Chandle with care
 
 Did you know an expert candle maker is called a chandler? Neither did I until I came across Shearer Candles, a company which still employs world-class chandlers to hand-make its products. The Glasgow based family business has been around since 1897 and now has over 200 gorgeous candles in the range. New for spring is The Highland Collection, which is inspired by the Scottish countryside and includes three fresh, delicate scents.
 
Shearer Candles is offering readers a 20% discount on all online orders made before 31 March. To claim, visit www.shearer-candles.com and enter ES1 in the promotional code box when prompted.

Mini eggs

Children and copious amounts of chocolate is never a good combination – think hyperactivity and sticky-brown stains on the sofa. However, this Easter, help is at hand. Clifton Nurseries is hosting a free Easter egg hunt and plant-potting event, so budding gardeners can chomp on chocolate and learn more about nature at the same time. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 19, from 2.30-4.30 at the Little Venice Nursery, 5A Clifton Villas, W9. I can only take my hat off to their bravery. To find out more, go to www.clifton.co.uk or call 020 7432 1871.

Chop chop!

 
If TV advertising is to be believed, then your chopping board harbours 50 times more bacteria than your toilet. Perhaps slightly over the top, but clean boards are crucial. Enter Index, the colour-coded chopping board set from Joseph Joseph. It is slick, space-saving and makes slicing and dicing heaps more hygienic; each board has illustrated tabs to indicate which board should be used for which food, and the whole system is dishwasher safe.
 
Available from www.bethstevens.co.uk , Index is on offer to Homes & Bargains readers at 10% off until 31 March. To claim, quote coupon code JJ308 at the online checkout, or when calling 01329 848 248.

Herts and crafts
 
Traditional British Craftsmanship is often bemoaned as a dying art, but The Festival of Living Crafts proves quite the contrary. The fair, now in its 34th consecutive year, is bigger than ever, and will showcase the work of more than 350 expert craftsmen and women. There is a wide selection of both contemporary and traditional arts and crafts on display; and demonstrations include bee-keeping, besom-making and even chainsaw carving.
 
Homes & Bargains readers can buy two tickets for the price of one by presenting this page at the admission gate. Admission is £8.50, £8 for seniors. The event takes place between 8-11 May 08 at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire. For further information visit www.livingcrafts.co.uk or call 08700 1110912.

Childish Nature

  Struggling to decide whether your nursery should be pink, blue, or perhaps even yellow? Forget all of these and go green, in every sense. Jill Barker, founder of Green Baby, the leading eco-friendly children’s brand, has produced a book packed with helpful hints on environmentally sound parenting.  She suggests sustainable yet affordable products and solutions to make the nursery both healthy and happy.
 
"Baby Green; caring for your baby the eco-friendly way" is priced at £7.99 and available from Green Baby stores, all good bookshops or online at www.greenbaby.co.uk . Alternatively call 0870 240 6894 to order.

Sia and ye shall find

 Spring is officially just one week away, so it is time to swap your cosy wintry accessories for light and bright spring trimmings.
 
 Perhaps best-known for its range of silk flowers, Sia has just unveiled its Spring/Summer 08 home collection, and it is just gorgeous. Pop down to its Wimbledon Village shop to find vintage-inspired pastels, quirky colourful tableware and essential whites.
 
And especially for Homes & Bargains readers, Sia is offering a 15% discount on its two Globe lamps. To claim, simply take this page into Sia: The Shop at 85 High Street Wimbledon Village, SW19. Call 0208 9479 339 for details.