Superhero Day

 

Image from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-problem-with-female-superheroes/

You might not know this, but since 1995 the date 28th of April has been named as being Superhero Day.

It is clear that growing up almost every kid has a favourite superhero or fictional character as a role model - someone they look up to maybe even later in their adult years still. It doesn't matter whether you're a fan of Wonder Woman, Hulk or Spiderman,  watching and reading about these characters with special powers fighting crime and protecting others inspires and teaches us the importance of kindness, justice and bravery.

On this Superhero Day in 2021 we at Madia & Matilda encourage you to look past the fictional to find and honor the everyday superheroes around you. This year has no doubt been difficult for everyone, but especially for the doctors, nurses and other essential workers who have been on the job and fighting for us tirelessly. We ask you to celebrate them and show our gratitude for all that they have so selflessly done.

And remember, you can always become a superhero yourself! Whether that is through being an advocate for the environment, doing volunteer work or by donating to your local charities - not only will you do good deeds but also inspire others to be better as well! Be the person the younger version of you would aspire to be.

Wishing you a super day!

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

Celebrate Womanhood - International Women's Day

In celebration for international womens day we've hand picked 

a selection of books and partnered with an inspirational charity The Back up Trust, find out more below

Emma Britch of @Sittingdowninstyle - Panda Skirt

International Women’s Day is for diversity, inclusivity, we've been celebrating the achievements of women worldwide since 2013. 

This year we are working with the The Back Up Trust; who not only supports women, diversity and inclusivity and also equality. A truly inspiring charity, worth knowing, making a difference.

Books to love

• Enough - Angela Cox
• Invisible Women - Caroline Criado Perez. 
• My Wild and Sleepless Nights - By Clover Stroud. 
• Women Artist and the Surrealist  Movement -  Whitney Chadwick
• Difficult Women - Helen Lewis. 
• Our House is on Fire - Malena and Beata Ernman, Svante and Greta Thunberg. 
• Taking up Space - Chelsea Kwakye, Ore Ogunbiyi. 
• The Unexpected Joy of Being Single
• Locating Happily-Single Serenity - Catherine Gray
• Skint Estate - Cash Carraway. 
• The Five - Hallie Rubenhold.

Help us celebrate International Women's Day, who inspires you? DM us your thoughts and pictures on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. This year we're celebrating all week long and giving you, 20% off with the code:WOMENSDAY

SHOP NOW

SHOP NOW

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Mind Week - Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week starts every year on the second Monday in May, Mental Health Awareness Week 2019 will be taking place 13 -19 May.  We all know what it’s like to feel stressed - being under pressure is a normal part of life. But becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse.

Taking steps to look after your wellbeing can help you deal with pressure, and reduce the impact that stress has on your life.

There are still lots of practical things you can do to manage the amount of pressure you're under day to day.

We have complied a list of services that can support and advise on practical steps to help you 

Mind

Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Everything we say and do is rooted in the experiences of people who know what it’s like to live with a mental health problem. That includes the thousands of people who rely on our local and national services, our incredible supporters and campaigners, our fundraisers, volunteers, staff and trustees. Their experiences bring our work to life.

Mind provide life-saving information when people need it most. Mind bang on doors and call for change; they demand that people get the support they need and the respect they deserve. And we show that there are actions we can all take to challenge stigma and transform experiences of mental health for the better. 

Rethink Metal Illness

Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for the millions of people affected by mental Illness. For 40 years we have brought people together to support each other through our services, groups and campaign

CALM

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. Join the campaign to take a stand against male suicide and get the tools you need for action.

Child line 

Childline is a support service to help with whatever's on your mind to guide you & help you make decisions that are right for you.

Their tips and techniques, ideas and inspiration, can help you feel more in control and you can access them in your own time, at your own pace!

Beyond Blue

The Beyond Blue programme is aimed at mothers who develop mental health issues during or after pregnancy. It has recently been launched at the Bright Beginnings Children's Centre.

Samaritans

Samaritains make sure there’s someone there for anyone who needs someone.

Every year, they answer more than 5 million calls for help via their unique 24-hour listening service, email, SMS, letter, face to face and through our Welsh language service.

Samaritans give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others.

From us at Madia & Matilda, We hope this list of available services, can be of some support or comfort for you, as mental health is so important to take care of and discuss how you are feeling. 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda