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 

Rent It!

Why not rent your clothes

 

Image from: https://www.ecofriendlyhabits.com/ethical-and-sustainable-fashion/

As our readers know, we at Madia & Matilda are all about pursuing more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways of living, and as a fashion brand it is our duty to help you do the same. Fashion is known to be one of the biggest polluting industries there is - starting, of course, with fast fashion.

People go around buying cheap clothes with poor quality, wear them until they inevitably break or until they have to throw them away to make room for new products that they feel they need due to the constant flow of new clothing lines coming in all year round. This, however, results in massive amounts of almost unused items and fabrics ending up in landfills and damaging the Earth. But we also know that nobody wants to go around wearing the same things all the time or spending most of their money on luxury items that are considered to be of a good quality.

So what is the solution? Easy! It's time to try out something new - renting your clothes. Not only are you able to wear different outfits each month, you're also doing a favour to the environment by keeping the clothes in circulation and ensuring that they do not end up in a landfill somewhere. In addition, you will find your closet much more decluttered as there are no impulse-bought tops, skirts or shoes laying in the back of it, completely unused.

What are you waiting for? Go check out the great selection of rentable clothes on our website now! For exclusive deals and benefits maybe even try out for a membership!

 

​

How it works:

Once activated, your monthly subscription will give you access to many styles for only 65£/month.

Step 1: Stock your closet - Keep up to 10 items in your virtual dreamy closet.

Step 2: Rent - We will select and send you 3 pieces from your closet that you will be able to wear for a whole month, starting the day you receive the package.

Step 3: Return - The items must be returned together before the next shipment. You will then receive 3 new items from your virtual closet!

 

Membership benefits:

Escape your comfort zone - Try new styles completely risk-free.

Free shipping included - We will provide a prepaid envelope included in every box, covering both ways.

Exclusive deals - Own your favourite styles for a discounted price up to 30% off the original price.

No commitment - Cancel your subscription anytime.

Hope you enjoy! 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Fashion Revolution Week 2021 - Articles, Movies and information

Since we started in the wake of the Rana plaza  disaster we have participated in the Fashion Revolution week event, raising awareness to transparency and our practices. Now more than ever, we must acknowledge and participate in #FashionRevolutionWeek 👉 @fash_rev @ecofashionevents @madiamatilda 

Here are some top links on information, movies and events to follow.

Regenerative Agriculture Can Change the Fashion Industry – And the World. But What Is It? https://www.vogue.com/article/regenerative-agriculture-sustainable-fashion-christy-dawn-fibershed

What Has Biodiversity Got To Do With Fashion? https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/biodiversity-fashion

22 DIY Ideas For Repurposing Clothing Into Something New https://mindfulofthehome.com/diy-repurposed-clothing/

ethical fashion: how I’m transitioning my wardrobe https://alittlerosedust.com/ethical-fashion-transition/

What Is Slow Fashion and How It Can Change Your Life

https://www.prettygreenlily.com/what-is-slow-fashion/?utm_medium=social&utm_ source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_ term=975564252_43746274_713814

8 SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL FASHION DOCUMENTARIES YOU MUST WATCH https://sewrendipity.com/2019/04/25/sustainable-ethical-fashion-documentaries/

6 Steps to a Sustainable, Ethical, and Affordable Closet https://ecocult.com/how-to-make-your-wardrobe-sustainable-ethical-and-cute-in-4-steps/

Fashion Revolution Week 2021 - Movies

Sweatshop - Deadly Fashion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SCHfV97D7I

The Next Black

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuPzdpudwhU

The True Cost

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDx711ibD1M

The Lifecycle of a t-shirt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiSYoeqb_VY

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

TEDX talk

The TEDx is a program for local and self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, you can expect talks, videos, live speakers and deep discussions in small groups. 

TEDxSTROUD

If you don’t know me already, let me introduce myself. My name is Shalize, and I am the designer and director of Madia & Matilda. I was asked to take part in the TedxStroud event to talk about my journey in the world of sustainable fashion and how I have built a brand with the business model of having zero waste practices.

 

I am honoured to have been part of this event, speaking alongside 7 other inspirational women. It has always been a lifelong ambition of mine to be able to give a speech on something which I am so passionate about and believe in so strongly. It has been a challenging process along with the struggles posed by the coronavirus pandemic over the past year, nevertheless we persisted and were able to put on a fantastic virtual event.

My speech covers topics which I believe are extremely important to the future of sustainable fashion such as ‘Zero Waste’, ‘Fast Fashion and Waste’, ‘Upcycling’ and ‘The Future’. As I have mentioned in my speech – “now more than ever, there’s more choice for sustainable fashion”. Although we are not completely there, the journey to becoming more sustainable in our fashion practices is well and truly underway as the possibilities these days are increasingly growing. 

My most important piece of advice is this – going forwards, take every day as it comes. With each day believe we can do better and improve upon yesterday. In the future we hope to introduce natural, planet-friendly fabrics to Madia & Matilda, but there is scope for collaboration, and I am excited to see what change we can bring and not be a part of the problem. 

Sincerely Shalize  -  Madia & Matilda 

Apps For A More Sustainable You

 

We at Madia & Matilda always try to inspire our customers to live their lives in a more eco-friendly way. We know that it might be quite difficult to start your sustainability journey - from figuring out how to reduce your food waste and using less plastic to recycling your clothes. To make it easier on you we have put together this list of applications that will definitely help you out towards becoming a friend to the environment!

Image from: https://www.capgemini.com/au-en/2019/12/applying-technology-to-sustainability-challenges/

Think Dirty

An app that gives you information on what goes into your favourite makeup. You will be able to ditch all products that use toxic chemicals and find cleaner replacements just by scanning the items.

Depop

Over the last year Depop has become an incredibly popular platform for people all around the world selling and trading their old clothes, accessories and jewellery. It's a sustainable version of online shopping as you get to browse clothes but instead of buying into fast fashion you get to give new life to pre-loved items!

PaperKarma

A way to get rid of the massive amounts of paper junk mail being sent to your house. By taking a picture of all of the papers you do not want to receive the app quickly lets you unsubscribe from the company's mailing list.

Olio

An amazing app that makes sure your food does not go to waste whilst simultaneously helping out your local community. Just take a picture of your food products (or any miscellaneous items) and share it with the people in your neighborhood also using the Olio app. They will get a notification and be able to arrange a pick-up time. The app is even still operating during the coronavirus pandemic (with new safety guidelines) which can be of great help to the vulnerable people in your area.

Tap

Made to aid people in reducing their plastic usage. Just buy a reusable water bottle, turn on the Tap app and find a water refill station on the go. It will show you a station's location and details on its water options from chilled and filtered to sparkling or flavoured.

Giki

For people living in the UK, this app is made to get insight into whether your store-bought products are sustainable. With its scanner you can find out if the product is packaged with recycled materials, whether it is responsibly sourced and so on. But what if it isn't? Then don't worry - Giki will offer you alternative options.

Hope this helped!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

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 

World Poetry Day

What is World Poetry Day and how do we celebrate it?

Celebrated on the 21st March, World Poetry Day's purpose is to promote reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry worldwide. This is seen as important because poetry engages our emotions, we learn how to express ourselves through literature, this is particularly influential on children. Allowing a reader to connect to a poet and their own minds.

It was originally celebrated on the 15th of October in the 20th century, which was the birthday of the Roman epic poet Virgil. The date for the 21st March was discovered by Unesco in 1999. 

We can celebrate it with 3 simple tips: 

1. A zoom gathering 

Due to Covid, we can celebrate virtually. Get all your friends and family on a zoom call to read your favourite poems. Maybe even a poem that may help one another during these unprecedented times.

2.  Celebrate other cultures 

World Poetry Day aims to celebrate cultural diversity, try and find a poem from another country that brings you inspiration and meaning.

3. Write your own poem

Even if writing is not your forte, jot some ideas down on a notepad, get your thoughts out and see where it takes you. No pressure or expectations, just flow with your own writing and mind. A great way to express yourself and possibly even relieve any tension you may be feeling or any current problems you are facing.

Images from: https://pixabay.com 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

International Day of Happiness 2021

 

Image from: https://www.brandingstrategyinsider.com/how-brands-can-support-the-pursuit-of-happiness/#.YBVVEi0RqqA

2020 was a difficult year for everyone - no doubt about that. In 2021, the situation with the pandemic and political issues all around are not promising a much better year. HOWEVER, there are things each of us can do to improve our and our loved ones mindsets and stay optimistic! For the International Day of Happiness 2021, here are some tips and ideas to help you see the brighter side of things.

Don't compare yourself!

It is dangerously easy to start comparing yourself to others, especially in today's world through the Internet. On social media everyone puts on their best front. They show their fancy breakfasts, slim figures and many friends. However, it is important to remember that all of us go through struggles that we do not show online. Instead of thinking that the grass is greener on the other side focus on watering your own grass!

Take on hobbies.

By spending time doing things you love or that teach you new skills you'll find yourself feeling more productive, creative and overall happier!

Image from: https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/hobbies-turn-into-good-side-job/ 

Practice gratefulness!

Try to find joy in the little things in your life - it will open your eyes to how lucky you are to be alive. May it be the fact that you have a roof over your head, a warm meal at the end of the day or a shoulder to cry on. Remind yourself to be grateful and see your life from a different and a lot more positive perspective.

Reach out to people

Everyone has it rough sometimes, so it is important to support each other in any way you can. Sharing your troubles with a true friend, a family member or a significant other can help lift half the trouble off your shoulders. Let go of toxic relationships and focus on the people who truly make you happy.

Do not let other people be your happiness.

Even though the people close to you will definitely play a big part in lifting you up, it is necessary to realise that your happiness does not depend on them! You have to find it in yourself - others cannot fulfill you.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Easter Egg Cocktail

 

Image from: https://www.prima.co.uk/all-recipes/quick-recipes/a38431/creme-egg-cocktail-recipe/ 

It is clear that most of us are missing going out with friends and family for a couple of drinks. Well, to help lift your spirits a little we have picked out an Easter themed cocktail for you to make at home!

What you'll need:

20ml of white rum

20ml of coconut rum

40ml of pineapple juice

60ml of coconut cream

Half a lime

Milk chocolate

Tropical coulis (like mango or passion fruit)

A small mold (Ice-cube tray, egg cup etc)

Cocktail shaker (only if you have one)

Preparations:

A couple of hours before serving pour the tropical coulis into something that can act as a semi-circle mould (ice-cube tray, egg cup etc) and freeze til solid.

Melt the milk chocolate.

Prepare a martini glass by dipping the rim into the melted chocolate and leaving in the fridge to chill until it sets. 

Directions:

To make the cocktail, pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker or a blender, fill with ice and shake/blend til chilled.

Strain the liquid into a glass, then pour back into the shaker and strain again into the chilled martini glass.

To serve, remove the egg-shaped frozen coulis and float it in the centre of the drink.

Cheers and happy Easter!

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 

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 

International Woman's day

International Woman's day is a significant and focal celebratory day that encourages and promotes the movement for women's rights. It is an international day, therefore, everyone around the world can get involved. It aims to erase discrimination and misogyny against women, helping gain equal partipication in global development, such as work pay. It brings attention to policymakers for gender equality and gender parity.

The first International Women's day took place on the 19th March in 1911, as it commemorated the day the Prussian King introduced votes for women in 1848, a huge success for countries such as Germany and Switzerland. Founded by women, the date was then moved to the 8th March in 1913 as it convened with the first conference on women in Mexico City in 1913.

The International Women's Day logo is famously purple and white, and features the symbol of Venus. The ancient Italian goddess, Venus, is associated with love and femininity. Hence the book, Men Are from Mars and Women Are from Venus, written by John Gray.

Here at Madia & Matilda we will be raising a glass for inspirational women across the globe, spread love to your neighbours, family, friends this March. Recognise the fight that women have bravely been choosing for so many years, giving us the right to vote, for equality, for the opportunity that we once did not have. We stand together as the incredible women we all are!

Images from: https://pixabay.com/images/search/venus/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Transparency

 

At current times people are becoming more aware of the negative impact that fashion (and especially fast fashion) has on the environment. . 

Customers are thus looking to play their part in supporting brands that are working on decreasing their carbon footprint and trying to be more green. However, some fashion brands can deceive their customers by doing something called “greenwashing” by claiming that their products, policies or aims are better for the Earth than other brands'. They might give “green-sounding” names to products that are actually extremely polluting in hopes of attracting environmentally conscious customers. However, this type of false advertising can backfire when the brand's claims do not match up with their actual environmental engagement

That is why here at Madia & Matilda we believe in being completely transparent with our clients. We work to better the Earth and want the people who support our brand to be able to know exactly how we are doing our part for that.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda