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Win the Junk Food War the Natural Way

2010-07-16T13:35:34-07:00

Did you know that only 18 percent of children are eating the recommended three or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day, according to a Produce for Kids study released by the Perishables Group. Forty-three percent of parents say their children eat one or fewer servings daily.

“At a time when approximately 25 million kids in the US are overweight, healthy snacking is more important than ever,” says Connie Evers, nutritionist and author of “How to Teach Nutrition to Kids.” “Eating more fruits and vegetables can contribute to a healthy weight and improve overall health. Offering kids a sweet alternative they love, like Cuties, instead of unhealthy, sugary snacks, is a great way to get more fresh produce into their diets.”

Evers has come up with these ten ways to encourage children to choose healthy snacks.

1. Plan a snack adventure - Involve children in snack planning, shopping for ingredients and simple food preparation. Together, devise a healthy snack list that includes foods from all five food groups. Keep it posted on the refrigerator as a reminder.
2. Keep snacks at eye level - When your child walks into the kitchen, what catches her eye? Make sure to have a bowl of appetizing fruit on the kitchen counter.
3. Pack their bags - Make sure your child has plenty of healthy grab-n-go snacks in his/her backpack.
4. Make faces - Encourage your child to “make faces” with his food by arranging cutup fruit and vegetable strips on open faced peanut butter sandwiches, whole grain waffles, burritos or mini-pizzas.
5. Eat a rainbow - When shopping with your child, make it a game to find produce that is red, green, blue/purple, orange, brown and white. When you get home, use those foods to prepare a colorful snack together.
6. Homework Helper - In the late afternoon (when kids are super hungry), set out fruit and veggies near them as they do their homework. Include foods such as fruit, mini sandwiches, and string cheese.
7. Cure those pre-dinner hungries - Loaded with nutrition yet low in calories, fruits and veggies are an appetizer that won't spoil a child's appetite for dinner.
8. Dip right in - Surveys show that kids will eat more fruits and veggies if presented alongside a dip. Flavored yogurt is a natural dip for fresh fruit sections and chunks.
9. Auto-snacking - Hungry kids and traffic jams don't mix! Make sure to keep water bottles and trail mix stashed in your car for those times you can't get home right away.
10. Food as Fuel - For an active child, emphasize that food is the fuel for sports, dance, active play or any kind of movement. Hungry muscles need healthy fuel to work at their best.

Try these tips and let us know if they help your kids eat healthier!

Cuties are growing in the California sun

2010-06-25T15:58:32-07:00

School's out for summer and we are too! Cuties are growing - hangin' out in the California sun. Check out the li'l guys!

See you in November!

2010-05-21T18:54:25-07:00

By listening to the online chatter, we know you're wondering as you look around your local produce department, where did Cuties go?

We're now out of season, but think of it like we're going on summer vacation, basking in the warm California sun! Cuties will be back in stores in early November.

But, even though Cuties aren't in stores, the marketing team is still here - busily planning for next season. Feel free to reach out to us via our blog, Facebook or Twitter whenever you like!

Reusing Cuties boxes to give back to the community

2010-04-29T23:00:07-07:00

We’ve seen a variety of ways that folks reuse Cuties boxes… we’ve seen photos of cats, dogs, and even a toddler sitting in the boxes. We love hearing about folks giving back to the community so we were particularly touched by the way Cuties’ fan, Sonia Picone has recycled the Cuties boxes.

Sonia Picone helped manage the 4th annual Heirloom tomato/pepper sale in Redwood City, CA. Sonia and her fellow team of volunteers known as the "Dirty Dozen" planted 100 varieties of tomato/pepper seeds, totaling 2,000 plants for the sale. They asked that members of the local YMCA recycle Cuties boxes after they purchase them. They collected over 500 boxes! The boxes were given to shoppers as a convenient way to carry out their tomatoes/peppers. All proceeds from the sale benefitted kids at the local Sequoia YMCA Redwood City that cannot afford to go to summer camp. They doubled their sales from the previous year. Well done, ladies of "Dirty Dozen" - we support your efforts!

This is the core group known as the "Dirty Dozen." They also used the Cuties boxes to sort the seeds and plant tags.

Meet Carolyn Richards: Cuties' Top Soccer Mom - Houston

2010-04-22T22:32:03-07:00

Carolyn’s creativity has been a huge asset to her two daughters’ teams. She’s sewn costumes (Cheetah Chicks, Elves and Peeps with Cleats) for several tournaments and created team signs and brochures for the club. Her love of the game is conveyed through her exuberant cheering at every game. Despite embarrassing her daughters, the cheering motivates their teammates!

Help us celebrate Carolyn's devotion. If you know Carolyn, tell us why you think she's great!

Meet Lisa Jones: Cuties' Top Soccer Mom - Dallas

2010-04-22T22:33:25-07:00

Lisa dedicates herself to supporting her daughter’s passion for soccer. Her commitment to her daughter includes sitting out in 103° brutal heat and 40 mph winds and snow to watch her play. She credits soccer with helping her daughter become confident and compassionate and is thrilled with her daughter’s top playing skills.

Help us celebrate Lisa's devotion. If you know Lisa, tell us why you think she's great!

Meet Marilyn Stebbins: Cuties' Top Soccer Mom - Sacramento

2010-04-22T22:34:37-07:00

Soccer has become an integral part of Marilyn’s life. She began her soccer mom career as an assistant coach for a rec team and ultimately became the head coach. Once her daughter joined a competitive team, Marilyn became the team manager and the league Registrar and a Board Member. In addition, she is the Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee and is proud of the $35,000 annual scholarship awards that allow top players to play at the collegiate level.

Help us celebrate Marilyn's devotion. If you know Marilyn, tell us why you think she's great!

Meet Will Allen: Cuties' Top Soccer Dad - Reno

2010-04-22T22:36:19-07:00

For the past 16 years, Will has spent a minimum of four hours per day coaching and managing soccer teams. He’s helped 13 out of 15 seniors achieve collegiate soccer scholarships over the past two years. He runs two tournaments that host over 150 teams and is president of the Sagebrush Soccer Club. Will has been instrumental in making Reno soccer more competitive instituting a year round playing schedule, and travel to out of state tournaments.

Help us celebrate Will's devotion. If you know Will, tell us why you think he's great!

Meet Kim Larkin: Cuties' Top Soccer Mom - New Haven

2010-04-22T22:37:28-07:00

Kim attributes her daughter’s physical and emotional growth to her experiences on the soccer field. Soccer has provided both her and her daughter life lessons through achievements and disappoints and many valuable life long friendships with coaches, parents and teammates. Nothing (including laundry and housecleaning) is more important than seeing the joy in her daughter’s face when she steps on the soccer field.

Help us celebrate Kim's devotion. If you know Kim, tell us why you think she's great!

Meet Liz Baird: Cuties' Top Soccer Mom - Kansas City

2010-04-22T22:39:19-07:00

Liz has managed her daughter’s soccer team for 10 years and thinks of the girls on the team as her second family. She uses her photography and scrapbooking skills to express her appreciation of each team member’s unique abilities. In order to better understand the game and support her five soccer playing children, Liz joined an indoor soccer mom’s league and organized mom’s soccer camps.

Help us celebrate Liz's devotion. If you know Liz, tell us why you think she's great!

Meet Gina Levy: Cuties' Top Soccer Mom - Santa Barbara

2010-04-22T21:49:36-07:00

Although she didn’t have an interest in soccer until her son starting playing, Gina has made soccer a huge part of her family's life. She currently manages her son's club team and previously managed his AYSO and AYSO Allstars team. Managing has been very rewarding for Gina and she is happy to stay up late sending team emails. She views her soccer team as a family and other teams are an extension of that family.

Help us celebrate Gina's devotion. If you know Gina, tell us why you think she's great!

Meet Kim Dowdle: Cuties' Top Soccer Mom - Birmingham

2010-04-22T21:55:38-07:00

Kim has never missed a single one of her two daughters’ games. She even ensured games were taped so she could view them with her kids after a very serious surgery. Despite some serious health problems, she says she always feel great on the soccer field! She’s previously coached several teams and values the support she receives from her local soccer community.

Help us celebrate Kim's devotion. If you know Kim, tell us why you think she's great!

Meet Dana Nash: Cuties' Top Soccer Mom - Phoenix

2010-04-22T22:17:10-07:00

Team manager, tournament and advertising committee co-director and team mom are just some of the many volunteer soccer positions Dana has held. She is praised for her organizational skills (laminated phone lists!) and her always calm demeanor. As Team Mom, she helped players both on and off the field. Her generosity extends to covering travel expenses for some of children’s team members.

Help us celebrate Dana's devotion. If you know Dana, tell us why you think she's great!

Meet Michelle LeVasseur: Cuties' Top Soccer Mom - Irvine

2010-04-22T22:28:58-07:00

Technology makes Michelle’s job as team manager for her daughter’s AYSO Flex team easier. She emails the team practice reminders, game information and directions and has been known to text the team to alert them of traffic issues. Quickbooks helps her plan the team’s budget. She’s also on the AYSO Board of Director for North Irvine. Soccer truly is her family’s bonding time!

Help us celebrate Michelle's devotion. If you know Michelle, tell us why you think she's great!

Meet Cuties' Ultimate Soccer Mom Tammy Davis

2010-04-22T21:43:45-07:00

Tammy has balanced carpooling, fundraising and managing teams while working full time for the past 20 years. She is not only lauded by fellow parents on her team for her management and organizational skills, but has gone above and beyond by organizing a club-wide uniform recycling program to help players who can’t afford uniforms, coordinating fundraisers to ensure that everyone is able to play and sending older equipment overseas to less fortunate children abroad. As a fellow parent told us, Tammy is truly “one in a million.” We’re proud to honor her as the Cuties Ultimate Soccer Mom!

Help us celebrate Tammy's devotion! If you know Tammy, tell us why you think she's a great soccer mom!

The history of the Cuties murcott variety

2010-03-19T16:02:17-07:00

As you may know, California Cuties are two varieties of mandarins: Clementine mandarins and Murcott mandarins. Clementines are available in the first half of the season, from November - January. Murcotts are available in the second half, February – April.

We have explained the history of clementines on our website here. But, the mystery behind the murcott still remains.

We’ve heard many of you ask, what is a murcott?

Read on as we tell the tale of the mighty murcott!

In the early 1960’s, a Moroccan scientist planted some citrus seeds from the Afourer Research station, along the central Moroccan Atlantic ocean near Marrakesh. The Nadorcott was selected from amongst these seedlings in the early 1980’s. Since it was planted in row W in the experimental block, it was sent to California for evaluation as “W. Murcott.” In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, in both Morocco and California, evaluators were drawn to the W. Murcott because of the exceptionally attractive rind deep orange-red rind color as well as the great flavor – high sugar balanced with acid. Some of you on our Facebook page have called it “nature’s candy.” Yum!

Today, the W. Murcott is one of the varieties packed as Cuties. The seedless nature of the fruit, juiciness, ease of peelability and very pleasant taste makes it a consumer favorite throughout the USA and across the world.

Johnny Weir’s fans unite to send him flowers for Cuties “Ice Dreams” on April 1

2010-03-18T21:46:25-07:00

Roses are red, Johnny Weir was blue… his fans are sending him flowers and so can you!

Fresh-off competing at the Vancouver Olympic Games, Johnny Weir will perform in “Ice Dreams,” Cuties’ 2 hour skating spectacular on April 1st. This will be his US debut of his new routine “Bad Romance.”

And boy do his fans love him! Do you know what they’re planning? Johnny’s fans have united on Facebook to support him by sending him flowers at either the rink or his hotel in Bensenville, IL. Check out the Facebook page: Show Johnny Weir the Love on April 1st!

Why? Facebook fan Amanda Shank says it best: “I love this project so much because not only do we get to show our love for Johnny, but we get to show our individuality in our flower arrangements!”

His fans are encouraging each other to send Johnny flowers and are also discussing which arrangements they’ve chosen for him. If you’re a Johnny Weir fan, join the conversation!

Where? The Village Flower Shop will deliver the flowers to Bensenville, IL. Visit Teleflora.com for several stunning bouquet options for Johnny!

Addresses:
Bensenville Ice Arena
735 East Jefferson
Bensenville, IL 60106
(630) 766-8888

Florist:
The Village Flower Shop
132 S Addison St.
Bensenville, Illinois
(630) 350-2277

And, 2010 US National Champion Rachael Flatt will also be skating in “Ice Dreams.” There are so many pretty Teleflora bouquets I’m sure she would love too!

Healthy Breakfasts for Kids

2010-03-02T21:27:56-08:00

Although cereal is a quick 'n easy option to feed your kids in the hectic mornings, we found some tasty and nutritious breakfast alternatives. Check out Better Homes & Garden's 10 healthy breakfasts for kids. You'll like them too!

Hey BHG - we have recipe #11 to add to your list: Cuties Mandarin Parfait. :)

Try 'em out and let us know what you and your kids think!

G'luck and citrus fruits in the [Chinese] New Year!

2010-02-23T22:40:28-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year! Did you know that Cuties can play a part in the celebration for many families?
The Chinese New Year starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year, and ends 15 days later, on the full moon. The food that is eaten for the Chinese New Year is symbolically very important. Citrus fruits are considered to bring good luck and wealth for the upcoming year!

After listening to the discussion last week, we’ve compiled a couple interesting articles that we think you’ll like too!

Oh so tasty… Recipes for Veggie & Pork Potstickers with Citrus-Soy Dipping Sauce and Oranges with Orange Blossom Sabayon.

Plus... California Cuties are Sweet and an a-peeling review.

What do you want us to talk about?

2010-02-17T19:46:35-08:00

We've just started our email program and would love to hear your thoughts... what would you like to see us talk about? Events? Fun facts? Videos? Soccer?

Let us know! :)

Got a question? ...

2010-02-16T20:42:43-08:00

... We may have your answer! We launched our Frequently Asked Questions page today.

Hopefully this list will include your q & a. Even if you don't have a question, feel free to browse the questions to learn more about Cuties.

We created the page so that you could get an answer quicker. But, if you don't see your question on the list, as always, send it to us via the Contact Us form.

Love More. Seed Less ~

Cuties

"Plant the perimeter" tree giveaway was a success!

2010-02-12T01:26:30-08:00

We’re happy to report that the tree giveaways in Watts and LACMA this weekend were huge successes. We loved seeing the community’s excitement as they lined up to receive 1 of the 400 trees that we donated. It was an a-peeling offer, especially since the whole community benefits from the trees!

Fallen Fruit presents EATLACMA, a year-long investigation into food, art, culture and politics, from Feb-Nov. of this year. We recommend you check it out if you’re in the Los Angeles area!

Here are some photos from the event:

How sweet it is...EATLACMA

2010-02-05T22:56:32-08:00

Cuties is proud to be part of EATLACMA, an awesome Los Angeles community art-meets-food project. Tree People and Paramount Citrus' Cuties brand donated the fruit trees that will be given out to 400 families this weekend. The catch? You must pledge to plant it on the perimeter of your property, so the community can share in the fruit! Read more....and maybe we'll see some of you there!

EATLACMA is curated by Fallen Fruit—David Burns, Matias Viegener and Austin Young - and LACMA curator Michele Urton.

Saturday (2/6): 12:00 PM – Watts Towers Arts Center, 1727 E. 107th St., L.A. MAP

Sunday (2/7): 12:00 PM – Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), BP Grand Entrance, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA MAP

Cost: Free!

What would you ask Joy?

2010-01-21T17:59:13-08:00

What would you ask three-time Olympic medalist, World Cup champion and “ultimate soccer mom," Joy Fawcett?

“What’s your favorite soccer drill? How were you able to start playing soccer just 3 weeks after giving birth?? Who was your idol/mentor growing up?”

As we mentioned in our last blog post, Joy Fawcett will be attending the Austin United Soccer Club’s Capital Cup Tournament this Saturday (1/23) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out this blog post from Nicole Basham from Live Mom, written about Joy’s appearance. Nicole is a soccer player and coach too and is excited to meet Joy at Saturday’s game.

Tell Nicole what you want her to ask Joy by replying to her post here. Your question may be part of Nicole’s article!

Hey soccer fans - meet Joy Fawcett in Austin, TX this Saturday!

2010-01-18T15:20:37-08:00

Hey soccer fans and soccer moms: what are you doing on Saturday (1/23)? Cuties spokeswoman, Joy Fawcett – three-time Olympic medalist, World Cup champion and “ultimate soccer mom" – will be attending the Austin United Soccer Club’s Capital Cup Tournament from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHAT: This event kicks off her tour of soccer tournaments across the country to spot moms who take cheering to a whole new league. These parents will be entered into a contest to win $5,000 for their team and an “ultimate” soccer clinic with Joy Fawcett. Joy will also be leading mini-clinics for young soccer players, signing autographs for fans and mentoring parents about the power of “Second-Goal” Parenting™, developed by Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), which focuses on the “second goal” of youth sports – life lessons – along with the goal of winning on the scoreboard.

WHERE:

Austin United Soccer Club’s Capital Cup Tournament

Westcreek Fields

US290 Service Rd. and Westcreek Dr .

Austin, TX 78749

We'll be posting more Joy appearance dates soon... come back and check out our Events Calendar for other dates and locations.

Fruit Calculator for Kids

2010-01-15T17:30:29-08:00

Do you question whether your child is eating enough fruit? We were browsing around on Kaboose this morning and found a helpful Fruit Calculator. Try it out and let us know what you think.

We also recommend reading Kaboose's tips to get kids to eat more fruit and their take on how much physical activity kids need. Cuties can help with the fruit intake part :)

Announcing “Ice Dreams” - presented by us!

2010-01-14T22:54:48-08:00

We’re all about kids, parents, healthy snacking and having fun. For the past two years, we’ve been sponsoring tons of soccer tournaments west of the Mississippi (hundreds!). This season we’ve started sponsoring other kid-filled events, like the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and the Lincoln Park Pritzker Children’s Zoo in Chicago… just to name a few!

This month, we’ve been gearing up for a whole new type of event … ice-skating! (Perfect timing to align with the Olympics.) In the next two months, we’ll have 5 “Future Talent Searches” in which kids can audition for the opportunity to skate with Olympic and world-class skaters such as: Rachael Flatt, Jeremy Abbott and Johnny Weir, in “Ice Dreams” (presented by us!) on April 1st.

Stay tuned for more “Ice Dreams” news. We’ll be adding an “Ice Dreams” page to our website in the next couple weeks, which will include more info about the program, plus skater bios. We’re thrilled to take part in the excitement of the Olympics and the world of skating.

And, to find out about our other events, check out our Events Calendar.

Top 5 reasons why Amandarin loves Cuties

2010-01-08T19:40:30-08:00

We just found this fantastic blog post, written by Amanda (aka "Amandarin" as her father used to call her). Amanda has a blog called priorfatgirl. Not only does Amanda love Cuties, but she's dedicated to a life of healthy eating - she lost 80 lbs by herself (!) and inspires others to get healthy. Amanda listed 5 things she loves about Cuties:

They are super sweet — taste and cool-factor wise.
They are FUN and easy to peel.
They are seedless. Seedy things gross me out.
They are snacktastic.
Their small size makes them convenient to take anywhere.

Tell us what you would add to her list!

We love our Facebook Fans!

2009-12-30T22:00:11-08:00

Have you checked out our Facebook page recently? I must say, our Facebook Fans are the best! We’ve pasted in some of our favorite comments. We’d love to hear what you have to say too, so join in on the conversation: www.facebook.com/Cuties. We’re always listening!

Ginger Mandarin Bites

2009-11-19T16:56:09-08:00

Zingy with ginger, the slightly sweetened creamy topping makes a perfect marriage with tart-sweet juicy mandarin segments. Little hands will have fun making these as an after-school snack, but these bite-size mandarin treats also make a great “one bite” dessert, or an elegantly simple appetizer.

Makes about 44 pieces

4 fresh mandarins, peeled and separated into segments
8 ounces spreadable cream cheese
¼ cup sugar
1/3 cup minced crystallized ginger
Fresh mandarin peel, thinly sliced, for garnish

In small bowl, stir together cream cheese, ginger and sugar. Spread about 1 1/2 teaspoons cream cheese mixture on each mandarin segment; arrange on a serving plate. Garnish with mandarin peel