Lockdown Easter Activities For The Whole Family

www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

We might not be able to celebrate Easter this year like we're used to, but that does not mean we can't still have fun! Madia & Matilda has put together a list of family activities that you can do with your kids to turn this Easter into one they won't forget!

1. Egg-babies

Have your kids boil some eggs and draw cute faces on them using paint or markers. Next, name them and have your children looking after them as if these were actual babies! This will teach them to be more responsible as well as just being a whole lot of fun.

Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161425967868517897/ 

2. Egg & Spoon Race

Grab some eggs, grab some spoons and go! If you have not heard about the Egg & Spoon Race before (which is doubtful), the point is to win a race during which you have to balance an egg on a spoon. You can use boiled eggs or if you're really brave - go for raw ones. And if you don't have a garden, just use your local park instead. To make it fairer between kids and adults, maybe have the grown-ups do the race by hopping on one leg!

Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/83598136818583051/ 

3. Easter images using nature

When going out for your daily walk, try to create Easter-themed images by using objects you find in nature. For example, how about the Easter Bunny made from sticks, leaves, acorns and flowers?

4. Pin The Tail On The Bunny

An Easter version of the popular game of Pin The Tail On The Donkey! Print out an image of the Easter Bunny, buy some cotton wool or a fluffy pom pom and try to stick it to the bunny as a tail whilst blindfolded!

Image from: https://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/pin-the-tail-on-the-bunny-free-easter-printable/ 

Image from: https://www.parkgrandheathrow.co.uk/blog/easter-time-in-london/ 

5. Egg decoration

The classic Easter activity - decorating Easter eggs. You can later use these for an Egg Hunt with the whole family!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Easter - Bunny Rolls

 

Image from: https://www.fleischmannsyeast.com/recipe/sugar-and-spice-bunnies/

Easter is right around the corner and we at Madia & Matilda found the perfect Easter themed dessert for you and your family to enjoy. Have your kids join in and try making these cute bunny rolls together so that you have something delicious to snack on after a big egg hunt!

What you'll need for the dough:

2-1/2 to 2-3/4 cups all purpose flour 

3 tablespoons sugar 

1 (2-1/4 tsp.) yeast

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

2 teaspoons freshly grated orange peel 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/2 cup milk 

1/4 cup water 

3 tablespoons of butter 

1 egg 

1/3 cup currants/raisins 

What you'll need for the sugar glaze:

1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar 

1 tablespoon milk 

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange peel 

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

Directions:

Combine 1 or 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, spices, orange peel and salt in a large mixer bowl.

Heat milk, water and butter until very warm. Gradually add to the flour mixture.

Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.

Add egg and 1/2 cup flour. Beat 2 minutes at high speed.

Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

Set aside 10 currants or raisins for the bunny’s eyes. Knead remaining into the dough.

Divide the dough into 5 equal pieces. Roll each to a 24-inch rope.

Divide each rope into 1 (13-inch), 1 (6-inch), 2 (2-inch), and 1 (1-inch) strips.

Coil 13-inch strip to make body; coil 6-inch strip to make head.

 Attach head to the body; pinch to seal.

Shape 2 (2-inch) strips into ears and remaining 1-inch strip into tail.

 Attach to the body and head. 

 Place on 2 greased baking sheets.

Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour.

Bake at 190 degrees for 13 to 16 minutes or until done. Let cool.

For the sugar glaze: stir all ingredients until smooth.

 Drizzle the bunnies with the sugar glaze.

Lightly press reserved currants into heads for eyes.

Tip! The bunny parts will "cling together" as the dough rises and bakes. Do not place more than 4 bunnies on a baking sheet.

This one might be a bit longer that our usual recipes but trust us - it is so worth it!

Happy Easter!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Lockdown 2.0

 

Here we are - back in another national lockdown. During these four weeks you might begin to feel overwhelmed by it all or anxious about the future. We are here to help and for that we have composed a list of things you can do to make this period a little more easier and fun.

It’s easy to pressure yourself into being ‘productive’, many of us may be part of the furlough scheme or not currently working which often can make us feel we have to compensate for this by setting several goals to achieve in this time frame. For example, learning a new language or painting that bathroom you have always put off painting. Well, instead, let’s try and ease that pressure by setting yourself one goal at a time and accepting that it is ok to complete this goal in your own time and comfort. 

1. Start journaling. Writing down your thoughts can be very cathartic and help you gain some perspective on your emotions.

Image from MetroParent

https://www.metroparent.com/daily/family-fun/family-activities/journaling-for-families/ 

2. Learn a language. What better time to do so than right now?

The language learning app Duolingo

3. Declutter and organize your wardrobe! Decide which clothes you do not use anymore and recycle them. If you find that you might need some new pieces - check out Madia & Matilda! Out with the old in with the new – yes, that’s right, this is the ideal time to get rid of all those unwanted clothes in your wardrobe – recycle, make it sustainable, re sell, or create new garments. Take this time to fill your wardrobe with things that are lockdown appropriate, for example, loungewear like our Kirsty top.  Need some help decluttering why not try out our virtual styling consultations we can help you to declutter.

Clarisse Skirt from Madia & Matilda

https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Clarisse-Side-Split-Skirt-p49344951 

4. Learn a new dance! Whether you're quarantining by yourself or with friends and family, dancing will definitely help lift your spirits.

5. Cook something you've never tried before. Staying at home can become quite boring - bring a little excitement into your meals by trying out new recipes.

It’s ok to take a break from the news, sometimes it can become overwhelming. Saying this, it’s a great idea to have some time off of your phone and set it aside too, you can set up in iPhone settings for a specific part of the day to be phone free. This is a great way to encourage yourself to take some time away from your screen.

If you feel your routine has been lost, create a new one. Whether this is setting an alarm to wake yourself up in the morning, to having an afternoon cup of tea, create a new path for yourself over the next coming weeks. You may want to break the day up with a run or walk, fresh air is great for your lungs and heart and can also make you feel refreshed. 

There are several different ways of meditating, this does not have to be meditation itself, it can be meditating through activity such as painting, gardening, baking and cooking. Allow your mind to become focused on something artistic to relieve any stress or anxieties you may feel.

P.S…We would love to see how you are getting on during this time, tag us in your social media lockdown posts with #MADIAMATILDATOGETHER, we are in this together!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

How To Hang Out With Friends During Lockdown

 

Quarantining can be tough, especially when you can't see your mates. It is important to do regular check-ins on your friends to make sure that no one feels alone during this difficult time. However, how can you turn these catch-up sessions into more fun?

1. Download Houseparty. It is an app on which you can play games like Pictionary, take quizzes and so much more with up to eight people on one video call.

2. Virtual workouts. By watching a Youtube workout video simultaneously you can get your daily exercise done together. You will find yourself having a lot more motivation for it!

3. Use Teleparty - a new way to watch TV in synchronization with your friends online.

4. Try cooking together. Prop your phone or computer up somewhere in your kitchen, pick out a recipe both you and your friends are curious to try and cook the same dish whilst catching up.

5. Create a TikTok account. It is fun to learn TikTok dances through a video call, but even more fun when you can then go on to duet your mates dance videos.

6. Host a presentation evening - everyone picks their favourite movie, book or something they are passionate about and prepares a quick presentation about it.

7. DIY projects. Pick some kind of an arts & crafts project for you and your friends to do whilst on a call and afterwards compare the results. This way you might also learn new tips and tricks to simplify your everyday life!

Even though we cannot see our closed ones physically, that does not have to stop us from being able to still have fun and do activities together with them. We hope these ideas will come in handy for your next catch-up session!

 Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Spookified Looks to wear this Halloween

 

What’s in the back of your wardrobe? That old costume you wore to 2008 fright night or from that party where you were dressed up as a pumpkin. Well, this year, why not do Halloween with sustainability in mind, wear a clothing you can repeat, without the stigma of being an outfit repeater, be inventive with your clothing and create relatable character outfits like Velma from Scooby do or a dead housewife

A survey from North London Waste Authority and the environmental charity Hubbub, 40 per cent of the 7 million costumes thrown out in 2016 were worn only once - Vogue

Robyn - Dress

 

Therefore, we thought we’d put together sustainable costume ideas you can wear over or tips you can use to utilise the outfits you already have.

Here are a few ways to be sustainable this Halloween: 

Katy - Wrap Dress

Jamie - Dress

 

Use these pieces from our range, that are basics to build on your costume and day to day wear, guilt free circular economy styles 

The Katy spotted dress above would make a great Cruella De Vil, the black and white gingham dress could be a good 60's outfit with platformed heels and a flower headband, yet can also be on trend for 2021 spring summer with its puff sleeves 

Lilly - Pleated Skirt

Or if you are channeling your inner Mean Girl, the Robyn Dress. The Lilly - Skirt in cream could be used to create a corpse bride look and our Anya - Blouse in black can be a used for a variety of outfit ideas, cat, witch zombie.. you name it, endless possibilities

         

Anya - Long sleeve Jersey Top

Or alternatively, why not borrow or swap or rent costumes, rather than buying a new one? Buy your costume thrifted from a second-hand store

Non - Medical Velvet Masks

Why not coordinate your masks with your outfits, don't let the pandemic spoil your fun. 

wherever and however you chose to spend your Halloween, be safe

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

 

A Guide To Decluttering Your Wardrobe

As, this week we have been discussing ways to clear out your wardrobe on our Live stories here are a few tips to organising a timeless wardrobe 

If you have reached the point where you can not get in or out of your wardrobe.. Its time.. We always thought you can never have too many clothes or shoes 

Tip one make sure all styles are folded the same way, separate by category, check all hangers fit the same or are replaced if broken.

    

 Deciding which items to keep can be tough, if you are struggling to find away, why not invite a family member to help or after lock down invite a style service, like our own, which currently we are able to offer advice online via voom 

Ways to tackle decluttering

Start with the Four-Box Method. Where you use four boxes and label them: Alter, trash, give away, keep. (Sidebar; as well as your wardrobe, this can be done for any room in your home.) Place each item into one of the boxes - be brutal if necessary. Don’t skip a single item, no matter how insignificant you may think it is. This may take days, weeks, or months, but it will help you see how many items you really own and you’ll know exactly what to do with each item. 

If you’re new to decluttering, and you want to do more than just your wardrobe you can slowly ease yourself into it by tackling one room at a time. Storage boxes, are also useful when organising. Label or plan each box, folding bags, vacuum bags, jewellery stand, more hangers or suitcase to name a few. 

Another useful tip, but will only happen over time if you want to declutter in a less harsh manner, if you are unsure of what to get rid of. Donate clothes you never wear. To identify them, simply hang all your clothes with hangers in the reverse direction. After wearing an item, face the hanger in the correct direction. Discard the clothes you never touched after a few months.

Create a decluttering checklist. It’s a lot easier to declutter when you can visualise how it will look or where you need to get started. 

Ask yourself tough questions, like: 

Have you worn it in the last year? 

Does it have a special meaning/ Sentimental value?

Does it fit?

Is it in good condition?

Does it need fixing or will you take to be altered?

Does it make you feel good?

Does it go with other things in your wardrobe?

Is it annoying or uncomfortable to wear?

Sometimes the best styles, get worn out, tired and you feel its time to put those loved items firmly behind us, in this case getting rid and making space for new items is okay. There are lots of sustainable ways to let go of old items without letting them go to landfill. 

For instance Depop and Loved clothes last are great initiatives 

Depop 

Is a marketplace for unwanted clothes that perhaps no longer fit or are not to your taste any longer. Rehoming an item of clothing is better than it going to landfill, it provides that garment with a longer lifespan for someone else to enjoy and helps the planet. 

Check out our depop here for discounted items as we use depop as an outlet for unsold stock instead of sending to landfill

Love your clothes 

With a similar ethos to us; love your clothes is a great resource, perfect for finding out care tips or sourcing recycling centers or even to sell your own clothes on their site 

For clothing items you just can not go without, find a local tailor or send in to us (after lockdown), as we understand how much a loved top or skirt, can bring so much joy and memories; so why not fix or amend any that are in need of some tlc. 

Check out our alterations price list here

Another way, is to hold swap parties or swishing; a fun way to get rid of unwanted items in your wardrobe. Once lockdown is over and government guidelines specify, invite friends over with their unwanted clothing and see what you can swap, make sure all clothing is laundered and you may find some great finds and come away with new things for your wardrobe that won't cost you a thing.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Tips For Coping At Home During Covid19

Current Status: Cautiously working - We are open for orders and are delivering as normal

We remain open for business and rest assured we are closely monitoring every development making sure everything we do is right for you, in line with government and World Health Organisation guidelines – plus we are also taking some steps ourselves to help things run smoothly during the Covid-19 outbreak.

We take the welfare of our customers very seriously and we recognise that this is a particularly worrying time for you all. In response to the coronavirus outbreak, we are continually updating the measures being put in place surrounding delivery, returns, customer service

We aim to keep you in the know with the most up to date information, but because the situation is complex and evolving rapidly, things may change, so please check back here for the latest updates.
If you need to get in touch

We are currently extremely busy and appreciate your patience at this time. We know this is frustrating and we’re continually reviewing our options and looking to find new ways of being available to you.  

Work From Home Style

Making a Payment

For more information or concerns, visit the ‘Help’ pages or check ‘My Account’ and you’ll also be able to see the range of payment choices that are available to you. The checkout is a really easy way to track order status, payment.

Your deliveries & returns

All of our carriers are still delivering, and we will continue to practice social distancing to minimise the risk of contact – you can help by ensuring you have updated My Account with the best safe place to leave your parcel.

Our standard delivery is currently taking slightly longer than normal on one person goods.

Many Collect Plus stores and Post Office counters remain open wherever possible for deliveries and returns. A very small number of stores are currently closed and have been removed from the list of available stores at checkout. Please check here https://www.myhermes.co.uk/tracking-results.html& or Royal mail at https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder. Or

https://www.dpdlocal-online.co.uk/tracking

Thank you

We hope this is a little bit of comfort in unsettled times and we’ll keep you right up to date when things change, take care and thanks for your continued support.

Stay Safe 

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