New Year's Resolutions

 

2020 has definitely been a hectic year. But the magic of a new year is that it promises change, growth and a better you. We at Madia & Matilda believe that the better you is the one that is kind to yourself, to others and especially the Earth. So for this upcoming year we have a couple of resolutions you can make to be more considerate of our planet.

1. Ditch plastic bags! Buy yourself a tote bag that you can reuse time and time again instead of getting a new plastic bag every time you go shopping - they are extremely harmful to animals and nature!

For example, get yourself the Printed Canvas bag from Madia & Matilda.

2. Raise awareness - spread your knowledge around recycling to your friends and family. You never know who you might inspire to also be better!

3. Carry a reusable water bottle.

4. Buy eco-friendly. Support the environment by supporting companies who are trying to minimize their carbon footprint.

5. Get involved and volunteer for beach and forest cleanups!

6. Say no to disposable straws and cutlery!

We hope these ideas will inspire you to spend 2021 helping the Earth in any way you can - every small contribution makes a difference!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Vegan tips for life

 

A plant-based diet and becoming a vegan are two different subjects, decide why you want to become vegan if it is for the diet or if it is for the animal welfare side. If it is a bit of both remember perfection does not exist when it comes to being a vegan. Just doing your best is what you should strive for. 

My first tip would be to go in slow. Try being a vegetarian first. Do this for a few weeks and then the transition to a full-blown vegan diet is much easier. 

Next tip: Try not to be an unhealthy vegan. Chips and coke can be vegan. You do not want to end up overweight with skin issues and low energy levels. Look out for replacements to get you through in the beginning. Tofu, soy, tempeh are all good protein alternatives. Check out all the recipes online. Pinterest is a good site for recipe inspiration.

You can pretty much make any of your non-vegan meals with vegan replacements or simply leaving out the non-vegan ingredients. My favorite egg replacement is chia and flaxseed mixed with a little water which goes great in cakes and bakes. Tofu scramble instead of eggs are easy and healthy.

Do not let people judge you, if you are concerned with this you do not have to announce to everyone you are vegan, you can always say you follow a plant-based diet. On the other side, it is also important to understand people who are not vegan. If there is one way to turn people off beckoning vegan, it is a vegan that does not understand or judges them. Remember this is a lifestyle, not a diet, start slow and see how your mind and body feel in the process.

Images from: https://pixabay.com

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Movies to Watch

 

As the weather turns cold for winter, and the pandemic means the majority of us will be indoors, we thought we could recommend some great movies for you to watch. Whether you are watching a film alone or with friends and family, we think you will enjoy these suggestions. With Christmas quickly approaching around the corner, what better time to snuggle up in your pyjamas with some treats and put a movie on.

Here are some of our festive recommendations which you can find on Netflix: 

• Holidate
• The Princess Switched: Switched again
• Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square
• Operation Christmas drop
• A Bad Mom's Christmas
• JingleJangle A Christmas Journey

If you do not fancy festive or just need a break inbetween for a different genre, we have some suggestions for other movies available on Netflix which are full of drama and suspense: 

• Rocks
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• Rebbecca
• Enola Holmes
• To all The Boys I've Loved Before
• 13th 
• The Queen's Gambit

Last but not least, you can not beat a classic at Christmas. Here are our recommended classic movies for this winter:

• Love Actually
• Home Alone
• The Grinch 
• Elf
• Holiday Inn
• It's a Wonderful Life
• Miracle on 34th Street
• The Holiday

Give these films a try and let us know what you think! Tag and mention us on your Instagram stories.

Images from: https://pixabay.com

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Self Care Yoga Tips

 

With the current lockdown and strict tier system in place, this is the perfect time to focus on the mind and body. With our quick yoga tips you can begin to practice self-care at home. 

Yoga can be accessible and adaptable to the individual. The practice of yoga is not just physical, it is 90% mindful. Once you begin to align both of these together you will see the true benefits. If you are a beginner you can start off with some easy breathing techniques for your mind, and some beneficial stretches for your body.

Yoga is scientifically known to boost your immune system, improving your health, which it is essential to stay fit and healthy during the current pandemic. 

Lets begin with breathing, if you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed or stressed with exterior problems such as work, take two minutes to deep breathe. Take a long inhalation, following your breathing as it circulates the body and becomes a deep exhalation. Keep following those inhales and exhales, letting the shoulders release on the exhalation and your ribs lift on the inhalation. 

You can also try counting the breath, this is a great technique if you suffer from anxiety, lets try it now. Deep breath in for the count of 1, 2, 3 seconds. Deep breath out for the count of 3, 2, 1 seconds. Continue this and concentrate on the breath, this allows you to divert your focus on your body rather than your thoughts and overworked mind. 

Now some self-care yoga stretches, if you are sat at a desk or working from home, try this.. 

Begin with a supine twist for 8 breaths on your right side, followed by 8 breaths on your left side. This should release any tension built up in the lower back. 

Stretch your arms over the chair and lift your chest tilting the head back, from here we can take a shoulder squeeze pose. 

If you can take 10 minutes out of your day in the morning or evening, it is great for the mind and body to take a childs pose followed by a cobra pose on a yoga matt. These are simple yet effective. 

Most importantly, for self-care, celebrate yourself and trust yourself. Slow down and give yourself a few minutes a day to breathe, stretch, focus on your mind, body, and health. By doing this, we can heal ourselves through yoga. Allow yourself to let go each day at a time. 

Images from: https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-panorama-dusk-nature-3084651/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Christmas Wish List

Christmas is closely approaching and it is the perfect time to start thinking about gifts for your loved ones and yourself. We have created a Madia & Matilda wish list for you to browse, helping you find some inspiration from our favourite products this season. 

Share and follow our social media, mention us on Instagram, for a special chance to win a product from our wish list!

Ines - Pleated Zip Front Skirt

Ines - Pleated Zip Front Skirt

                        

Jade - Jersey Dress

Jade-Jersey-Dress

Jemma - Cowl Neck Dress

Jemma-Cowl-Neck-Dress

Amanda - Blouse

Amanda-Blouse

Amie - Wrap Top

Amie - Wrap Top

Dina - Lace Blouse

Dina - Lace Blouse

Ellen - Cigarette Trouser

Ellen-Cigarette-Trouser

Jessie - Trouser

https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Jessie-Trouser-p69119321

Mazy - Paisley Silhouette Earrings - Jewellery

Mazy - Paisley Silhouette Earrings Jewellery

'Prism' - Clutch Bag

Prism-Clutch-Bag

Images from: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Vegan Blueberry Banana Oat Bread

During the first lockdown the world saw everyone become obsessed with banana bread - people were sharing recipes, attempting to cook it at home and posting about it on social media. For lockdown 2.0 we found a slightly different recipe for those of you who did not get to try it out last time or for those who want to cook it again but with a little twist. So if you are looking for a fun activity to do during this lockdown - keep reading!

This banana bread is different from the typical as it is made with oats and blueberries. Oats are nutritious and will fill you up for hours whilst blueberries are known for being one of the best sources for antioxidants!

This particular recipe is also perfect for our vegan readers as it contains no dairy or eggs.

The ingredients you will need are:

• Bananas

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Almond milk (unsweetened)

• Blueberries (fresh or frozen)

• Oats

• Light spelt flour

• Grapeseed oil/light flavored oil/applesauce

• Vanilla extract

• Cinnamon

First you need to mash your bananas by hand - the best way to do so is by using the back of a slotted spoon or fork.

Mix together the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to that the mashed bananas, oil and almond milk. Mix to combine, just until the flour is incorporated - make sure you do not overmix. Then, gently fold in the blueberries.

Pour the batter into a lightly greased loaf pan. Optionally, add a few blueberries strategically to the top and sprinkle a small handful of oats over top.

Place in a preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, rotating once halfway through. The top of your bread should turn golden. If you stick a toothpick in the center it will come out clean.

Once done, let cool for 15 minutes in the pan and then place on a rack to cool completely.

Hope you enjoy!

Recipe from The Simple Veganista: https://simple-veganista.com/vegan-blueberry-banana-oat-bread/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Style Spotlight - The Linda Midi Dress

                                                                The Linda Midi Dress

                                                                  Available in Black and Red 

Linda Midi Dress in black

The Linda Midi Dress is one of our favourites for this season. It is a winter essential, with the viscose material allowing this piece to feel lightweight and quick to slip on, whilst also keeping you warm with the long sleeves and midi length features. This classy style can be worn to any event from an evening meal to a Christmas get-together.  

Linda Midi Dress in red

The Linda Midi Dress is the perfect dress to keep for post-lockdown vibes and also can be adaptable to the current climate, worn for online events during this second lockdown. The dress is available in black and red to serve both these purposes. This piece is timeless with its intricate detail, including a zip-up back which assures its practicality. 

Linda Midi Dress in red

Images from: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Black Friday History

 

Shop Madia and Matilda a black-owned business

                                                              

Black Friday is here. The most popular shopping day of the year, where brands sell their products at discounted prices for customers, encouraging customers to purchase Christmas gifts. A range of retailers participate around the UK. 

However, behind the day of discounts and shopping galore, there is more to Black Friday that meets the eye. There are many speculations on the internet regarding the truth behind this particular day. There have been reports that during the 1800s, Black Friday was a day named by plantation owners, as they bought slaves at discounted prices after the celebration of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving originated from the Harvest Festival, which ended before winter and families would need additional work and required slaves, therefore, these theories are based on a certain element of the truth.

Although these reports are not confirmed and are supposedly labeled as theories as there are no credible sources of evidence. These theories should still make people think about this day twice. It is important to look at Black Friday as more than a millennial shopping day, reflecting and looking back on history is something we as a brand encourage.

The Black Lives Matter movement holds huge importance to our brand. We are a proud black-owned business, in full support of equality. Through our brand we hope to bring love and support in a time of isolation amongst the country. Therefore, it is key to look into the history of days such as Black Friday, ensuring that we continue to educate ourselves and our peers about Black History in the recent light of the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Images from: https://pixabay.com/images/search/black%20lives%20matter/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Christmas Gift Shopping

 

Due to the current lockdown situation, most shops are currently shut and who knows what will be open in time for Christmas. Sadly, having a festive browse in the popular retail outlet stores of London and the famous Christmas markets that bring us that Christmas cheer, is not currently an option. Therefore, turning to online shopping has become the new normal of 2020. Now, this will also apply to Christmas this year.

There are plenty of online shops for your Christmas gift inspiration, from clothing to personalised gifts. Madia & Matilda are operating online and ready for any of your orders, whether it is a Christmas gift for a loved one or a well deserved treat for yourself. Christmas shopping can still be made fun when browsing our online store with plenty of unique ideas for your wish list this year. 

It is also important to note that you can shop locally to keep small businesses running in your area. Usually, you can find small local businesses on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram, where you can purchase anything from personalised cakes and bakes to wall hangings for your home. Be sure to check your local area, contributing to these businesses over Christmas will help those families. We can all stay in this together by shopping online and locally! 

Images from: https://pixabay.com/photos/christmas-shopping-shopping-cart-1088248/

 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Foodie - Vegan Chicken Noodles Soup

 Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for winter

(via @cleaneatswithcleo)

Ingredients⁣

1 tbsp olive oil ⁣

1 large yellow or white onion, chopped ⁣

4-5 large carrots, peeled and cut into coins ⁣

4-5 celery stalks, sliced ⁣

2 garlic cloves, minced ⁣

1 tsp fresh thyme (dried works too)⁣

1 tsp salt ⁣

1/2 tsp black pepper ⁣

1 15-oz can of chickpeas 

10 cups vegetable broth ⁣- you can add more to achieve desired consistency! 

8 - 8.8 oz of noodles, I used @barillauschickpea rotini ⁣

Fresh dill for serving (or parsley!) ⁣

⁣

Heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add onions, carrots, celery and cook until softened.

 Add the garlic and thyme, salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.⁣

Add vegetable broth and bring mixture to a boil. Add the chickpeas or chicken and pasta, reduce to a simmer and cover for 15 minutes. ⁣

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

How To Turn Your Lockdown Walks More Fun

During lockdown the comfort of your home might start to feel a bit confining and your everyday walk too monotonous. Lucky for you, we have a couple of ideas to help make your daily stroll more exciting!

Image from: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/1346992-how-to-make-good-conversations-a-walk-in-the-park 

1. Have a chat with your loved ones. Maybe suggest your mom, dad, sibling or friend also go for a quick hike and give you a call. That way it feels almost as if you are walking together! It is also a good way to check in on how they are doing. Talking through your emotions and thoughts can help a lot with the stress you might feel during the lockdown.

2. Try out photography! It doesn't matter whether you think of yourself as a good photographer or not - this is the time to practice. You can just use your smartphone and look out for interesting things to capture during your walk.

3. Make up lyrics - keep your mind busy by making up new lyrics for a tune you like or even try to write a poem in your head.

4. Listen to podcasts. There are tons of podcasts and audiobooks on the internet that will definitely make your walk more interesting.

5. Play counting games. Take in your surroundings by counting things like how many types of dogs, flowers or shoes you see on the way.

   

Remember, walking is one of the best ways to both reduce anxiety and keep yourself active. We hope this list will help you to do so!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda