Happy Carrot Cake Day! #Foodie

To celebrate quite possibly the best 'National Day' ever (bar National Pizza Day of course!), we thought we would treat you guys to a favourite recipe of ours.

The recipe for these scrumptious cupcakes is quick and easy and makes a batch of 12, which can be kept for up to two weeks after so you can continue to enjoy their deliciousness for longer!

To make, you will need:

• 235g plain flour
• 1tsp baking powder
• 1/2tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1/2tsp salt
• 1/2tsp ground cinnamon
• 235g finely grated carrots (about 3)
• 250g sugar
• 180ml vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (works best at room temperature!)
• 60ml buttermilk (regular milk will do though)
• 1/2tsp vanilla extract

OPTIONAL:

• Cream Cheese Frosting and candied carrots

OR

• Icing Sugar

Method:

Place a rack in the middle of preheated oven (180°C) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tray with cases.

Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt and cinnamon in a bowl, and in another bowl, the grated carrots, sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk and vanilla. Once done, use a rubber spatula to fold the flour mixture into the carrot mixture until completely combined.

Divide the batter evenly into the cases, filling each about two thirds full, then place into the pre-heated oven and bake until golden brown for 20-25 minutes (top tip: place a toothpick in the centre until it comes out clean).

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then transfer the cupcakes to the wire rack and let cool completely for about 1 hour and add icing or frosting as per their instructions, if you wish to.

VEGAN? NO PROBLEM!

Simply replace the milk for a vegan alternative such as soya or almond milk and simply take out the eggs (there is no need to replace them for anything because the oil and flour will do the trick!)

Enjoy!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Winter Lookbook AW17

So as some of you may have seen already, we were lucky enough to do a collaboration with the lovely Rachelle Darbouze – the creative genius behind the With The Grey blog. You can find that here. Following the cold weather trend, we decided to offer you some insight into our favourite winter looks.

For our first look, how about pairing our Greta Blouse with the Simone Skirt? The long skirt reaches above the waist and down to your calves and will be sure to keep you warm during chilli days. The blouse adds a flair of elegance and put together with a classy winter coat and a pair of boots, you are ready to rock any errand you need to run! For an extra sparkle, you could even add Lilyflo’s Sirus Necklace and Bracelet.

Look two, however, is a little different. We are channelling our inner Bianca Miller in the white Carrie Chiffon Blouse and Frankie Trousers. The look shouts class and is perfect for any business-like occasions you may have, or just to add a touch of smart to your daily look. Pair with court shoes, a blazer and Lilyflo’s Astra Lariat Necklace and Bracelet for extra style points.

Look three is for those of you who are digging the layering look this winter. Layering is perhaps the best winter style tip we can give you, use this tip and you can keep warm throughout the day whilst also having the option of taking pieces off in warmer temperatures - such as when you are inside - which you do not have the option of doing wearing something like a jumper (not that we do not still LOVE that look!). The other huge advantage to layering is that it looks super stylish too!

For a simple winter layering look, pair a long-sleeved black high neck top with ankle boots, (like Chelsea Boots for example) and opaque black tights with the Emily Strap or Sapphire Dress. The look is simple, yet effective and keeps you warm all day! Add the Crux Earrings and Necklace for a bold statement.

For our final look, we paired LilyFlo’s Vega Bracelet and Vega Lariat Necklace with our Mel Loose Fitted Dress or Sophia Velvet & Denim Dress. Both dresses are perfect for this seasons weather and are sure to keep you cosy and warm throughout the day.

Whatever style you choose this season, the best tip we can give you is to add a flair of YOU into the look and you are sure to look on trend whatever the event!

  Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Factfile - Care for Pleats

Perfect pleats, and how to keep them 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Culture - Things to do this Winter

If you are still on holiday from uni, here are a couple of other ways to spend your winter holiday period, after all it is Dry January. 

If you are stuck for things to do, why not visit a Museum gain some insight on cultural aspects of life. Or for those seeking a little more of a thrill, ball pit bars, (yes that's right, there is such a thing), visit your local market or for movie night why not watch Passenger, more details below.

Museum Trips - Saatchi or V&A is just a few of our favourites that springs to mind. Check out whats on here.The Saatchi Gallery, is based in Chelsea, where we shall be holding our next event. The home of curated art, fashion and a little bit of culture.

The V&A, a hub of revolutionary art, design and fashion, a space to think, view the like of so many visionary's, throughout the history of art. For us it is one for the bucket list!

Ball Pit Bars - Where childhood meets adulthood, who said we have to grow up gracefully. Ballie Ballerson in Dalston. A ball pit filled with over 200,000 balls, inflatables and foam toys, for a bit of light hearted fun and frolics. Funk soul and bass for some adult play. If that does not sweeten the deal, the bar has range of throwback cocktails, (mocktails for those of you who are on a health kick) based on sweets such as Wham bars, pink shrimp and Dip Dabs. The food offering is also (obviously) ball-shaped. Find out more here http://www.ballieballerson.com/

Photography Credit - Stacey Hatfield

Market - One of our favourites to visit, Bath Artisan Market filled with artisan hand crafted treats, open every second Sunday of the month. Renown for its fresh goods, independent artists and where we first started out. Perfect for Sunday morning strolls, if you are an early bird. http://bathartisanmarket.com/

Photography Credit -  Bath Artisan Market

Films to watch this winter - Passenger, check out our review below

We at Madia & Matilda love a sci-fi,action thriller, rom com; once we saw the trailer we eagerly awaited the release of this film Passenger and were not disappointed.

The film from The Imitation Game director Morten Tyldum. Staring Chris Pratt  & Jennifer Lawrence.  
Chris Pratt as Jim and Jennifer Lawrence as Aurora, find themselves alone on a passenger spaceship, after waking up from cryostasis earlier than intended from being ejected from their sleeping pods.

In a time of uncertainty the pair turn to each other for comfort and much needed help, it soon becomes quite clear that going back to sleep, is not an option. Instead, the pair face a lifetime aboard the ship, with just each other for company.

Definitely a must see movie for this winter, released in cinemas on December 21st 2016

Passenger Release date December 21, 2016 click here to see trailer

  Sincerely Madia & Matilda

                                   

Style - New Year New You - Back to work

New Year New You, right! that's the mantra we all have when January comes around, therefore; we have complied our guide to an ethical and a sustainable new year, starting with some styles that are easy to maintain ensuring you look super polished all year round, a new beginning starts here and now.

The ultra effortless Angelica polyester jersey top, is so easy to maintain, due to its resilient fibres. It does not stretch or shrink very easily and with the addition of elastane, makes this, a jersey top to throw on, for that casual meet and greet. Wear this top with Madia & Matilda's Alisha trouser and Orion Rose necklace (from our curated brand Lily Flo) to finish this look.

    

Subtle sophistication, wear our best selling Greta Blouse with Madia & Matilda's staple trouser - Alex. When it is time to kick back and relax, we have a new range of scented candles hand crafted from Lola's Apothecary with natural plants, Soy, Vanila, Ylang Ylang and Lavender.

  

Whether you are dressing for success for work or looking for a sustainable classic for that interview, our Carrie blouse, works well with Madia & Matilda's Ellen trouser, glasses & to add an extra touch of glimmer this necklace. From our curated brand Mara Zia necklace

shop our curated brands

Lea blouse, feminine, pretty lace frills in a chiffon blouse with a deep v; as seen worn with our Aria skirt. Accessorise with our curated brand necklace & round rimmed glasses from Keepwood a acetate wood-grain prescription eyeglass Frames, hand crafted high quality eyewear that is sustainable and natural. Eliminating the burden of waste that cheap plastic eyewear creates, as each pair of Keepwood Eyewear sold, is a donation to Trees for the Future which allows them to plant 50 trees in one of their worldwide projects.

All of these styles and more are available in our workwear selection here

  Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Countdown to Christmas - Day 12 - Style A day

Shalize Nicholas – Designer and Founder at Madia& Matilda:

Founder and designer of Madia & Matilda itself is the inspiration for today’s style.

Shalize Nicholas create exclusive womens clothing that are timeless effortless and works in manor that reduces waste in her fashion studio in Gloucestershire

Jessie Trouser & Ines Skirt

"There’s nothing I loves more than small elements of throwback fashion in a delicate minimalist design. I have always been drawn to simple contemporary classics, that represents timelessness; which is why I have chosen these styles ” 

Carrie Blouse & Ellen trouser

"For workwear my choices are more practical, with subtle details, beautiful fabrics and for special occasions an elegant dress"

 

  Shan Blouse & Abbie 2



We hope you have enjoyed our coundown to Christmas
Celebrating the achievements of a select few, coupled with inspirations and influencers of 2016. This year really has been a year full of ups and downs

Wishing  you a wonderful Christmas and New Year 

                    Sincerely Madia & Matilda

News - Giveaway! Win $100 to spend on Madia & Matilda Clothing

 Emily Strap Dress

In the spirit of giving we have a voucher to giveaway to a lucky winner. As we have been working in partnership with +With The Grey a blogger from the US 

Keep watching for further details on +Madia & Matilda or check out Rachelle's videos on youtube to shop these styles click here  - http://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/christmas-gift-guide

Ayna Jersey Top & Tiffany Tote Bag

Here’s how to enter:

1. Follow on Instagram – Withthegrey
2. Follow Matdia & Matilda’s Instagram
3. Subscribe to  Matdia & Matilda’s & Withthegrey Youtube channel 
4. Comment done on this post when you’ve completed the previous steps. 

Giveaway ends on JANUARY 12th 2017!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Imogen Casual High Neck Top

Countdown to Christmas - Day 11 - Style A day

Joselle Nguyen - Business Administrator at Madia and Matilda

Joselle is an intern business administration at M & M and for the 12 days - countdown to Christmas is inspired by real girls and aspiration women, we asked Joselle to join in. 

Here is Joselle's views on ethical and sustainable fashion:

The miracle of Madia & Matilda is that every little pieces of fabrics counted, I can see a tiny piece of material finds its place in a wonderful dress. Today's inspiration comes from those stories.

For the day look, an elegant Riene top with a playful Simone Chequered Print Wrap Skirt would be my choices.

For a minimalist night look, why not Julia Metallic Sheer Dress paired with stilettos and a coat (or tights and heeled boots for those nights it is slightly chiller!)?

However, for something a little more risky, yet still completely elegant, I would choose a Violet Velvet Panel Dress? 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda