglife.com, and you may be featured in the next installment of "What's in Your Bag?"

Pink: In Honor of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It's October. Summer has come and gone. Early fall's brisk air is finally upon us, and with it, football season. Some on our big Lug team cheer for this team. I, myself, am partial to this one and this one (yes, it's true, even though I live in this state). And if we're talking pros, I go with this one. (Let's not talk about the Boys bad go of it this past Sunday, mkay.) Why all this talk of football during the month of October? Well, have you ever noticed anything special about the pros in October? As I'm sure you're aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And during breast cancer awareness month, the pros wear pink. There's just something about a 300 lb lineman wearing hot pink cleats that makes me smile. Of course, I also love that the pros are able to bring so much attention to this great cause. With the pros in mind, I thought I'd post a gallery of pink Lug pics so that just like the pros, you can wear pink proudly too.

PS Check out our Susan G Komen For the Cure exclusives in the Promise Me Collection here.

Highways To Fairways: Two "Crappy Golfers" Tell All

 We met Charlie and Wayde, the two aforementioned "crappy golfers," at the Joe Carter Golf Tournament this year, and we LOVE them (even if they are crappy golfers)! They have a new TV series called Highways to Fairways where they hit the road in their RV and travel the US and Canada seeking out the most unique and unusual golf courses in North America. I've seen the trailer. And now I'm setting my TiVo. Also, we're happy to announce that Lug is an official sponsor of the show! (Yay!) And as an official sponsor, we have made a Lug commercial that will air every time their show plays. It's our first commercial, and we're pumped about it. Check it out here, and let us know what you think. Then be sure to tune into Highways to Fairways!

Win Lug Gear in the Chatelaine "Best of Fall" Contest!

Have you seen our Taxicab Tote? And how about our Handspring Wallet? ... You have! ... And, what's that you say? ... You'd like to win them? Well, you're in luck! You'll have 10 chances to win when you participate in Chatelaine's "Best of Fall" contest. Better yet, aside from the awesome Lug bag+wallet gift sets, there are hundreds of prizes up for grabs, including luxury trips, tech toys, and more! Go here to enter, and pick up the October issue of Chatelaine to see the spread of goodies up for grabs!

Lug Does Good Morning Texas!

We had GREAT morning this Monday on Good Morning Texas! With the coming premiere of the new ABC show Pan Am, which centers around the iconic airline in the 1960s, the producers of the Dallas morning show put together an entire program about travel. Aside from having two of the most adorable retired Pan Am flight attendants ever, they had us! (Because you can't have a show about travel bags and carry-ons without Lug!) Here we are on set (left), and here's a link to the segment. Watch and check out our travel essentials and must-have carry-ons for fall.

Win One Thousand Dollars!

Go here to enter the Frommer's Fall Getaway Sweepstakes for your chance to win $1,000 to plan your perfect fall getaway, plus (yes, there's a plus!) win some Lug travel gear to help get you where you're going! I'm excited just typing this! (See all the exclamation marks!!!) So, hurry it up, and enter here!

Lug Fit Club: Getting Fit is Even More Fun

By now you should know that the Lug team is getting fit. But then we asked ourselves, "Selves! Why should we just get fit when we can have FUN too?"

Well, it was an easy decision to try to add more fun. But how? ... hmmm ...

MAKE IT A GAME!

So we did. Check it out (pictured).

Now, we're traveling across North America on a quest to make it across the continent and back. Sure, there will be challenges along the way (at each checkpoint you'll open an envelope that will hold your fate—will it be a physical challenge, like 10 burpees? Will it be a mental challenge, like knowing your geography? Or will you catch a pitfall and be banished until you complete a more difficult challenge?). But there will also be surprise prizes, and, of course, an ultimate winner!

Hope our friendly little office competition (which will continue through December) inspires some other LugNuts out there to get fit!

Tell us: What do you do to get fit?

And the Winner Is ...

Entry #3!!! That's right! You voted, and the grand prize winner of our Lug Video Contest is Entry #3. Congrats, superfan! Just to remind you of what you've won ... IT'S A PRIZE PACK VALUED AT $500!!!

We loved seeing all the Lug video love during this contest. A huge thanks to all our Lug lovers out there and to everyone who entered a video and told us how you LIVE LIFE IN COLOR! We have the best fans EVER! 

Friday Yoga: Finding Calm in the Crazy

So, last Friday our lovely Lugger Freda, who also happens to be a talented yoga teacher and leader of our Friday yoga class, decided to take the group outside for a little impromptu outdoor yoga.

"It was definitely a different experience from doing it in the gym," she says. "The idea was that it would be a serene outdoor experience; however, tractors and lawnmowers showed up midway to prep the lawn for back-to-school."

You Zen some, you lose some, eh? (bah-dum-dum-ching!)

But when clever Freda was served lemons, she made lemonade. "I used the metaphor of what this looks like for us in our daily lives, where sometimes there's a lot of noise trying to distract us from what's important, but it's in these times that we need to hone in and focus. Then, if we can get through it, the benefit is even greater!"

Brilliant! Brilliant, I say! Well done, Freda, and all you yogis out there. Way to rack up points in the Lug Fit Club!