Mother's Day Gift Ideas

https://www.nbcnews.com/shopping/gift-guides/best-mothers-day-gifts-n1191186 

This year has been tough on everyone, but with most schools and kindergartens closed, mother's have had a lot more on their plate than usual. And with Mother's Day right around the corner you might want to start thinking about a special gift for a special mother. From the collections at Madia & Matilda you are sure to find something that will show your appreciation for all of the hard work and patience she has had both this year and before. Check some ideas out below!

The Abbie Rose Linen Dress

Invite your mother out for dinner and help her feel beautiful with a new dress!

https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Abbie-Rose-Linen-Dress-p69392943

The Mazy Paisley Silhouette Earrings

She'll be sure to think of you every time she puts on these earrings. 

https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Mazy-Paisley-Silhouette-Earrings-Jewellery-p158524143

The Bathing Rituals Gift Set

Every mother needs to be pampered every now and then!

https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Bathing-Rituals-Giftset-p79366587 

The Gold Leaf Ring Dish

As well as making sure she never misplaces her rings, this ring dish will also look lovely on your mothers night cabinet.

https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Gold-Leaf-Ring-Dish-Home-p125103464 

We at Madia & Matilda wish all mothers a happy Mother's Day and hope everyone looking for gift ideas found something they think their mum will love from this list!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

The Problem With Online Shopping

Image from: Retviews

With lockdown restrictions still going strong everywhere around the world and clothing stores being closed more and more people are turning to online shopping. It can be a whole lot of fun - you get to buy clothes without ever getting up from the couch and dream of where you'll be wearing them once we're free to travel again. However, many do not realise the massive impact their orders have on the environment. Your new pair of jeans or a cute bag play a part in the huge amount of plastic and leftover fabrics that end up in the ocean and landfills. Each online order has to be properly packaged in order for it to not get damaged during shipping. For that the easiest option for brands is to use plastic. Now imagine hundreds of thousands of orders from shoppers all over the world, each of them being sent out in plastic packaging. Not to mention the leftover fabrics that are thrown out instead of being used for new items! At Madia & Matilda we always work to become more environmentally friendly - from using recycled packaging to offering the option of carbon neutral delivery. We also use sustainable fibers in our clothing and make sure that all leftover fabrics get reused. Every step of our clothing making process is thoroughly thought about! Check out our collections and help out the environment!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Things to do in - Victoria, Islington, Dalston & Peckham

If you have been following our escapades on social media, you will have seen us pop up in secret locations around London this month. 

As it is fashion week, we wanted to showcase the best of our sustainable fashion range while meeting and exploring with the city. Therefore we have complied this guide to London's best kept secrets and as it is half term, why not check it out for your self. 

Peckham 
Packed with great restaurants, bars and things to do, we visited Peckham levels - a fantastic community hub jam packed with events, Sip on cocktails and eat an array of foods all while gazing at the London skyline at Near and Far bar in Peckham Levels 

The Prince of Peckham is also a must visit for culture, community and good food or you could explore Peckham’s cultural quarter at Copeland Park and Bussey Building or catch a movie at the Peckhamplex 

Our designer Shalize regularly visits and knows the area well and recommends Bellenden Road for eating, drinking and shopping with cute little vintage shops & independent boutiques it's a good Saturday out on the high st.

One great pit stop along Bellenden road is the Begging bowl a Japanese restaurant for the foodie obsessed for independent boutiques this street is brimming with cool stores to visit.

Islington / Victoria 
In a prime location between the hustle and bustle of central London and the affluent suburbs of north London, Islington is a shopping hive of activity, dining and drinking options, Islington is not just for the Socialist.With a vibrant arts scene and big-name theatres and clubs. Check out our picks for the best things to do and see in Islington. 

Browse in Camden Passage If you are after a flat white in funky café Drink, Shop & Do, a cafe and moonlights as a hip bar running quirky craft and disco events is the perfect pitstop.

Shop at the Farmers Market Islington Farmers’ Market is the place to go for fresh seasonal produce. Open every Sunday from 10am to 2pm, the market sells everything from cakes to fresh pasta and fruit and veg and even flowers 

Visit the Theatre 
Almeida is a small local theatre that’s made a big impact on London’s performing arts scene. Open since 1980, this theatre puts on a variety of drama productions, ranging from classics such as Orwell’s 1984 and Shakespeare’s Hamlet to new productions by contemporary playwrights. 325-seat theatre, shows most plays in London’s West End. 

Looking for a laugh, Angel Comedy Club 
Currently hosted between two venues. The Camden Head, which hosts Angel Comedy Raw. It’s a free night featuring a mixed bill of new and established acts. The Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar.. It shows fringe theatre, stand up and even TV sitcom and sketch show read throughs. There’s also occasional Edinburgh previews and improv nights. 

Aesop store is a must, the aromas that come from this store are out of this world. Beautiful moisturizer and fragrances teas, if you are a beauty guru this will be up your street. 

Visit Upper st, which runs right through Islington as its main high st.

Our recent event at The Market Hall Victoria 

Market Hall Victoria 
The affordably priced Market hall Victoria is well worth a visit, we visited for an event at the Market hall. (see the pictures above) Just a stones-throw away is Wicked, which if you were planning a trip you could catch in the theatre in Victoria


Dalston / Hackney
Draughts Board Games Bar A gamers dream! There are over one thousand games to play inside Draught’s most recent bar, which has relocated from its former Haggerston home, to this grade-II listed space. Expect delicious cocktails, and even more tasty food in this stylish bar Find it at 41 Kingsland High Street, E8 2JS. 

Rio Cinema One of the few independent Art Deco cinemas in London, It mostly shows foreign and indie films, although you might catch a mainstream movie every once in a while. The architecture is beautiful, the auditorium boasts plush red velvet seats and the classic, long red curtains reveal the screen before the movie begins. See what’s on here. Find it at 107 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB. 


ABQ Saint Pizzeria - a hidden gem of a restaurant, full of little quirks, with vegan pizzeria's or create your own cocktails whilst seated in a 'breaking bad' van or chill out in the restaurant with friends; we visited for one of our secret events in fashion week. Check out our social channels for further details or see the pictures below. 18 Bohemia Pl, London E8 1DU

Fernada Dassoler  in our Robyn Dress

Andreza Fisher in our Kiera Top & Jenna trouser at ABQ Vegan Pizzeria

Tina we salute you, a  coffee shop, with a large table right in the centre of its room with walls covered in art and most definitely the best restaurant name 47 King Henry’s Walk, London, N1 4NH 

Fair trade coffee and great selection of homemade cakes, a busy spot at weekends, with locals crowded around the big communal table and or sit on its window seats. (if you can find a spot)

Vortex Jazz Club and Servant Jazz Quarters are the two best places in the area
The former - has a  host of wide-reaching gig. The latter - is a similar venue, with a great bar upstairs and often with artists who, in a year or so’s time, will be some of the most talked about names on the scene.

The Arcola Theatre is the place to go for an intriguingly mix of productions, produced by emerging playwrights from the local area as well far more established names. showcasing new plays in an intimate the main auditorium the experience is fantastic.

If you are looking for an art fix The Invisible Line Gallery, is good to see the best work by local artists. Its exhibitions are varied in taste and there is always something different 

Credits
https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/peckham-london-area-guide

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/england/london/articles/best-things-see-peckham-london/

https://londoncheapo.com/food-and-drink/things-to-do-islington/


https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/islington-area-guide

https://spotahome.com/blog/spotahome-neighbourhood-guide-best-things-to-do-in-dalston-london/
https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/attractions/things-to-do-dalston-best-restaurants-bars-pubs-turkish-a4009541.html

https://secretldn.com/reasons-to-visit-dalston/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Christmas Cookies - Bakes To Love

Cookies make the perfect treat and of course no Christmas is complete with out milk & cookies. Therefore we have compiled a list of easy to bake cookies.. From, gooey American chocolate chip cookies to melty shortbread, we've got a biscuit selection to please everyone.






Ginger nut - Vegan Option


Super crunchy vegan gingersnap cookies. These brown sugar sweetened vegan cookies are packed with ginger and cinnamon flavor and perfectly balanced between sweetness and spice

Ingredients
1/4 cup (56g) Vegan Butter
1 cup (200g) Brown Sugar
1/4 cup (75g) Unsulphured Molasses
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 cups (250g) All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Salt
2 tsp Ground Ginger
2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Allspice
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
2–3 Tbsp Non-Dairy Milk
1/4 cup (50g) White Sugar (for rolling)

To cook:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Cream the vegan butter and brown sugar together and then add the molasses and vanilla extract.

Sift the flour into a bowl and add the baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice and cloves and mix together.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir in by hand until crumbly.
Add the 2 Tbsp non-dairy milk and mix. You should get a very thick cookie dough. However, if you still have crumbles and it’s not yet ‘sticking together’ then add another Tbsp non-dairy milk. Only do this if you really need it though.

Break off roughly tablespoon sized pieces and roll into balls and then roll the balls in white sugar. If you tend to make larger cookies, then you’ll need to bake them for a few minutes longer (around 15 minutes) to get them nice and crunchy.
Place the balls onto a parchment lined baking tray and press down with a fork.
You might want to do these in two batches so that your cookies are nicely spaced out on the baking tray.

Bake in the oven for 12 minutes. If you want more soft and chewy then bake for 10 minutes, if you want more snap/crunch then bake for 12 minutes. If your cookies are larger in size then bake for up to 15 minutes.

The cookies will be soft when they come out the oven. Allow to cool completely as that is when they will firm up and become crunchy




https://lovingitvegan.com/vegan-gingersnap-cookies/











Chocolate chip (that taste like Millies)

Ingredients
 
2 baking trays
125g Butter
125g Caster Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla extract 
225g Self-Raising Flour 
½ tsp Salt
200g Chocolate chips
1 Egg
Airtight container.


To cook:
Preheat the oven to 200°C, (fan 180°C, gas mark 4) and line 2 baking trays with baking parchment.

In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugars until pale and fluffy then add the egg and vanilla extract and mix together well.

Sift the flour and salt and then add to the egg mixture. Mixing thoroughly until a soft dough forms. Finally stir in the chocolate chips.

Break off walnut sized pieces of the dough, and roll into balls. Place these on the baking sheets leaving space between them as they will spread out during baking.

Place in the oven and bake for 7 minutes for the ultimate Millie's experience, or 10 minutes if you prefer a crunch. Leave to cool on the trays for about 10 minutes then transfer onto a cooling wire to cool completely.
These store for about 4 days in an airtight container.


If you love this recipe, https://www.bakingmad.com/recipe/copycat-millie-s-cookies










Shortbread


The key to making easy shortbread also taste like the best shortbread is to use real butter.

Some recipes do suggest that you can use margarine in place of butter but personally for me, the rich buttery taste of the real thing is what gives this shortbread a more traditional 

Ingredients:
300 g Flour
220 g Butter (Vegan Optional)
55g/2oz Caster Sugar

Flavour tip:
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/2 tsp. Salt

Only 3 ingredients are needed to turn this into shortbread, in 10 minutes to oven to cook! but you can also add a few extras if you want to add to the taste

It’s important to make sure that the shortbread doesn’t cook for too long and turn brown. If it does, it’s cooked for too long, and will be a little hard to munch on; rather than soft and melt in your mouth loveliness.

Make sure the butter is at room temperature and soft to touch. If it is too hard it will too hard to cream in with the sugar. You can use an electric mixer if you want to, but if the butter is soft enough you’ll have no problem creaming it up with a wooden spoon.

Sift the flour into the creamed butter and sugar. (At this point you can add the vanilla extract and salt to add flavour) Gently mix it all together with your hands.

A soft dough should form. If it is too crumbly add a little more butter, conversely, if it is too sticky, add a little flour.
Press the dough into a greased baking tin and press it down with your hands. I like to gently score the slices of the shortbread, as well as use a fork to make some decorative holes on the surface before putting it in the oven.
Once the shortbread has been in for about 10 minutes, take it out – make sure it doesn’t go brown or it will be too hard. Slice up the shortbread while it is still warm and soft, leaving it in the baking tin until it is completely cool. I also sprinkle a little extra caster sugar over the top.



Or if your not a cookie fan and have hardly ever seen the rolling pin. We have discovered an independent, made to order Brownie Baker - Founded by Lydia Morison 

Check them out on instagram @browniebabes

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas Gift Guide

 T's the season to be gifting

Festive shopping can be a total minefield, so this year we've decided to put together a sustainable guide to Christmas shopping to help you out.

We hope one or two of these, might be what you were looking for & if you are a student we have a few student discount available 

Gone are the days, of rushing around last minute - No, this year your going to search at ease no overcrowded shops.. This year; as an eco savy warrior, your going to make a list and check it twice
Just thank us later…

1. Emery - Cordroy Skirt

New in for the season Emery midi skirt, with patch pockets is the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas. This soft cordroy skirt is an ideal item for smartening up any outfit and suitable for any time of year – from chilly evenings to autumn/winter layering. Click here to buy.

2. Chloe Top

Why not treat someone to this super soft jersey top this festive season. Featuring a polo neckline , you can choose from White, green or purple, but hurry red and yellow have run out. so you’re sure to find the perfect match for that special someone you must keep in mind that our ranges are limited. Click here to buy.

3. Keira - Blouse and Panda - Skirt

The perfect Christmas day outfit, adorend in recycled sequins. frills and pleats this is the outfit to wear whilst you open Christmas gifts . Click above to buy.

4. Ines - Front Zip Skirt  

The epitome of elegance this zip front skirt is composed of 100% cotton and is machine washable. One gift to consider this Christmas. Click here to buy.

5. Marisa - Tea Dress

Why not gift a friend or family member our gorgeous vintage inspired Marisa Tea Dress this winter? Featuring a contrast velvet panel and satin body, this top is sure to stun at any festive party this season. Click here to buy.

6. Bobble Hat

Whether you’re shopping for you mum, wife, sister, aunt, daughter, friend or college this Christmas, we’ve got you covered with our range of bobble hats. With a choice of two different designs and six colours you’re sure to find the perfect match for your loved one this winter. Click here to buy.

7. Tote Bags

Treat someone special to our range of tote bags from Graphyx this Christmas. Whether you’re looking for a shopper, handbag, clutch or cosmetics bag look no further than Madia & Matilda – we’ve got a selection of gorgeous bags in various colours to make gift buying simple this year. Click here to buy.

For the stationery obsessed:

1. Washi Tape

Whether your buying washi tape to decorate your gifts and Christmas cards this year or buying it for a stationery obsessed friend, it’s a great gift. Choose from our selection of metallic or festive themed tapes to make the perfect stationery gift box this Christmas. Click here to buy.

2. Pencil Case

Know someone who needs to get organised? Why not help them out with our sustainable pencil case? Made from a rose-coloured cotton with a polka dot print, this will make the perfect gift for any age. Great for using at work, school or just tidying up your desk at home. Click here to buy.

4. Cards

Our beautiful range of handmade cards make the perfect gift someone who loves giving. With a range of birthday, Valentines and Christmas cards to choose from, send these cards alongside your gifts or treat a stationery lover this Christmas. Click here to buy.

Acessories Lovers

1. Earings for her, Cufflinks for Him

A beautiful range of handmade earrings make the perfect present for loved ones, especially if they are jewellery lovers. Our gift-wrapping service means it couldn’t be easier to spoil someone special… Click here to buy.

Art - Cufflinks

2. Scarves & Gloves

Perfect for any stationery enthusiast, these gold and copper paper clips are sure to add some glamour to boring paperwork. If gold and copper aren’t to your liking, we also stock silver scissor clips. These quirky hashtag clips make a perfect gift alongside any of our other stationery items. Click here to buy.

Chunky Knit -WristWarmers

3. Gold Dangle Earrings


These paisley earrings are a simple and stylish to wear and make a super sweet Christmas present.Click here to buy.

For the homeware lovers:

1. Coasters

Hosting any classy cocktail parties or can’t be without a cuppa? Why not treat them to our stylish coasters,a practical yet chic gift. Click here to buy.

2. Reed Defuser, House Plants and Succulents

It’s no lie, everyone loves a nice smelling home, house plants and succulents. Placed on shelves or a windowsill or as the table centrepiece, why not treat your special someone to our trio of succulents this Christmas. Click here to buy.

3. Hexagonal Wall Mirror

Part of our new Madia & Matilda home range made in the UK, this gorgeous rose gold hexagonal wall mirror is perfect for decorating any wall in the house. Gift your friends or family to this simple elegant mirror this Christmas. Click here to buy.

4. Kitchen Supplies

Everyone love new things for the kitchen and if you are on your sustainable journey why not checkout our sustainable range, you’re sure to find the perfect gift at Madia & Matilda. Click here to buy.

5. Succulent holders

 If your looking to give your eco-friends, a gift that will give you cool point, why not buy ours. Perfect as part of a gift hamper they’re sure to make someone's day. Click here to buy.

For the beauty queens 

1. Some new products added to our beauty range, don't for to check them out Shop Beauty.

2. Mason jars and pots, ideal for storing your brushes and small beauty products 

Click here to buy.

3. Natural beauty cleanser go on why not treat your self..Click here to shop.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda