Thursday, 9 February 2017

Valentine's Day Date Ideas



Are you ready and prepped for V-Day? Everyone knows the perfect date does not have to be a pocket-burning experience, and as the date is drawing ever closer, we thought we would take a look at some of the best (and affordable!) date ideas this year for you and your loved one.
ICE SKATING:
Honestly what is more romantic than falling all over your loved one as you try to regain your balance on a potential death trap of ice?! Only downside to this plan is that the closest rink is in Bristol.

CINEMA:
New movie out your partner really wants to see? Why not treat them to the full cinema experience and pay for their ticket and buy them all the snacks and drinks they want!
Top Tip: Try Odeon for £4 cinema tickets all day, every day for all ages!

Why not check out La La Land?

A SPA DAY:
There is quite possibly nothing more relaxing than a spa day – treat you and your partner to a day of relaxation at a local spa which you we took the liberty of finding a list of here.


AN EVENING AT THEIR SERVICE:
Want to treat your loved one to an evening of pampering but cannot quite afford a spa day? No problem – be your own spa! This is an easy date to do from the comfort of home, simply be your partner’s personal serviceman/woman for the day or evening! Anything they want or need is your responsibility. This includes all the cooking, cleaning and drinks-delivery (the wine will not top up itself, you know!).



FOR SOMEONE YOU ARE TRYING TO WIN OVER: KARAOKE
What is more embarrassing than karaoke? Pretty much nothing. However, it does serve well for one thing and that is eliminating awkwardness! If you are trying to bag yourself a relationship with a certain someone this Valentines, a round at the local karaoke is going to show your carefree nature and ability to laugh at yourself better than anything and you might even find you have more fun than fear doing it!



A COOKING CLASS:
Is your partner a total homebody? Want to celebrate V-Day but not from the comfort of your living room? Perhaps an idea that is not too far from home would be to try a cooking class together! Take a look here to find your nearest one in Gloucestershire.


FOR A NEW RELATIONSHIP: A MEAL OUT
Whilst going for drinks again may seem nothing out of the ordinary – and therefore, not V-Day special - cooking may seem a little intimate at this point. Why not settle for a late reservation at a restaurant and that way, you have time to fit in drinks beforehand should you need them for the nerves!
Madia & Matilda loves: FAT TONI’S


The authentic Italian Pizzeria and Bakery are based in both Stroud and Gloucester and have rave reviews. Book and view the website here.

We hope you have a beautiful day whatever you choose to do,

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Wednesday, 8 February 2017

National Pizza Day - FAT TONI'S



We at Madia & Matilda, love an excuse to celebrate something, so today is Proposal Day and tomorrow marks National Pizza Day (which might well be the best day of the year) so we thought we would take the liberty of letting you guys know about our favourite Pizzeria, and what better time than in preparation for National Pizza Day!






Why not celebrate tomorrow with Fat Toni's? The dough-licious Pizzeria is based in both Stroud and Gloucester.





Why we love Fat Toni's: Not only are the pizzas mouth-wateringly good, with a variety of options to choose from for as little as £5 each, but Fat Toni's also cater to alternative diets, such as Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free, which other chains fail to do. They are also passionate about sourcing fresh, ethical and sustainable ingredients for their food, much like we are here at Madia & Matilda with our clothes.





Here, are some clothing styles that go well with pizza! the ultra casual Claudia Skirt,  paired with the Angelica Loose Fitted Top  or for a smarter look the Aisha Tapered Leg Trousers with its relaxed fit, is nice and roomy! Yet the top looks smart tucked in or out.





If you are into dungaree dresses the Eloise Dungaree Dress, is perfect to run into town to pick up that margarita for you and your friends, accompanied with a bottle of vino. 



On a netflix night the Wilma jersey top and the Odette Culottes oozes classic style with no effort just like Bey! 







Check out their website here and read their rave reviews on TripAdvisor.

Have a great National Pizza Day!


Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Tuesday, 7 February 2017

Love your look this Valentines!


Wanting to dress up this Valentines but have no idea what to wear? Take a look at our outfit inspirations and prepare to dazzle your date!




Our first favourite date-night look is our Mel Loose Fit Tunic or Emily Strap Dress with LillyFlo’s Vega Bracelet and VegaLariat Necklace. This dress is warm and minimalist and the jewellery adds a simple glam, making it perfect for a date to the cinema or a meal out.










The second look is channelling our inner vintage! We paired the Elise Linen Top with the Malu Lace Skirt, for a quiet pub date; the Cassie Sheer top with the Aisha Tapered Leg Trousers  is the obvious choice! Add the Astra Lariat necklace, bracelet and you've got a hot date! 
For something a little dressier and if jumpsuits are you thing! We have loads of choice, Poppy JumpsuitErin Playsuit  or Carly Jumpsuit with the Prism Clutch and a killer pair of heels.






Finally, our Talulah Tunic Top, which comes in a variety of colours! Wear it with Jean Slim Cut Trousers paired with chunky statement pieces - such as the Crux necklace & earrings - will let you slay all day and night! Paired with a pair of court shoes or boots to finish off the look.





Still stumped for a gift? It is still not too late to treat a loved one to a Madia and Matilda gift voucher available here.


Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Sunday, 5 February 2017

Valentines Day Gift Guide 2017



Determined to buy your significant other the best V-Day gift ever this year? Or just treat your gal pals to a little gift? No problem! Here at Madia & Matilda we have got you covered for the perfect gift for any lovely lady in your life.


Lola's apothecary spicy rose scented naturally fragrant candle - not only does it look and smell incredible, but it is naturally scented and full of goodness! Looking for something extra check out our Bath Milkgift sets or Chocolates







Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. We all know, Valentine's shouldn’t be for just one day, however v'day is a day that we can show how much we care. The Vega gold star necklace from the Dance Til Dawn Collection from Lily Flo Jewellery





The Zeta Lariat Necklace is the statement jewellery piece that looks flattering on any outfit paired with the Zeta bracelet for a matching look.











When selecting jewellery, we have selected brands that ensure the jewellery you buying from is hand crafted in an ethical responsible manner.



How to Care of Jewellery?

Storing jewellery, when not in use in padded boxes will keep your precious items safe, preventing scratches or damage from sunlight and humidity. Also, a top tip! Avoid contact with harmful chemicals that could cause metal discolouration.

For further details on how to keep you jewellery as we ask the jeweller for guidance on how to keep your piece looking beautiful for decades to come. Aftercare services, or recommend professional cleaners, for more information email curatedbrands@madiamatilda.co.uk or check out this link http://www.responsiblejewellery.com/


To much choice! why not get a voucher for your loved one or treat your friend.





  Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Friday, 3 February 2017

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