We started Handpicked to give people a trusted source of unusual and inspiring gift ideas. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a present well received and it’s our mission to make that simple. Our Expert Panel make sure we stay on track but we hope, with our blog, we’ll hear more from you too. Comment away!

Our buying team have trying to track down all the loveliest souvenirs with which to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. Our favourite so far is this gorgeous jug by Jan Constantine. See all our ideas here.

Mrs Beeton

At Handpicked, we are extremely keen on Mrs Beeton’s no-nonsense advice, and turn to her book of thrifty tips at every opportunity. After all, anyone brought up in a household of 21 children as she was (and no, we don’t want to do the maths) must know a thing or two about saving the pennies. But we think we’re no slouches when it comes to tips of our own, and we’d love to share them.

Don’t throw away that unused half lemon or lime. Squeeze into an ice cube tray (half a fruit per cube) and freeze. That way, you can always whip up a Thai curry (keep paste and coconut milk on permanent alert in the store cupboard). Also great if you see limes on special offer – they’re never there when you actually need them, and a glut can go mouldy if you don’t use it quickly enough.

Wet wipes are brilliant for taking marks off handbags and upholstery. Keep a pack in the kitchen/sitting room for on-the-spot cleaning.

Fry up an enormous batch of onions and freeze portion-sizes of what you don’t immediately use. Boring, but the next time you need a casserole/bolognaise/soup in a hurry, you’ll be halfway there already.

A spoonful of Balsamic vinegar added to strawberry jam really does bring out the flavour.

Posted: August 27th, 2009 under Uncategorized.