get outside s’more.
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table of contents Taylor Vasu, Page 8
Mary Moen, Page 28
Verenice Macedo, Page 48
Peyton Romo, Page 10
Ashley Redieck, Page 30
Alex Sawyer, Page 50
Arlene Trevathan, Page 12
Donnie McDuff, Page 32
Tasha O’Neal, Page 52
Kade Turnage, Page 14
Michelle Miller, Page 34
Riley Smith, Page 54
Lora Apodaca, Page 16
Diego Bravo, Page 36
Karlee Budge, Page 56
Alexandra Mitrovich, Page 18
Curtis Lee, Page 38
Joe Lozowski, Page 58
Kimberly Wiggs, Page 20
Breana Parker, Page 40
Rhonda Law, Page 60
Isabel Lozowski, Page 22
Tonia Morrell, Page 42
Yvette Alvarado, Page 62
Amber Jones, Page 24
Allison Berry, Page 44
Stephanie Bonilla, Page 64
Angela Ramon, Page 26
Julie McCarble, Page 46
Denise Mayer, Page 66
Octavillo Padilla, Page 68
Vernon Steitz, Page 88
Mitchel Zelinger, Page 108
Sue Pursche, Page 70
Denyse Sharp, Page 90
Bernifka Saint Jean, Page 110
Noosha Hodges, Page 72
Fernando Herrera, Page 92
Agustin Contreras, Page 112
Nick Meter, Page 74
Sonya Lozowski, Page 94
Samantha East, Page 114
Alyssa Armesto, Page 76
Torie Iverson, Page 96
Jon Leach, Page 116
Jeanette Garcia, Page 78
Erika Hargis, Page 98
Nick Greenko, Page 118
Taylor Boswell, Page 80
Suzi Nguyen, Page 100
Mariel Lunasco, Page 120
Kellie Reed, Page 82
Amanda Seitzler, Page 102
Dave Teper, Page 84
Tristan Kranenburg, Page 104
Amanda Pierce, Page 86
Lupe Morfin, Page 106 5
A Letter From Marketing
The holiday season is one of the unique occasions when we can shift our focus away from showcasing our fantastic partners, clients, and projects, and instead, celebrate the incredible people we work alongside every day. What makes Tangram truly remarkable is its people and the diverse array of personalities, passions, hobbies, and interests we all share. The holidays are a special time to reconnect with family and friends, and this year's outdoor theme beautifully merges these two aspects. Throughout my life, the call of the
water has been a constant. Whether it's whitewater kayaking on the creeks and rivers of Oregon or sailing off the coast of Southern California, these experiences allow me to reconnect with nature, listen to the soothing sounds of the wind and waves, and create lasting memories with the people I hold dear. As we wrap up another remarkable year, one filled with challenges, changes, and opportunities, I hope each of you finds the opportunity to unwind, relax, and spend quality time outdoors with your loved ones.
Paul Randall Smith Chief Marketing Officer
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Taylor Vasu Title: Project Manager Tangram Office: Newport Beach, CA Home Town: Dana Point, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Most of the hobbies I have revolve around being at the beach, in, around or under water. This includes morning or sunset swims, surfing, coffee on a cliff in Laguna, shark dives, dinner on the beach at sunset, swimming with friends, bonfires or traveling to tropical beaches.
The peak of summer is when I am most likely to go to my secret beach location because dealing with the parking and crowds of people is not fun for me. I like to get to the beach around 11:30-12 – the prime sun time when the UV is starting to climb. That way I am in and out of the water when the UV hits its peak. Put your sunscreen on before you go. If you want to catch the sunset, get there nice and early but stay for a good 2030 mins after the sun sets.
The great thing about Southern California is you can go to the beach all year round. If you need some sunshine, you can always chase the sun and travel somewhere that has it! Fun fact: Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and can put you into a mild meditative state.
Blue hour is the most peaceful and underrated time.
Get Outside S’more
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Peyton romo Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Laguna Niguel, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors: I love spending time outside! Whether it’s walking in the Dana Point Harbor, swimming at Strands Beach or simply laying outside in my backyard, being outside and in the sunshine makes me happy. But if I had to choose a favorite, going to the beach is at the top of my list!
Tips: Don’t forget to bring a towel, chair, book, sunscreen, sunglasses, speaker, and of course some type of game (smashball, spikeball, volleyball, etc.) Lots of snacks! And don’t forget the drinks ;)
Strands Beach in Dana Point. It is a beach my entire family grew up going to, including both my parents!
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arlene trevathan Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Fresno, CA Home Town: Mariposa, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hiking, wild yoga, camping, backpacking
Be prepared to drop your backpack (if you have food in it) if a bear comes your way.
Yosemite is my favorite place in the world!
Bring a good pair of hiking shoes, sunscreen and layers. Spring is my favorite time. Wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and not too many tourists (unlike summer).
Get Outside S’more
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kade turnage Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Cedar Hill, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips: Pack plenty of drinks and find a quiet cove. Don’t forget your fishing pole, a full cooler, and good people!
Get Outside S’more
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lora apodaca Title: Business Development - Los Angeles Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: South Pasadena, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
It is so hard to choose just one thing! I enjoy anything outdoors so much, especially if it involves being near, in, or on a body of water. However, lately, I have been super into long hikes with my family and friends since I live so near to many beautiful mountain trails in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest.
Like many hiking trails around the LA area, this one can get very busy on the weekends. I would recommend going on a weekday if you can swing it or go earlier in the morning (6-9am), or in the early evening (46pm) after the rush dies down. Also, you should prepare for at least your feet to get wet. So wear waterproof hiking boots or something else water-resistant. You will still need good coverage, as the terrain is rocky, so sandals or shoes without a back are not advisable. There are a few swimming holes along the way, with a larger pool at the top, under the waterfall. So bring along a swimsuit in case you might want to take a dip!
Our favorite hike of the moment is Eaton Canyon in Altadena, which is a quick 4-mile out-and-back trail that ends with a spectacular waterfall! The entire trail only takes about 90 mins -2 hours, and traverses back and forth across a flowing stream the entire way up. It’s an easy/moderate difficulty level so it’s great for kids and folks who are not “expert” hikers.
Get Outside S’more
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alexandra mitrovich Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Marina del Rey, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Long walks along the marina with our dog, Winnie.
The best time to visit is during the spring or summer when the sun is shining!
There is a beautiful walking path that connects the marina to Playa del Rey. Starting at the Marina del Rey library, it loops around the Marina Hotel. Stop at Alfred for some coffee and breakfast burritos or have lunch at Kazunori overlooking the boats. From there, you can continue all the way to Playa beach.
Get Outside S’more
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kimberly Wiggs Title: Director of Education Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Huntington Beach, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Snowboarding! Specifically Snowmass in Aspen, Colorado.
Gear up with snowboard/boots, helmet, appropriate waterproof clothing (I’m
When looking for a place to snowboard, or to get the most out of your experience, make sure you pay attention to the difficulty of the mountain you are looking to ride. I find that people often get discouraged when first learning how to snowboard by trying to learn on intermediate to advanced mountains. Look for places that have a good number of green runs (ones that have more than one bunny run, otherwise learning can feel repetitive and boring) and spend the time learning and going slow for a bit. Once you’ve advanced, you can find mountains with more blue runs and start to stretch your skill. And similarly for advanced riders, choose your mountain to your liking. I prefer really long runs as opposed to short and steep. I enjoy my days the most when there are few people and a big mountain to explore!
loving bibs at the moment), waterproof snow gloves, base layers, and goggles. The best time to visit is during the late fall through early spring.
Get Outside S’more
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isabel lozowski Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Marina Del Rey, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
I love to be by the lake. One of my favorite spots to be is Lake Shasta in NorCal. It’s so quiet and serene — I feel especially connected to nature there, surrounded by trees and hummingbirds. We love to go boating and wake surfing out on the lake, especially when the water is super warm! It’s the best place to spend quality time and slow down from the busy noise in LA.
Make sure to watch the sunrise and sunset as much as possible! Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit and plenty of sunscreen. The best time to visit is during August.
Get Outside S’more
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amber jones Title: Vice President of Sales, Dallas Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Dallas, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
The ocean with my family. A walk with the dogs or solo to clear my mind. There’s nothing like an outdoor walk to breathe in the fresh air, ground yourself and rethink your perspective.
Pack as little as possible. Snacks and beers, and a bathing suit is all that is needed for a full day at the beach!
I love a daily walk. But, if I’m looking to fill my soul, or if I find my cup empty, we schedule a flight to the ocean! The ocean has always felt so grand, it puts my life in perspective. This shows how much I love Tangram that I would move to a land-locked city and leave my precious ocean!
Beach set up of my dreams: 4 folding chairs that lay all the way back, a large blanket, and an umbrella. A bag full of snacks and drinks, and my family. The one thing ‘ve learned about the Jones family after 15 years is, “Just add water and fun is instant!” Summer at the beach is everyone’s favorite, but a January visit to the beach is special in its own way.
Get Outside S’more
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angela ramon Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Richardson, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
We love traveling to the national parks, more specifically Yellowstone and Big Bend!
Don’t forget to pack water, backpacks and towels.
Do your research prior to visiting the hidden gems and don’t fall for the tourist traps within the parks. There are always other great places to see that maybe aren’t as popular.
Spring or fall are the best times to visit!
Get Outside S’more
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mary moen Title: Design Consultant, Studio Other Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Los Angeles, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Camping!
A must have for me is my make-ahead foil dinners. Pack loads of fresh herbs and veggies (and meat if you like!) into a tight double-wrapped foil pack. Throw in the cooler. When it’s time for dinner, build a big fire, and let the logs burn down to coals, make a nice flat bed of coals, and throw the foil packs straight into the fire. Cook until you hear them sizzling inside, about 30 mins. Delicious and an instant crowd pleaser!
A couple of favorites are Sycamore Canyon Campground in Malibu and Holcomb Valley Campground in Big Bear.
Good gear is always a plus, but the most important thing is: lots of friends! Since I started working at Tangram, there is an ever-growing group who takes about 2-4 camping trips a year. You can do this all year long if you live in SoCal! Get Outside S’more
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ashley redieck Title: Designer Tangram Office: Remote Home Town: Atlanta, GA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
I love spending time at the lake — watching the sunset is my favorite. My family has a cottage on Lake Erie where we spend the 4th of July every summer.
Grab a blanket, a book, a camera and let nature do the rest. Anytime in the summer. The best nights are after a rainstorm when the clouds have cleared.
Get Outside S’more
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donnie mcduff Title: Project Manager Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Fort Worth, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hunting, Fishing, ATV, Motorcycling.
Safety, proper equipment, and situational awareness.
I like to hunt and fish on 500 acres in Stephens County, Texas. As for motorcycling, you’ll find me anywhere away from the city.
Whether hunting, fishing or motorcycling, your gear will depend on the location and weather conditions. Gear up to succeed and survive. Hunting and fishing regulations vary by county, lake, and location, so know the law before you go. For longer motorcycle trips, check helmet laws in other states as well as the weather conditions. Plan your stops before you go.
Get Outside S’more
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michelle Miller Title: Bid Response Specialist Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Carrollton, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
DFW Summer Series Mountain Bike Racing in Erwin Park, McKinney, TX.
Find shade any time it’s available. These 100+ degree race days are no joke. Bike, gear, hydration pack, and ice cold beer as a post-race treat. Summer is the best time!
Get Outside S’more
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diego bravo Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Ventura, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Camping in places with great hiking trails. A current family favorite is Yosemite National Park.
Remember to pack plenty of water and food, and don’t forget to secure your food in bearproof lockers. Bring hiking boots, mosquito repellent, food, and of course, some good beers. May-September has the best weather and is also when all the roads, trails, lodging, shuttles, and attractions in the park are open.
Get Outside S’more
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curtis lee Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Newport Beach, CA Home Town: Irvine, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Walking the dogs, hanging out by the pool (with the dogs), or going to lunch by the ocean.
Keep the dogs shaded and have lots of water for everyone.
My backyard or a restaurant somewhere in Laguna Beach.
Get Outside S’more
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breana parker Title: Business Development Manager, Technology Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Dallas, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hiking at North Shore Trailhead - Lake Grapevine, TX.
Wear the right shoes, hydrate, use the Strava App to track your activity, and avoid wearing headphones on your hike as there are mountain bikers everywhere. I wear a sports crossbody bag that will hold my phone, a bottle of water (or 2), my keys, and my wallet. Enjoy anytime in Dallas when it isn’t snowing or raining.
Get Outside S’more
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tonia morell Title: Accounting Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Fullerton, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Running with my daughters at the Fullerton Loop, a popular trail near our house.
All you need is a good attitude and a good pair of running shoes!
Having my kids run with me makes it fun and gets me outside several mornings a week.
Enjoy year round. It’s so great to live in SoCal!
Get Outside S’more
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allison berry Title: Business Partnerships Coordinator Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Fort Worth, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Boating and lake activities at Possum Kingdom Lake, Graford, TX.
Bring sunscreen, shades, a flotation device and a beverage for maximum enjoyment.
From spending time on the water in the summer, to hiking the cliffs through the spring, it is our favorite spot year-round.
It’s a year-round destination for our household!
Get Outside S’more
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julie mcCarb le Title: Director Operations Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Addison, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Lake activities at Richland Chamers Reservoir, Corsicana, TX.
Swimsuit, shades and hat required! Bring your watercraft and water toys — or your fishing poles! There is great fishing too. Need to rent a boat or jet skis? No problem!
Richland Chambers Reservoir is the perfect lake for those not interested in a ‘party cove.’ It is not a heavily trafficked lake so there aren’t hundreds of boaters, jet skiers, swimmers or kayakers. Launch from the Harbor Inn and Marina and plan for a great day! It’s also a great lake for having your dog fetch balls!
It’s great for boating year-round, but swimming is best from April to October!
Get Outside S’more
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verenice macedo Title: Industrial Designer Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Lynwood, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Camping and exploring new roads. Joshua Tree and Cachuma Lake in California and Zion National Park and Moab in Utah are some of our family favorites.
I recommend booking cabins in between camping nights to avoid fatigue during longer trips. This allows more time to explore the outdoors and is especially great if you are traveling with kids or need a nice, warm shower along the long way. You’ll need a camping tent, sleeping bags, memory foam mattress, cooking gear, head lamps or flashlights, snacks, dried food, lots of water, cooler, ice, portable toilet with covering tent, medical kit, portable shovel, flat tire repair kit, walkie talkies, paper towels, toilet paper, recovering boards, hand sanitizer, extra container of gasoline... I could go on and on.... We typically book around summer because that’s when the kids are out of school.
Get Outside S’more
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alex sawyer Title: Client Support Specialist Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Chino Hills, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Sipping wine in Temecula at our favorite wineries.
Start with a tasting at Akash or a bottle of the Threes Company, and then head to Altisima or Leoness Cellars to relax, enjoy the view, live music and a delicious lunch, then head over to Wilson Creek to top off with a wine slushie.
Altisima, Akash, Leoness Cellars and Wilson Creek to name a few!
If visiting Wilson Creek, bring a blanket and your favorite Trader Joe’s snack to make a charcuterie board while you hang out. Fall or spring is the best time!
Get Outside S’more
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tasha o’neal Title: Sales + Design Consultant Tangram Office: Fresno, CA Home Town: Fresno, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Taking nature walks with my family in Yosemite National Park.
Wear comfy shoes, stay hydrated, and most importantly, make sure to laugh and enjoy the views around you. Bring a water bottle, hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, walking sticks, a hat and gloves to stay warm. I find it’s the most beautiful during the winter.
Get Outside S’more
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riley smith Title: Client Support Specialist Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Azusa, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hiking, lake activities, paddle boarding, fishing in and around Mammoth Mountain & Mammoth Lakes.
The water is colder than it looks and watch out for bears! Bring a swimsuit, fishing pole, seltzers & beers. Best enjoyed in summer! I grew up snow skiing in Mammoth, but these last several years my family & I have been loving it in the summer.
Get Outside S’more
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karlee budge Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Los Angeles, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hiking while on vacation with family. My favorite place thus far was when we visited Oahu, HI.
Have the right shoes with ankle support!
Some of my favorite hikes include Maunawili Falls and Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
Get Outside S’more
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joe lozowski Title: President + CEO Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Newport Coast, CA and Dallas, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hiking + exploring new spots with my family.
Make sure you get to the park early because parking spots fill up by 10am. Pack a lunch and enjoy it when you reach the peak of your hikes.
My family took our first trip to Yosemite and it was a great way to unplug and connect with nature and each other. When we were in the park, we spent our days riding bikes and hiking. We decided to do a moderate hike to Vernal Falls one of the days and I would highly recommend this for those chasing waterfalls. Yosemite is obviously famous for its breathtaking views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, but you’ll find amazing views and lush landscapes everywhere you turn. When we weren’t in the park, we spent our time at the cabin cooking dinner and playing games, which made for some of the best memories. Make sure you spend some time outside at night star gazing too!
If you decide to camp, make sure you bring insulated clothes to keep you warm at night because the temperature drops pretty dramatically after sundown. There are multiple ways to camp, so you can pick your own adventure. Fall is great. We went in early October, which ended up being amazing. The park wasn’t nearly as crowded as it is during summer peak season. Although it was pretty chilly before 9am, the clouds opened up and it was perfect weather during the daytime.
Get Outside S’more
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rhonda law Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Azusa, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
We are Disney passholders and that means we can go for however long we like so we don’t have the pressure of only one day at the park. We walk 6-8 miles in the Disney bubble! You can canoe, walk, and get on rides requiring major arm movements for some great exercise. But that might all go out the window if you eat the Mickey pretzel.
Wear good walking shoes! When is there not a good time to go to Disney?
Get Outside S’more
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Yvette Alvarado Title: Designer Tangram Office: Newport Beach, CA Home Town: Irvine, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Snowboarding in Whistler, BC and Mammoth Mountain.
Come prepared with proper gear, good riding buddies, and consistent practice. I would suggest a beginner’s lesson if you are new. Bring a snowboard, snow pants, jacket, boots, bindings, goggles, helmet, gloves, and some Fireball for good measure! We love to go during the DecemberMarch months.
Get Outside S’more
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Stephanie bonilla Title: Operations Manager, Studio Other Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Compton, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
My family and I love camping, the beach, playing in the backyard with the dog, or swimming in our pool.
Bring tents, river tubes and plenty of drinks :)
Every year, my family goes camping at Kern River. Make sure to have enough water, food and entertainment for the kids. Maybe a little mommy & daddy “juice” as well.
Best enjoyed in the summer – my family loves the sun! No matter what, having a good attitude is the best thing. Even if the trip takes a wrong turn, being able to laugh and smile about it always makes it better.
Get Outside S’more
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denise mayer Title: Network Project Manager Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Hacienda Heights, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
I enjoy hiking, horseback riding and swimming.
Hiking: Wear good sneakers, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Bring walking sticks, CamelBak and protein bar.
I typically hike my local trails and ride at the barn in Norwalk.
Riding: Keep your eyes up, heels down and ride into the sunset. All you need is a good horse, saddle and a free spirit. Sunset hikes and rides are the best time.
Get Outside S’more
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octavio Padilla Title: Foreman Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Anaheim, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hiking and watching the sunset at the beach. Preferrably any Orange County beach!
Good shoes for hiking and water.
I love to hike near the beach and then stay late to watch the sunset.
SoCal is good at any time of the year. That’s why I love Orange County!
Get Outside S’more
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sue pursche Title: Corporate Business Manager Tangram Office: Newport Beach, CA Home Town: Aliso Viejo, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hiking, skiing, yoga, tennis, pool and swimming.
Don’t forget to bring water.
Aliso Viejo and Palm Springs both have great hiking trails.
It’s best do these activities in the early morning!
Get Outside S’more
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noosha hodges Title: Marketing Director Tangram Office: Newport Beach, CA Home Town: Costa Mesa, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
I love to go on a Hot Mom Walk in the Back Bay in Newport, CA.
Parking can be tricky but avoid peak hours and there are many entrances to the trails. I bring water, a stroller, sunscreen, a fannypack and snacks for my baby, Ayla. Spring and fall are the best time of year to walk.
Get Outside S’more
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Nick Meter Title: Vice President, Sales + Customer Experience Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Palos Verdes, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Watching Michigan beat Ohio State.
Cheer for the Blue Team always. Self-respect, love of tradition, enthusiasm unknown to mankind.
Get Outside S’more
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alyssa armesto Title: Vice President, Central Valley Tangram Office: Fresno, CA Home Town: Clovis, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
We are big fans of going to some of our local parks with the kiddos and so fortunate to have them all so close to home. Walking the trails, riding scooters/bikes, walking the Japanese gardens, feeding ducks at the lake, going to summer concerts, and of course, posting up at the playground. But watch out for the geese who have chased us a time or two!
No supplies necessary, just some comfy shoes. This is the best in fall when the leaves are changing. It’s so beautiful and the weather is perfect.
Get Outside S’more
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Jeanette garcia Title: Jr. Estimator/Estimating Admin Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Downey, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
I love to explore different pockets of Los Angeles.
Definitely wear walking shoes and come hungry!
One of my favorite places is LA’s Chinatown.
My absolute favorite time would be on a summer night. It’s quiet and beautifully lit.
Get Outside S’more
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taylor Boswell Title: Project Manager Tangram Office: Fresno + Bakersfield, CA Home Town: Fresno, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
I love to visit Yosemite for a good hike! It’s only about a 2-hour drive from Fresno and the views are unmatched. It’s my favorite place to reconnect and get grounded in nature — you always leave in a better mental state than when you arrived. I highly recommend everyone visit at least once in a lifetime.
Bring lots of water, a sun hat, snacks, and comfortable shoes. Also, if you are bringing pets, you will not be able to ride their provided transportation buses or hike certain trails. Anytime is a good time, but springtime is the best. The winter is also beautiful, but you will need tire chains, and depending on conditions, sometimes roads are closed as well.
Get Outside S’more
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kellie reed Title: Vice President, OC Sales + Healthcare Tangram Office: Newport Beach, CA Home Town: Newport Beach, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Anything with my family: golf, beach, vacation, and yes, even yardwork!
Bring a phone to capture the moment!
It depends on the day and the mood of everyone — could be a long walk or a visit to Irvine Spectrum.
We live in Newport so anytime is a good time to be outdoors. Everyone has to be all in for the activity, or we move to another plan until we are all in.
Get Outside S’more
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dave teper Title: Vice President, Tangram Construction Trades Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Corona, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hunting, fishing, shooting guns, and riding horses.
Keep your toes up and heels down, and practice patience.
Some of my favorite places to travel and spend time in the outdoors are Colorado, Michigan, Northern California, and Hawaii.
Get Outside S’more
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amanda pierce Title: Design Director Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Los Angeles, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors: My favorite place to be is our backyard. We love to host our family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Over the last few years, we turned our yard that was once a dirt pile into a fun place to gather. We built a deck, a playscape, a climbing dome, and even put up a zipline for the kids. The neighborhood families love all the activities. The best part is when the kids are busy, it gives the adults time to sit, talk, and relax. We are very lucky to live in SoCal to enjoy our time outside year-round.
Get Outside S’more
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vernon steitz Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Celeste, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
I love hiking, fishing and biking on trails.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Prairie Hill Park in Blue Ridge Texas is my go to!
Bring water, sunscreen, buy spray, fishing pole, a collapsible chair, bait or lures for fishing, great hiking shoes, and cold beverages. In Texas, mostly year-round is a great time for outdoor activities.
Get Outside S’more
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denyse sharp Title: Chief Administrative Officer Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Fullerton, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
I prefer the observation of the outdoors under the cover of a cabana, a palapa, or most especially, a spa lounge with a view.
Book the cabana closest to the ocean, grab some towels, bring a book or two and a speaker and relax for 4-6 hours without interruption.
Hawaii is my favorite place for “observing” the outdoors. Kauai is lovely but Maui, in particular, is the absolute best. I look forward to returning someday soon and helping the local community in their recovery efforts.
You’ll need sunscreen, a speaker for music, a book, a flowy caftan for that Mrs. Roper vibe and some flip flops.
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fernando herrera Title: Service Technician Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Anaheim, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Disneyland! More specifically Frontierland and Star Wars Land. My family and I enjoy the walks. Everytime we go we see something different.
Don’t forget your Micky ears! Disneyland is best enjoyed all year round.
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sonya lozowski, md Title: Chairman Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Newport Coast, CA + Dallas, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Going to a Michigan football game at the big house!
Enjoy an awesome tailgate party before the game. Don’t forget to wear your favorite team outfit.
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torie iverson Title: Communications Manager Tangram Office: Newport Beach, CA Home Town: Costa Mesa, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Chilling in the backyard with a good book, or hiking/rock scrambling if I’m feeling adventurous
Be open for what the day brings – the desert is unpredictable so plan to roll with the weather changes. There are also so many things to do there other than hiking if that’s not your jam.
Joshua Tree, CA – My husband, Soren; my dog, Milo; and I go to Joshua Tree regularly to escape to the desert. We’re not the most outdoorsy people in general, but we’ve fallen in love with the quiet, stargazing, farmer’s markets, thrifting, and beautiful desert landscapes that the area provides. We’ll either hang out in the Airbnb yard with a good book, explore Joshua Tree National Park, or hit up Red Dog Saloon in Pioneer Town for tacos and live music.
Supplies Needed: Park Pass, water, fun beverage, good book, Rugelach from the Joshua Tree Farmers Market (trust me). We like going in the fall + spring to avoid the extreme heats and sometimes snow.
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erika hargis Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Fresno + Bakersfield, CA Home Town: Fresno, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hiking, mom walks with my ‘Stroller Gang’ and kids every weekend, drinking cocktails by the pool.
‘Stroller Gang’ walks tips and tricks: Load up on snacks and water and strong coffee! Always have a park stop somewhere on your walk to use as bribery for the kids.
Rancheria Falls and Huntington Lake are my favorite hiking spots near our cabin in Shaver Lake. For ‘Stroller Gang’ walks, we do the 4-mile loop on the Fresno-Clovis Bike trail.
‘Stroller Gang’ walks can be done all year long, rain pending.
The Rancheria Falls Trail is about a two-mile hike, so it is easy enough for smaller kids. You start at a high elevation with not too much gain heading up, but I would still watch your pace, as there aren’t any outlets to sit and rest until you hit the top.
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suzi nguyen Title: Ancillary Specialist Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Carrollton, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hiking, Biking, Beach, Campfire and Stargazing.
Wear layering clothes and comfortable shoes with good grip, and bring a hydration backpack with enough water for the whole hike and essentials: food, hat, first aid kit, headlamp, sunblock, walking sticks, insect protection.
To name a few: Rocky Mountain National Park, Big Bend National Park, Curacao
I love hiking in the early fall when the temperature is cooler and you get to see the trees color change to vibrant shades of yellow and orange.
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amanda seitzler Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Plano, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Walking my dog, hiking at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, and we go to a peach orchard every summer!
Arbor Hills is great in spring and fall. Ham Orchard is only open in the summer, from mid May-mid August.
Ham Orchard in Terrell, TX and Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, TX. Take your family to Ham Orchard! You can pack a picnic, and wade in a little stream. Arbor Hills is great for walking your dog.
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tristin kranenburg Title: Sales Executive Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Manhattan Beach, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
One of my favorite ways to spend time outdoors is skiing!
Wear good ski gear! You can rent skis and boots but having good goggles and warm enough gloves and jacket is key to enjoying the day. Hand warmers too!
I’ve been lucky enough to ski in a lot of beautiful places but my favorite is definitely Mammoth Mountain. The skiing is awesome, the views are amazing and it’s always a great weekend!
The best snow is in winter but spring skiing with blue skies is hard to beat.
Go with a good group of friends and make sure you have someone at the same level as you so you can have a buddy on your runs...that’s just more fun! And always grab a beer mid-mountain and enjoy the views.
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Lupe Morfin Title: Senior Account Executive Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Covina, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Hiking at Zion National Park — Angels Landing and The Narrows are my favorite trails.
Start your day early, close to 4am! It is worth it. All you need are good hiking shoes, water to stay hydrated, sunscreen, and granola bars. The best time to visit is the fall for beautiful weather— mid to late September is great.
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mitchel zelinger Title: Executive Vice President, Business Development Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Sherman Oaks, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
There’s nothing better than drinking a cup of coffee in my backyard with dogs on either side of me. It’s legit my favorite thing to do and never gets old. Plus, there’s easy access to two bathrooms and a kitchen.
You’ll need good, solid cement. Bug spray for the mosquitos. Green grass. And the dogs. Don’t forget the dogs.
23 steps from the house. Yes, I did a test walk.
Bring a good mug that retains most of the heat for the coffee. And an outdoor chair that’s as comfortable as an indoor chair. Mid morning is good. So is mid afternoon. Early evening and late evening. Heck, 6:00am. Nice and quiet. Nice chill in the air.
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bernifka saint jean Title: Marketing Coordinator Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Alhambra, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Exploring new and fun physical activities.
Just choose a physical sport you want to do or try out and ask family and friends or Google what you need to prepare for it and give it a try.
Not one specific place but in this photo, my fiancé and I visited a mutual friend in Oxnard, CA, and spent a few hours surfing together.
It will be based on the activity you want to try, but be open to renting out equipment to try it once before committing to purchasing each item.
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agustin Contreras Title: Senior Graphic Designer Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Norwalk, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
Some of my favorite outdoor activities are running and fishing.
Don’t forget sunscreen because there’s nothing worse than getting sunburnt after a fun day.
When I go running, I usually like to go on a trail or even just around the neighborhood. I enjoy running outside because I get a nice view of my environment that I wouldn’t normally see when I drive. For fishing, Pyramid Lake is a solid place. You can rent out a boat and just be out in the water for a few hours. A few years back, I went with my girlfriend, Gloria, and coworker/best friend, Mariel, and we found a little cove where we caught a ton of trout. It was a great time!
For fishing, you need a rod, hooks, bait, and patience. You aren’t always going to catch something, but it is guaranteed to be a fun time out with friends. It’s the best in spring or fall. It’s a little cooler and you won’t get too many bug bites.
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sam east Title: Designer Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Huntington Beach, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors: Living less than a mile from the beach has its perks. Car parking is not one of them. As a result, riding my beach cruiser is my preferred mode of getting around town, especially on weekends and in the summers. It’s a fun way to get around — I get to wave at all my neighbors, take in the scenery and feel the ocean breeze. My hubby and I ride our bikes to Downtown Huntington almost every week. One of our favorite destinations to ride to is the bike trail that runs along Pacific Coast Highway, with almost 4 miles of uninterrupted coastal views. Not a bad place to cruise. All though, sometimes we ride to catch an MSU game at our favorite watering hole, and sometimes we ride just to sit on the beach and catch a beautiful sunset while listening to the waves. When we are feeling really crazy, we will ride in either direction to the neighboring cities for
brunch. Newport Beach to the south and Sunset Beach to the north. Each is about 18 miles round trip. First and foremost, check the weather. You don’t want to get caught in dense fog or a torrential downpour on a bike ride. The terrain is not very treacherous and there is a substantial network of bike paths in Huntington Beach, but just in case, I always recommend riding with a buddy/group.
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jon leach Title: Director of Business Development Tangram Office: Dallas, TX Home Town: Dallas, TX Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
I love enjoying a patio cocktail, playing tennis, or attending any type of sporting event.
Plan accordingly for the upcoming fall football season to make sure you get all your classmates back on campus.
Going back to the ol’ alma mater, Texas Tech University, is always a great time. There’s never a dull moment at the football games, win or lose. I’m grateful for the ability to see so many college buddies on a semi-regular basis. This past year was my 25-year fraternity pledge class reunion for Beta Theta Pi. I had a blast getting to connect with guys that I haven’t seen since graduating in 2003.
Bring all the bourbon one could find! Be there every fall, come rain or shine.
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nick greenko Title: Chief Financial Officer Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Newport Beach, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors: These days we are all over the map, for family and work, bouncing between Southern California, Dallas and New York. I constantly have to remind myself of the day, the time and where I am.
in CA (with pepper spray on hand for the coyotes). Mornings in Dallas are spent running around the back yard before work at 7am barking madly at squirrels (for Beni that is) and walks around the leafy neighborhood.
Around Christmas of 2021, the first year we set up our place in Dallas, we decided to add the complexity of a pet for some grounding, and found Beni, a toy poodle. Love at first sight. Beni just turned 2, is now a certified service animal and has been on 112 flights. He is a great traveler.
Some days we break 10,000 steps just from walking the dog and we are all the better for it!
So how do we get outdoors? Beni. We walk the dog, and these days, that is about it! We walk Beni on the Katy Trail in Dallas, in suburban Long Island where my family’s property is, and in the hills of Newport Coast Get Outside S’more
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mariel lunasco Title: Brand Manager Tangram Office: Santa Fe Springs, CA Home Town: Carson, CA Favorite way to spend time outdoors:
Tips:
As an avid outdoor creative, I’ve always been interested in different ways of documenting my adventures.
Always check the weather and the wind!
My recent obsession has been flying my drone. I tend to go places that are clear to fly, whether that be the mountains, beaches or your local cityscape.
Charge all your batteries. I didn’t realize how short of a flight time 15 minutes was until I started flying.
It’s been a nice way to get outdoors while also capturing nature.
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