Things to do - December

Things to do this December

Looking for something to do this December? Madia & Matilda's got you covered.

From Christmas fairs and museums, to light switch-ons. There's so much to do this December across the UK.

Winter wonderland, Hyde Park

If you're anywhere near London this festive season why not visit Winter Wonderland. This free-to-enter family event features a host of festive fun, including Winter Wonderland ice skating, circus shows, a Ferris wheel and an amazing Christmas market. Perfect for family days, date night or an evening with friends, this is one way to spend your December days.


For more information click here.

  

Worcester's Victorian Christmas Fayre

Established in 1992, the Fayre may have grown a lot in the last 26 years, but it has stayed true to its traditional roots with plenty of Victorian themed characters and treats, and a fantastic festive atmosphere. If you're in Worcestershire this winter, why not treat the family to a fun day out at this traditional Victorian market


For more information click here.

Brighton & Hove Burning of the clocks winter solstice celebration

Burning the Clocks is a unique community event, held on the 21st of December, that brings the whole city together to mark the shortest day of the year - the winter solstice. Local people create beautiful paper and willow lanterns which are paraded through the city as part of the celebrations. With around 2,000 people taking part, the lantern procession creates a magical festive atmosphere across Brighton & Hove.

For more information click here.

Bournemouth Christmas Garden of Lights

If you are near Bournemouth this winter why not stop by the Garden of Lights. Twinkling lights and beautiful alpine stores are the perfect backdrop for festive winter shopping, and ice skating adds a little adventure to the mix. Interactive light pods weave throughout the historic gardens, with sound and even a time machine to captivate and amuse everyone. A perfect family day out or evening with friends to enjoy the Christmas lights this festive season.

For more information click here.

Christmas Eve with Charles Dickens, Holborn 

Each year, the Charles Dickens Museum presents a unique and enchanting glimpse into the festive season as celebrated by the great Victorian author, Charles Dickens. The historic interiors are transformed into a true embodiment of Christmas Past and is a wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve - reliving one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time.


For more information click here.

Dartington Wonderland 

For those of you in the south of England, Dartington is a wonderful place to visit this winter. This Wonderland is the perfect place to stop, eat, drink, shop, play, make, dance, sing, listen and enjoy. Discover over 40 of the best makers in the south, in one of the most renowned arts and crafts towns. A fantastic festive evening for all the family featuring the Romany band, Nordic and Baltic choir, Santa Frau, Kids Create Workshops and the tiniest Gin Palace in the World.


For more information click here.










Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Christmas Gift Guide 2018

Christmas Gift Guide

Still in need of Christmas gift inspiration? 

The Madia & Matilda gift guide is brimming with ideas for your loved ones this festive season, we hope that we can inspire you to celebrate a sustainable Christmas this year!

For the fashion conscious:

1. Victoria Jacket

Our Victoria jacket is the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas. This soft tweed blazer is an ideal item for smartening up any outfit and suitable for any time of year – from chilly summer evenings to autumn/winter layering. Click here to buy.

2. Anabel Top

Why not treat someone to this super soft jersey top this festive season. Featuring a round neckline and flared sleeves, you can choose from grey, pink or blue stripes so you’re sure to find the perfect match for that special someone. Click here to buy.

3. Jungle Dress

Give someone the gift of a New Years party outfit this Christmas. This one shoulder chiffon dress is the perfect forest green number for any party this season. Click here to buy.

4. Rae Jacket

Ideal for layering up on chillier days or adding some glamour to an everyday outfit – Our silver Rae jacket features delicate flower embellishment and is the perfect gift this Christmas. Click here to buy.

5. Raphielle Top

Why not gift a friend or family member our gorgeous Raphielle strap top 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. Hettie Bags

Treat someone special to our range of Hettie bags this Christmas. Whether you’re looking for a 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 scrabble letter cards make the perfect for 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.

5. Paper Clips

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.

6. Pocket Mirror

Not necessarily an item of stationery but perfect for those who love collecting small items. Ideal for touch-ups on the go, this metal mirror features a tropical leaf print. Why not gift our pocket mirror alongside some of her favourite makeup items for a super sweet Christmas present? Click here to buy.

For the homeware lovers:

1. Coasters

Know someone who loves a classy cocktail or can’t be without a cuppa? Why not treat them to our stylish coasters, choose from dipped concrete or hammered rose gold for a practical yet chic gift. Click here to buy.

2. Trio of Succulents

It’s no lie, everyone loves 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. Hoogly Tea

Everyone knows a tea lover, so why not treat them to our range of Hoogly teas. Whether they like their tea green, black or white, or they like trying more adventurous flavours like liquorice and lavender you’re sure to find the perfect gift at Madia & Matilda. Click here to buy.

5. Tray of House Plants

If you want to give more than one person a succulent this year as a part of their present, why not buy our tray of house plants. Perfect for adding your own touch with personalised pots or as part of a gift hamper they’re sure to make someone's day. Click here to buy.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Foodie - Vegan Cinnamon Doughnuts

Vegan Cinnamon Doughnuts

Ingredients

For the batter1 1/4 cup plain flour
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice/all spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/3 cup pumpkin pureé
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
​
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or vegan butter
1 cup organic sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

The recipe

Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease the doughnut tin.

In a large bowl mix the flour, spices, baking powder and salt. In another bowl lightly whisk the brown sugar, almond milk, pumpkin pureé, coconut oil and the vanilla.

Next combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients a little at a time, this should result in a thick batter.

Then, using a spoon to fill the tray, make sure that the mixture is evenly distributed in each mould. 

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Leave to cool on a wire rack and prepare the sugar coating.

In one bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon, in another pour the coconut oil or vegan butter. Make sure the oil/butter is a liquid but not too hot.

Once the doughnuts are suitably cooled, dip one side into the oil/butter and then straight into the cinnamon sugar mix.

If they last long enough, you can display them on a cake plate or stand.

If you want to find out more information about this recipe, click here. #madiamatilda if you would like to share your creations with us

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Things to do this Nov & Dec - Culture

Things to do in Winchester

The Rare Brand Market
Winchester Guildhall, The Broadway, Winchester
The market hosts a wide range of rare brands across clothing, food, drink, jewellery, beauty, toys and gadgets, lifestyle and homeware. More than 85 brands will be presented at 19th century Winchester Guildhall, from Wednesday 14 November 10am - 8pm to Thursday 15 November 10am - 3pm.

For more information click here.

The Christmas Lights Switch On

The Broadway, Winchester

Celebrate the start of the Christmas season by attending the city’s spectacular Christmas lights being switched on by local Winchester heroes nominated by the public.

The event will take place on 15 November 2018 4pm - 7pm.

For more information click here.

Christmas Market and Ice Rink
Cathedral Office, 9 The Close, Winchester

Attend the opening ceremony for Winchester's Christmas market and ice rink. Enjoy routines from professional ice skaters and live music from the Cathedral Choristers. The ceremony will take place on 16 November 2018 from 6:45pm.

For more information click here.

Silent Disco On Ice
Cathedral Office, 9 The Close, Winchester

If you're looking for a fun activity to do this winter, look no further than Winchester's silent disco. Choose songs from the 70's, 80's, 90's or 00's and enjoy skating to your favourite throwback tunes.

20 November - 20 December, every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.00pm & 8.00pm.

For more information click here.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

We Care: Stain Saving

We Care: Stain Saving

An average of £12.5 billion worth of clothing in thrown into landfills in the UK every year.

Over half of Brits throw clothing away that could have been recycled or donated and many underestimate the actual number of wearable items they are binning. Many of the items that end up in landfill are thrown out simply because of a stain that didn't come out in the first wash.


Vanish produced a survey and revealed some shocking results:

Incredibly almost a third of Brits admitted to putting the item in the washing machine without any stain removal treatment. When the stain didn't come out immediately, they threw it away. A quarter never even attempted to remove the stain!

To read the full survey and for further information click here.

How many times have you spilled a drink or been splashed with oil while cooking?

It's a frustrating but inevitable part of life but it doesn't always mean the end of the line for your clothes. With some simple know-how and a little bit of science you can tackle almost any stain and restore your clothes to their former glory.

The three simple techniques that are vital to saving your garments:

1. Don't Delay
• The quicker you tackle the stain the more likely you are to save your item. Remember the longer a stain sits the harder it will be to remove!
2. Don't Rub
• Rubbing will only push the offending substance deeper into the fibers. Instead, try dabbing, blotting or scraping.
3. Stay Out of Hot Water
• Avoid hot water at all costs! Once the stain is exposed to the heat it will set into the fibers of your garment. Wash the piece in cool or warm water until the stain is completely gone. There are some exceptions to this rule though.

The Sciencey Part

Removing a stain is as simple as a little bit of chemistry. Once you know what the stain is made up of it's easy to counteract. 

Tannin stains (tea, coffee, wine or juice) - Tannin is a natural vegetable dye found in plants such as grapes. These stains can be tougher to remove if they are hot beverages or mixed with other ingredients such as cream, milk or sugar. To remove tannin stains try vinegar, an enzyme cleaner or sodium perborate (a more gentle form of bleach safe to use on clothes).

Oil and fat stains - Both vegetable and animal fat stains can be tricky to get rid of, the best thing to do is blot as much of the oil away as soon as the stain appears. Getting rid of the excess oil will stop too much of it penetrating deep into the fibers of your clothes. For the best results, try using a powered product, like cornflour, baking soda or talc, to soak it up.

Ink or blood stains - When dried, ballpoint pen ink is one of the most notorious stains to remove. Place an old towel or cloth behind the garment and blot the stain with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or even hairspray, any alcohol solvent will do the trick to dissolve the oil based stain. If the stain is caused by a roller-ball pen, the water based stain can be removed by soaking the garment in milk.

Make-up stains - Have you ever hugged someone and left your makeup on their shirt? Don't worry we've all been there at some point. Luckily it's not too difficult to remove! Using some household dish washing liquid to break down the grease. After an initial hand wash with the dish soap, wash the garment as usual and it should be as good as new.

Hopefully, with these helpful tips and tricks, you can save some of your favourite items from your wardrobe.

If you try any of them out, let us know on social media!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda