Tony and Wilma Burton opened the doors Citrus Punch Designs for the first time April 30, 2007. Tony who is an Interior Designer, and Wilma an Emmy winner television producer/writer who decided to leave behind their positions in the corporate world, went and opened a boutique dedicated to women in search of comfortable long-lasting clothes they can wear in their everyday colorful lives.

At first their families thought they were going to sell vegetables: “Fresh Produce? You mean vegetables?” “No! We meant a colorful comfortable clothing line named Fresh Produce!”

The name Citrus Punch came from the couple’s love and pride of Riverside, and is in honor of the Citrus Industry that originated in Riverside, CA (it was not Florida, like most people think!)

Citrus Punch Designs is a very colorful place in oranges and yellow tones, “it does feel fresh,” customers say from the moment they walk in. The wall colors give that fresh feeling of nature, and the décor with citrus including limes, lemons and oranges emphasizes that feeling along with the smell of citrus.

Outside the store they display a giant orange welcoming visitors to Riverside. It looks heavy, but in fact is very light in fiber glass allowing us to roll it in and out everyday. So they created a slogan:

“When the Big Orange is Out We Are IN!”

Bringing Fresh Produce to the city of Riverside was very exciting news for those Fresh Produce customers who needed to travel more than an hour to get to the nearest boutique carrying the brand. Now with Fresh Produce in town there is a sense of pride among those customers who appreciate having their own fresh produce boutique in the heart of downtown Riverside. In less than a year the boutique has become an inland destination for all women seeking the line.

Citrus Punch is a Fresh Produce dealer with about 85% of its inventory dedicated to this line (They have been told they have one of the largest selections in the area.) Citrus Punch has become a favorite boutique for many in town, in part, blame their customer service. You will always be welcomed with a smile and provided with the assistance you deserve, for those who rather be on their own, they give customers their space and privacy.

This year the City of Riverside asked Citrus Punch to dress all the candidates for the Miss Riverside Pageant in Fresh Produce. The candidates were very excited about the line great style, colors and amazing selection to choose from. The event was great exposure for the shop and a wonderful experience for us and the candidates.

Tony and Wilma are public service oriented people who devote their time and efforts in making a difference in their community. Citrus Punch Designs has become a vehicle for the couple to help organizations and non-profit groups that serve those in need. Currently, Citrus Punch is raising funds for the new Riverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center. Their most recent public service campaign: “Lemon Aid” for the Animals was very successful, giving bags of lemons for every donation.

For more information about Citrus Punch Designs you can call the shop at 951-682-2477

Or go ahead and visit the website! CitrusPunchDesigns.com

Find out if you are near Citrus Punch Designs by visiting the Fresh Produce Store Locater

We here at Fresh Produce just love our Extra Fresh gals! Our plus size women know exactly what they want, and look fabulous in all our prints, colors, and styles. That’s why we created Extra Fresh sizes over 5 years ago. Extra Fresh are our regular wonderful Fresh Produce styles with just a smidgen more room, and all the fun, fresh feel that we are known for. You can buy it here, at Extra Fresh Produce clothing.

When it comes to our wonderful Extra Freshies, we know there are challenges when it comes to finding great fashion for all sizes. So we are here to help!

• Elongate those fabulous legs with some vertical striping! We have a beautiful color palette perfect for summer with our Blue Waters Stripe Jersey Short in Orchid, Tahiti, White, and our pink Confetti.

• Or if you’re looking to get very feminine this summer, try out a wonderful frilly skirt, to create a hourglass figure that compliments your top! Our Summer Swirls Jersey Double Flounce Skirt does a perfect job at adding fun frills, shape, and a simple playful flower print!

• One of the most flattering shapes and silhouettes you can create is an elongated line with a wonderful pretty dress. Our Extra Fresh dresses are so versatile, they are beautiful enough to wear with a cardigan or shawl to dinner, or even use as a cover-up on those beautiful days near a pool or beach! Try our playful Island Hopper print on the Island Hopper V-Neck Beach Dress for a warm casual night out, or our classic screenprinted Short Sleeve Dress for a colorful cover-up. Or even vice versa!

Don’t forget your coral colored Bright Stripe Tote beach bag, for your towel and Popsicles!

If you’re interested in learning more fashion tips (for any size), or about the Plus Size community, here are some fabulous blogs we love to read and check out!

The Pretty Pear

Diana Rajchel’s Fat Chic

About: Plus Size Fashion

The Budget Fashionista

Beauty Plus Power

Fashion Beyond Sample Sizes! – TFF

Hope to see you at Extra Fresh Produce clothing soon!

- fpHoneyB

Flowers Start to Shower!

According to Style.com and Fashion Wire Daily, Spring 2008 is the season for floral adornment! Seems Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana and even Missoni  are using hydrangeas, daisies, lilacs, and roses for their colorful pieces. Every style is represented from soft flowing watercolor petals to large brightly saturated blooms.

Here at Fresh Produce clothing, you know that we are always incorporating our favorite little inspirations of nature into our prints and clothing. We especially enjoyed placing all the lovely flowers of the season into our Spring 2008 collection.

South Seas Tunic (ALSBBTU) in Caterpillar   |  Island Hopper Sail Away Tunic (ALSCMIH) in Semi Sweet

Spinning Blossoms Dress (ASDSHSB) in White (also available in Bloom)

Bright Bold Color

The same designers above, and adding Marchesa, Versace, have decided to spice things up by saturating classic pieces in bold spicy tones, neon yellows, pastel mints, and liquid but vibrant blues. Seems color is taking the spotlight on styles this Spring 2008, and if you know Fresh Produce, you know that we are no strangers to color either!

Maybe Marchesa’s ruffled masterpiecein dark vibrant red is a little too much head to toe (or maybe not for you!), but if you want to try out a fun trend pick up a small piece in the latest style. You can always pick up your classic favorite Logo Fem T in our lush and beautiful Calypso color. Or if you’r like a little frill, try the Baby Rib Island Top. Maybe yellow is more your bright of choice, then pick out a V-neck in Sunny! We have pastels, brights, and deep neutrals, all to fit your latest Spring fix.

Visit or call one of our Company Stores to place an order, or sign up to receive the Spring 2008 catalog directly from Fresh Produce!

See you soon! love,fpHoneyB

 The Great Jean Swap, is happening right now! Its taking place from 
November 1-10th 2007.
All the corporate-owned stores listed below will trade
a pair of your old jeans for $15 down on a new pair of FP JEANS!
We’ll donate your trusty standbys to a local shelter.

Here is where its happening!

Boulder, CO 303.442.7507
Charleston, SC 843.724.5144
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954.463.8131
Gilbert, AZ COMING SOON!
Boca Grande, FL 941.964.0800
La Jolla, CA 858.456.8134
Las Vegas, NV 702.791.2444
Myrtle Beach, SC 843.626.8780
Marietta, GA 770.977.9830
Sarasota, FL 941.388.1883
Sanibel Island, FL 239.395.183
Naples, FL 239.434.5654
Norcross, GA 678.966.0056
Palm Desert, CA 760.568.5250
Scottsdale, AZ 480.609.9445
Orlando, FL 407.363.9363

Find one of the stores above, that is closest to you here.

Finding jeans that fit is like finding
the eighth wonder of the world.
We know.
So we designed FP jeans to suit just about any body type.
They’re available in 6 perfect styles &
2 classic washes and are sized from 4 – 18.
So go ahead. Try them on and look in the mirror for your “ah ha” smile moment.

Enjoy your favorite FP clothing with your new favorite FP Jeans!

*Valid toward any style of FP Jeans at time of purchase only. Valid in-store only at all participating locations listed below. One per customer please.

Fall is in the air… The leaves are changing colors, and the breeze is picking up. Its a time of reflection and cozying up with family and friends. But really when isn’t it a good time to gather up with people close to you. Well here’s the next excuse! These are some delicious Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Bars that I couldn’t wait to pass along. These bars are perfect for the autumn season, weather or not you celebrate halloween, or thanksgiving, these treats are sure to please!

 I have to admit I pulled these out of Martha Stewart’s Holiday: Halloween edition magazine. If you can’t find it on newstands, you can find more recipies at the Martha Stewart webpage.

Makes 24

• 2 cups (spooned and leveled) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin-pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pie spice, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth; beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in pumpkin puree (mixture may appear curdled). Reduce speed to low, and mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan.
4. Lift cake from pan (using foil as an aid). Peel off foil, and use a serrated knife to cut into 24 squares.

fpHoneyB is back from her wonderful vacation! I’ve been out of the office for a week spending some good ‘ol fashion Fresh Produce R&R. I was wisked away to tropical Puerto Rico for some adventure, exploration, and relaxation.

First on my stop was the capital, San Juan.  I stopped over in old San Juan to check out the markets, scenery, and the colorful historic buildings. I bought some amazing handmade soaps there!

Above are some photos of the streets of San Juan and below, is the El Morro Fort, where Spainsh soldiers were stationed in the “Age of Exploration“. This is also the place where famous Spanish pirates were imprisioned!

  Next I was off for some adventure! Caving was the first expedition,  I rapelled down 200 ft into the mouth of Angel Cave! Squeezed through small holes, swam in an underwater river, and walked among bats! I also went kayaking and exploring the Rainforest of El Yunque. Did you know El Yunque is the only U.S. National Park that is a rainforest? The forest can also get over 200 inches of rain! After all that adventure I was ready for some real getaway rest!

Who doesn’t go to the Carribean and not go to the beaches? Well you know I did! The water was crystal “Tahiti” and as beautiful as ever!

Well I had a great time and it was a vacation to remember! Can’t wait for my next getaway, Fresh Produce style!

Do you have a great vacation or adventure? A funny story or memory from your getaway? Let us know! Add a comment or add photos to our flickr (photos) group.

 - good times and great memories
Love, fpHoneyB

In celebration of the new season on its way, we are continuing the seek peak into Transition 2007. Every season at Fresh Produce there is one special pattern that designers feel particularly drawn to, as that season’s ”trademark” print.

 For Transition 2007, the team decided on  a pattern called “Fish Aquarium”

Here is the full print and the colors it comes in…

 The Fish Aquarium print is printed on our Sheeting Burmuda Short, Topstitched Sheeting Capri, Jersey Dress with Flounce, Gauze Cover-up, Logo Fem T, and the Kids & Infants Jersey Dress.

Our Screenprint designer, Katie also has come up with some wonderful  coordinating Screenprints that can be seen on many Fresh Produce staples.

The coordinating Screenprints can be found on the Active Crew Tee, Boxy Tank, Combed Cotton Tee, and much much more!

Want to get a look at more of the Transition 2007 prints?
click here

To find a store in your area click here
To request a catalog click here

Cover yourself in pattern and prints! - fpHoneyB

We are very excited to kick off Transition ‘07 Week! We will be posting all week long about this upcoming season’s colors, styles, inspiration, and even our very own fashion show! Biting at the Bit to get some idea of the season’s colors? Well look no further, I’ve got ‘em all right here. Keep reading to get a sneak peek!

Oh and don’t forget to comment on your favorite shades and hues!

Looks like the beauty of our tropical outdoors, and relaxation inspired Transition’s color choices. I could get lost in these colors, taking a walk through the “Midnight” sky. Or swing in my “Hammock” near “Calypso” flowers, and enjoy some “Semi Sweet” chocolate.

Love your feminine pinks? Me too! Check out these vibrant hues. My favorite is the Lotus! What’s yours?

What’s the best kind of neutral? The one that invokes something better than boring! How about some delicious “Semi Sweet” or aroma rich “Cocoa”? Or even swinging in a relaxing ”Hammock.”

 On far off getaways, you always find the most beautiful exotic sights and colors! I definitely feel like I’m whisked away in a remote “Jungle” with shining “Minerals” and bright “Midnight” stars.

Looks like some colors from Spring are here to stay for a while… Peri, Sunflower, Tahiti, Tropic, Lotus, Cocoa, Flamingo, Jungle, Mineral, and the good ‘ol Black and White are here for a little longer…

While others are completely new! Envy, Calypso, Semi Sweet, Skylight, Midnight, and Hammock are all new friends to meet…

What’s your favorite color?

Dream in color – fpHoneyB

It’s cheaper than buying the finished product and it looks exactly the way you want! 

 I found these great DIY projects on Better Homes & Gardens, including this DIY Painted Panel Headboard.  An easy way to spruce up a room, is to add a new wall cover.  It can be changed very easily and not cost much.

This project is a perfect way to add a splash of color in an apartment you can’t paint. You may also want to consider this solution if you can’t fully commit to painting bold color on an entire wall.

DIY Painted Panel Headboard

For this project, Better Homes & Gardens suggests using old doors as a “canvas” but I prefer the real deal. 

1. Gather doors (if you use doors, make sure to prime them) or Stretched Canvas(which is already primed), appropriate in width and length to compliment and cover the area behind your bed, on a wall, in a dining room, or above a sofa.

2. Choose paint colors based on your room color, or the mood you wish to convey. The all-blue color scheme is calm and restful. Red and orange colors are energetic and warming.

3. Use a T-square or ruler and a pencil to gently mark stripes on the panels. Vary the widths of the stripes.

4.  Mask off all the stripes for one color using blue painter’s tape. Seal the tape edge with the edge of an old credit card to help seal to the tape.

5.  Paint the stripes of one color. After the paint has dried, remove the tape. Repeat the process for each color.

 6. You can lean panels across the walls for a casual yet clean look, or secure them with hinges, brackets, and L-brackets, on the walls.

Click here to get the full details.

Another great site to visit is DIYnetwork, a whole channel and website with so many projects to keep you creative!

Don’t be afraid to get really creative!

• Use old fabric or scarves instead of some of the colored stripes.

• add some decoupage to some panels.

• try multiple complimentary colors like moss and brown, or red and burgundy.

Did you do this project and want to show the rest of the Fresh Produce Freshies? Go to our Flickr account, join and upload a picture of your creative DIY! 

Enjoy!

~ fpHoneyB ~

I love relaxing on a warm night with a chilled glass in hand, and good company. Or entertaining my neighbors with bubbly concoctions and great food.

Try this recipe for a refreshingly sweet and tart summer day finisher:

Pineapple Cooler

Ingredients

• 1  12-ounce can frozen pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
• 1  6-ounce can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
• 4  cups cold water
• 1  liter club soda, chilled
•   Ice cubes
•   Fresh strawberries (optional)
•   Short (6-inch) wooden skewers (optional)
•   Assorted fruits such as halved orange slices, halved lime slices, orange sections, raspberries, strawberries, sliced kiwifruit, and mint sprigs 

Directions

In a large pitcher combine pineapple juice concentrate, limeade, and water. Chill for at least 30 minutes. To serve, transfer fruit juice mixture to pitchers; add club soda, ice cubes, and fresh strawberries and fruits. Makes 14 (6-ounce) servings.

Check out more recipes like this at BetterHomesandGardens.com

Did you like that recipe? Or looking for something else? Check out the links below

• For something a little more grown up, go to foodnetwork.com . Wonderful for entertaining some friends!
• For many great types of drinks, iced teas, smoothies, and lemonades, definitely check out allrecipes.com  
• Need something fun for the kids? Hey, they’d love to help out with these fun recipes at familyfun.go.com
• For something more a little more sophisticated, I like the drinks on foodandwine.com

Happy Summer Relaxing!
Luvz  B