At Honeybees Preschool we are totally passionate about not exposing our little ones to toxic chemicals and one product we always seem to struggle with is the nappy change mat! Everything available in NZ seems to be made with vinyl and polyurethane foam, two of the worst offenders in terms of the harmful fumes they emit. Last time we shipped in a Naturepedic organic changing pad from the USA, but would love to know if anyone else has also done this research, and has any other ideas? Find out more here #natural #healthykids #kidsdeserveit 

​Spotted down the road - a collaboration project backed by Auckland Council aiming to bring bees back into the city. What a fantastic initiative and one very close to our hearts at Honey Bees Preschool !! Find out more at www.fortheloveofbees.co.nz :-)
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ts reassuring to know that at Honeybees we have the philosophy that simpler is always better when it comes to food - all our meals are healthy and natural, unprocessed and cooked with love! :-)
The really interesting thing about this study is that the more food touches plastic and other processing equipment, the more harmful carcinogenic chemicals it accrues, that then build up in our bodies.
At Honeybees we only cook with stainless steel pots and pans, eat off bamboo and crockery, and store food in glass not plastic - one less thing to worry about for your little one!
You can read more here: http://www.honeybees.co.nz/enviro.html

Oh the places you'll go at Honeybees........   :-)

The results from our parent survey are rolling in, and we're so happy to feel the love for Honeybees!!   :-)

"We just love the staff. You care so much for the children and it shows. Your food is amazing! You are FANTASTIC!!"

"Honeybees has an absolutely different environment from what I've seen so far in Auckland's childcares. It feels like home in here!"

"It seemed obvious to us from the day we visited Honeybees that the teachers are talented and committed to making early childhood education their career. This was a big difference to other daycare centres that we visited."

"I love the natural products used and I love knowing my daughter will be nourished with real food."

"I love the philosophy and cleanliness of the centre. All the staff are happy, positive people and I am grateful that my son is in their care while I am at work."

"Friendly, warm teachers who are always very very patient and always smile. Chemical and toxin free toys, skincare products and toiletries. Healthy and balanced foods."

The children are very excited to be going on a special trip to the Zoo next week!! They have been working hard on their own zoo projects in preparation, and trying to figure out exactly where those leaves go....    :-)

Bucket on the head day at Honeybees....!     :-)

At HoneyBees we love healthy natural food, and our children do too!

We have a couple of children's birthdays coming up next week and would like to make some delicious gluten and refined sugar free cupcakes for them - does anyone have a favorite recipe to share??  

Thank you to everyone for your lovely comments about HoneyBees. And the winners of our Ecostore gift packs are....... drumroll please....... Claire, Lois, Michelle and Wessam!

Congratulations everyone!! Please get in touch with us on hello@honeybees.co.nz to organise a time to pop in and collect your pack!    :-)

Wow we're so excited to have reached over 1000 Likes on Facebook!! To celebrate we are giving away 4 Ecostore baby gift boxes - to be in to win just tell us what you like best about HoneyBees.    :-)

These super yummy carob balls are the perfect alternative to chocolate Easter eggs for the little ones this holiday season. No dairy, no gluten, no added sugar! The tofu keeps them a nice soft texture, while adding some protein too.

Pat the tofu dry with paper towels to remove excess water. Place into a bowl and mash with a fork. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix using your hands to evenly combine.
Form into small balls and roll in extra desiccated coconut. Transfer to a container in a single layer and refrigerate overnight. Keeps 4-5 days in the fridge. Makes approx 30 small balls.

Just one more reason at HoneyBees we make our own all natural wet wipes using almond oil....

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/

At HoneyBees we love having such an amazing outdoor space in the middle of the busy city!

Quick healthy food tip to give your kids loads of energy - instead of crumbing fish in white bread crumbs, try using LSA (ground linseed/sunflower seeds/almonds, available at most supermarkets). It adds protein, healthy fats and extra vitamins, and is the meal of the moment here at HoneyBees!

We were busy choosing plants last week so the outdoor area is looking greener and more natural - and the children love it!! Will post some pictures soon.

Marisa was busy today putting the final touches on our amazing eco hamper worth over $1000! You can be in to win if you come along to the Freemans Bay Market Day, or visit anytime during our Open Week. 

Katie was busy baking some delicious mini Lemon Chia Seed Muffins this morning at HoneyBees - and of course we all had to make sure they tasted just right......!   :-)
We'll have lots of these here to sample during our Open Week.

The recipe for these yummy gluten free treats is here:
http://slimpalate.com/lemon-chia-seed-muffins-paleo-grain-free-gluten-free/

Lemon icing
2 tablespoons honey 
2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
zest from 1/2 lemon
juice from 1/2 lemon
pinch of salt

Mix together all ingredients, and refrigerate a few hours before decorating.