International Happiness Day

  What makes team WT happy  

Today is International Happiness Day! So we asked 

ourselves what makes us really happy...


Lucy, our Editor-

Walking my dog Percy makes me happy, or doing the gardening, and having a glass of wine at the end of a busy week. 

Helen, the Editorial Assistant-

Dancing and getting a new brightly coloured lipstick to add to my collection.


Elen, the Sales Director for the Wealdenfairs.com team-

Cuddles with my dog Milo make me happy!

Megan, our  E-Commerce Assistant-

Spring time! But only when it's sunny. Galaxy counters as well...they're my favourite!


Fiona, the Wealden Fairs Events Organiser-

Sunshine! But I love snow and fresh frosty mornings too.

Sarah, our Accounts Goddess-

Long, light summer evenings. I love it when we leave work and it's still light outside!


Ros, the Proof Reading Expert-

Short and sweet: flowers.

Anthony, Design Wizard-

When I get home from work, my family all give me a hug! That makes me really happy.


Rob, our other Design Wizard-

Wildlife and animals. Specifically squirrels and bunnies. 


Phoebe, our mini Design Wizard-

Seeing my boyfriend Tommy always makes me happy. so does pizza!


Becky, the sales dream-

My little Harrison's cheeky smile!

Lisa, our other sales dream-

My husband.

Tell us what makes you happy in the comments below, or tweet us @wealdentimes

Spring Time Spritz

  We smell delicious...  

The WT editorial office have been sent this stunning scent from Jo Malone. It smells like sunshine and rainbows, we're in love!

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WIN A SPECIAL LUXURY PRIZE FROM THE EXCLUSIVE ANTIQUE COLLECTION AT CANDLE DE FLEUR WORTH £200

To celebrate the launch of the stunning new Oval Rose Candle, Wealdenfairs.com exhibitor Candle De Fleur is excited to offer to Wealden Times Surrey readers the opportunity to win a specially chosen selection of candles which have been hand finished in the stunning Antique colour, part of their luxury designer candle collection. Candle De Fleur was created from a spiritual journey in life, driven by a passion to bring something unique and special to the marketplace, enjoying sole exclusivity to the UK. Each Candle De Fleur holds a special secret, simply burning straight through the center to create a soft glow. But most importantly, they do not drip unsightly wax on the outside of the candle therefore preserving the beautiful hand-finished rose sculpture. Founder Deborah Elise says, “Most of our customers will say they are just too beautiful to burn and actually choose not to!”

A Candle De Fleur luxury candle is the perfect gift for any occasion whether it be a birthday, anniversary, the birth of a baby, for Valentine’s or Mothers’ Day and so many more. The candles also bring the ‘WOW’ factor to a table centre at a special event, ceremony, wedding, summer ball or any other excuse to party. To find out more about Candle De Fleur, and to buy online, visit www.candledefleur.co.uk or Wealdenfairs.com or call 01923 839000.

For your chance to win our special collection just in time for Valentine’s and Mothers’ Day to the value of £200 from Candle De Fleur, just answer this question: ‘What is the Candle De Fleur secret?’ Post your answer to: The Candle De Fleur Competition, Wealden Times, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF, use the competition link below or email it to info@wealdentimes.co.uk by 23 January 2015. *Prize must be chosen before 31 March 2015. There is no cash alternative. All entrants’ details will be passed on to Candle De Fleur and Wealden Times Events. Please let us know if you do not wish your details to be passed on.

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December's Great Outdoors...

  Mid Winter Garden  

Although December can be a seemingly bleak time for our gardens, it's the perfect opportunity to get some odd jobs done, maintain our plants and make the most of those bright and sparkly early mornings before the day draws to an early end. Here are a few ideas...

1. Preparation...

Buy this gorgeous hamper here

Now is the perfect time to sit down with a cup of tea and browse some seed catalogues! Deciding what you want to grow in advance means you can prepare any specific pots or compost, clear a new area in the garden and make sure the soil is in good condition. It is at this point of the year where all the odd jobs that have been neglected up until now can be done, like cleaning algae off the patio or fixing that broken fence panel!

2. Wind and Frost...

Prune away! Make sure to cut back any shrubs and get rid of dead or diseased twigs and branches. You should try and trim your rose bushes back by half to protect them from potential wind damage and try not to walk on the lawn when it's particularly frosty, as you may end up with big brown footprints where the frozen brittle stalks have broken. 

3. Wrap up...

 If you have a greenhouse, then insulate it to protect any cuttings or tender plants you have been looking after. Bubble wrap is perfect for this. If it gets really cold, then add a second layer to ensure the little shoots stay cosy. However, if that beautiful winter sun does decide to make an appearance, open the windows and ventilate the greenhouse to prevent stale air and damp. 

4. Colour Splash...

If the lack of colour in your garden is bothering you, then pop to your local garden centre and grab something that's in bloom or has a pretty bark or foliage. Jasminum Mudiflorum, or Winter Jasmine, is not scented, but has a wealth of beautiful yellow flowers and will grow in most soils. Hamamelis Mollis, or Chinese Witch Hazel, is another little gem that crops up in the cold, smelling lovely with red and yellow hues.

5. Little Critters...

Remember to look after wildlife this winter! Keep the bird baths stocked up with water and make sure they have plenty of food (easy on the bread though). If you have a big pile of leaves or chopped wood in a corner of the garden, then leave it to create the perfect habitat for any insects or animals passing by to hibernate in. If you're going to do any major clearing, just double check you're not disturbing anything!