Fresh Angeles

Top 5 Logitech Gifts for Families this Holiday Season

Tis the season to up your tech game!

There's nothing that my geek family loves more than to get electronics, remotes, and gaming gear for Christmas. I'm not sure who the bigger tech nerd in the family, my husband, the kids or me. It's probably a tie. When we shop for tech gear, we know one brand that has so many of the new must-haves. Logitech has your back when it comes to cool gadgets and gizmos that are designed to make your life easier. 


5 Gift Ideas for Each Tech Lover in Your Family



1. The Ultimate Remote
I don't know any person on the planet who wouldn't want a smart remote. You've just got to check out the Harmony Elite which basically talks to all smart devices in your home and can control them like magic. Now that's one smart device.



2. Multi-Device Keyboard 

This is one of my very favorites. The K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard can control your computer, iPad and your smart phone all while having a spot to put them both. For everyone who has their phone right next to them when they are on their computer or iPad, this one is for you. Having a keyboard that you can type on your iPhone and iPad at the same time, just could be life changing!



3Home Connection Camera

This little adorable camera is called Circle Home Camera and it's the perfect gift for working parents, parents who travel a lot, and parents in the military. Download the app and get the portable, chargeable Circle for two-way talk and listen, live view, smart filtering, playback and daily summaries... So even when you're not at home, you can feel like you are!



4. Gaming Gear
 If you have a gamer at home like I do, then they know the importance of having the right tools to help enhance their game play. With so many accessories to choose from you can find all in the Logitech Gaming Gear section. The most important ones being keyboards, headsets and gaming miceSince my daughter is getting older and really into gaming we will definitely have a Logitech Prodigy Gaming Headset and the Logitech Prodigy Gaming Keyboard under our tree this year. Shhh!



5. Home Switch

This little POP Home Switch is the most handy new tool to make your smart home more convenient. With the simple touch of a button, everyone in the home (even young children) can control smart lighting, music and more! Each POP switch can control three custom commands, you can also get them in different colors for each kid's rooms. How fun is that? That's the power of the POP!

No matter what your digital needs are this holiday season, you can find it with Logitech products. Happy holidays!



Disclosure: As a member of  the media, I was invited to an event hosted by Logitech and received a gift bag with some of the products featured here. No monetary compensation was received. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine.

LA Zoo Lights at the Los Angeles Zoo: A Dazzling Holiday Light Display

We are big fans of the Los Angeles Zoo. We've been more times than I can count and are used to going to the Zoo during the day. But somehow, we've never made it to experience LA Zoo Lights, where the park comes alive with dazzling lights at night. That all changed this year as we finally made it to this fun and festive event. I can honestly say that this will be a new holiday family tradition for us. It's inexpensive, close to our neighborhood, and a very special way to get into the holiday spirit. We had a blast together and will definitely be going back next year!


As you enter the front gates, you are greeted with the most beautiful and big, brightly lit snowflakes that change colors. It's just a hint of what's to come inside. Ironically, this visit to the Zoo will not be about the animals at all, but about the twinkling holiday light displays. Many different sections and themes throughout the Zoo are all lit up and dazzling and for guests of all ages. We stopped at the kettle corn booth (our family favorite Zoo treat) to eat while we were walking around enjoying the splendid scenery. It's definitely one nighttime holiday light experience you won't want to miss! (There are parts of the Zoo that are not available for entry at this event and most Zoo animals are sleeping.)


There's live music playing, Santa Claus, reindeer, reptiles, seasonal treats, a disco-ball forest, glittering light tunnels, a spectacular water-and-light show.
Oh, and did I mention... 
Lights
on Lights
on Lights.


Fresh Tip #1
Photo with Santa
Take time to visit with Santa Claus! (on select dates) Your kids can tell the big guy in the red suit exactly what they want this year, perhaps a family membership to the LA Zoo? Make sure to take lots of pictures for your memory books. 

Fresh Tip #2
Ride the Carousel
It's a few dollars per person to get on the carousel, but so much fun. Choose from many of the animals featured at the Zoo, including a tiger, zebra or even preying mantis. For only a short wait in line, it was worth seeing the joyous smile on my child's face.

Fresh Tip #3
Watch the Light Show
This show reminds me of World of Color at Disneyland. With spraying water, beautiful laser light beams, and music this show (which takes place right outside the exit of The Lair) happens about every 10 minutes and is not to be missed!

If you want to see what all the fun is about, take your little monkeys to the Los Angeles Zoo. There's still plenty of time! This year's LA Zoo Lights festivities go from 6-10pm nightly, November 18, 2016 through January 8, 2017. Bonus: Free Parking! Make sure you visit their website LAzoolights.org to find out more info and even purchase tickets in advance!










Disclosure: As a member of the media, I was invited to Opening Night and given free admission for my family. No monetary compensation was received. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine.

CHILL at The Queen Mary: A Winter Wonderland

The Queen Mary CHILL is back for the holidays!


My family and I had never been to SoCal's 'coolest' holiday event. This is the 5th year the The Queen Mary has been bringing holiday cheer to families. So we hopped in the car, braved the holiday traffic, and headed down to Long Beach to 'CHILL' at The Queen Mary. It was a festive night, and I was happy to be getting in some quality time with my family during the long Thanksgiving weekend. 


The main attraction and this year's theme is ALICE IN WINTERLAND a 14,000-square foot walk-through adventure. With larger than life displays you will fall down, down, down the rabbit hole where the adventure starts with Alice and friends in the Hall of Doors, the White Rabbit’s Kitchen, Mad Hatter’s Work Shop, the infamous Tea Party, Hedge Maze, Caterpillar Garden, the Queen of Hearts and the Queen of Diamonds. Adults, make sure to visit the Magic Mushroom Martini Bar, (drinks aren't included) get your glowing martini glass.


Some of the other activities and attractions to do in the Igloo and North Pole Village:
* Ice Skating at The Looking Glass Rink
* Ride the Curiouser Carousel
* Glacier Glide Tubing Run
* Prancer's Paintball Shooting Gallery
* Swinging Sleigh Ride
* Snow Fall in the Snow Zone
* Visiting with Santa

* Story time with Mrs. Claus
* Trim your own stocking
* Decorate gingerbread men

Get a tour of the Winter Wonderland here:





























Fresh Tip #1: 
It wasn't as cold as we thought the night we went, so we over did it with the gloves, hats, scarves, etc. There are no ice elements this year, like in year's past. Check the forecast before you go!

Fresh Tip #2: 
If you get a chance to ride the swing set just outside the dome, (or at least check it out up-close) it's the actual one that used to be in Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, which my husband and I thought was a cool part of Hollywood history.

Fresh Tip #3: 
Some attractions are not included in your ticket price, (like ice skating) so make sure to check out the Queen Mary Chill website before you go that way you aren't surprised. Parking fee is extra too. 



So if sparkling lights and holiday cheer is your thing, make your way to Long Beach where the land meets the sea and the Queen Mary is there to greet you, same day access to the ship is included with your ticket!  CHILL goes from November 23rd through January 8, 2017.

Disclosure: As a member of the media, I was invited to Opening Night and received free admission and wristbands to experience CHILL. No monetary compensation was received. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine.

Planetary Research Station at Discovery Cube Los Angeles

Come research the planet at the Planetary Research Station, where science matters at Discovery Cube Los Angeles!

We are lovers of science in our house. When our family visits the Discovery Cube Los Angeles, I know that my child is going to get exciting, hands-on learning at a museum that's packed with fun exhibits. They kids can run around and touch everything, do experiments, watch informative videos and participate in really cool activities!


Today I'm going to focus on one exhibit in particular. Planetary Research Station is a great place to sit down, relax and learn a little something about how to help our planet. The display is a huge globe that is suspended in mid-air. This unique view of earth, is sure to catch your child's eye. Take a journey of our world at this interactive attraction, to learn about changing weather patterns, air quality, climate change, and what we can all do to make a difference.

Global warming is a real thing and it's important to talk to our kids about it. Not just that it's an issue, but how they can do their part to help out our world.  If everyone around the world did a little bit extra to conserve resources and keep our air clean, it would add up to a giant effect. It's nice to know that the Discovery Cube is doing their part to educate the public, especially children on what they can do to help the earth. 



There are many simple ways to encourage your family to make conservation a way of life.
Saving electricity - Turn the lights off when you leave the room.
Water conservation - Turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth and take shorter showers.
Recycling - Sort out your trash and recycle into bins labeled, plastic, paper and recycle.
Ride sharing - Carpool to school, the park or even to your next trip to The Cube. Take your bike when doing local errands around your community.
Get the conversation started in your home!




So make sure that next time you visit Discovery Cube, you stop in at the Planetary Research Station. Spark the curiosity within your children and turn them into crusaders for our planet! Our future earth will thank you!


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of Discovery Cube Mom Ambassadors, my family and I get free admission to The Cube to review and attend events. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine.

Summer of Science at Discovery Cube Los Angeles

Get a Science Lesson this Summer at Discovery Cube!

There's a ton of fun to be had at the Discovery Cube Los Angeles this Summer. Bonus: each time you'll go, you family is sure to get a healthy does of education. We visited the Cube recently and spent the day laughing and learning with some friends. Exciting news: Just in time for summer, there are two new exhibits just waiting to be explored.
It's a cool way to spend a hot day, so schedule your summer play dates now!


Dora and Diego: Let's Explore - May 28 – September 18, 2016
If you have a Dora or Diego fan in your house then they are going to love this new exhibit! Bring your preschoolers to a place where they will feel right at home, located in the Early Learning Zone. (For the 5 and under guests) It was great to visit with old friends like Boots, Benny, Tico and even Swiper. This is an an experience for the younger set of explorers.
Children will get to Journey to the Purple Planet on the Rocket Ship, see Tico's Nutty Forest and ride in his car, walk through Isa's Flowery Garden, sail on Pirate Piggies' Ship, trek through the Rainforest Maze, and help save animals at the Animal Rescue Center. Make sure to meet Dora and get a photo (or selfie) with her before you go.




Speed: Science of Motion - May 28 – September 11, 2016
Put the petal to the metal and get down to the Discovery Cube this summer to experience Speed: Science of Motion. If cars are what you're into this fast paced exhibit is perfect speed for you. There is so much to learn at this high-octane display filled with hands-on action Go from zero to sixty instantly where you don't have to hit the brakes! Learn all about the cutting edge technology and science behind professional motor sports. We raced cars at the race track, changed tires at the workshop, built engines at the fitness center, and competed in virtual racing. All signs point point to go at the Speed: Science of Motion exhibit all summer long! 


'Science is my Thing' Summer Camp
Did you know that you can send your kids to Discovery Cube for Summer Camp? Visit Discovery Cube LA in order to take advantage of all that their exhibits have to offer! For ages 7-10 it's the perfect way to submerge your child in a fun filled week of science. This year's theme is "Science Is My Thing." For future inventors and scientists alike it's a great way to encourage young minds. You can enroll if you're a member or not.

2016 Summer Camp Dates: 
7/11-7/15, 7/18-7/22 7/25-7/29, 8/1-8/5
Times: 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Price: $190



Check out some of my past blog posts about The Cube:
Helicopter Tours
Bean Sprouts Cafe
Summer Playdate 
The Science of Gingerbread
Noon Years Eve

Follow Discovery Cube LA on Social Media:
Twitter: @DiscoveryCubeLA
Instagram: DiscoveryCubeLA
Facebook: DiscoveryCubeLA
 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of Discovery Cube Mom Ambassadors, my family and I get free admission to The Cube to review and attend events. The thoughts and opinions shared on this blog are 100% fresh and 100% mine.