Vegan Blueberry Banana Oat Bread

During the first lockdown the world saw everyone become obsessed with banana bread - people were sharing recipes, attempting to cook it at home and posting about it on social media. For lockdown 2.0 we found a slightly different recipe for those of you who did not get to try it out last time or for those who want to cook it again but with a little twist. So if you are looking for a fun activity to do during this lockdown - keep reading!

This banana bread is different from the typical as it is made with oats and blueberries. Oats are nutritious and will fill you up for hours whilst blueberries are known for being one of the best sources for antioxidants!

This particular recipe is also perfect for our vegan readers as it contains no dairy or eggs.

The ingredients you will need are:

• Bananas

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Almond milk (unsweetened)

• Blueberries (fresh or frozen)

• Oats

• Light spelt flour

• Grapeseed oil/light flavored oil/applesauce

• Vanilla extract

• Cinnamon

First you need to mash your bananas by hand - the best way to do so is by using the back of a slotted spoon or fork.

Mix together the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to that the mashed bananas, oil and almond milk. Mix to combine, just until the flour is incorporated - make sure you do not overmix. Then, gently fold in the blueberries.

Pour the batter into a lightly greased loaf pan. Optionally, add a few blueberries strategically to the top and sprinkle a small handful of oats over top.

Place in a preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, rotating once halfway through. The top of your bread should turn golden. If you stick a toothpick in the center it will come out clean.

Once done, let cool for 15 minutes in the pan and then place on a rack to cool completely.

Hope you enjoy!

Recipe from The Simple Veganista: https://simple-veganista.com/vegan-blueberry-banana-oat-bread/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Style Spotlight - The Linda Midi Dress

                                                                The Linda Midi Dress

                                                                  Available in Black and Red 

Linda Midi Dress in black

The Linda Midi Dress is one of our favourites for this season. It is a winter essential, with the viscose material allowing this piece to feel lightweight and quick to slip on, whilst also keeping you warm with the long sleeves and midi length features. This classy style can be worn to any event from an evening meal to a Christmas get-together.  

Linda Midi Dress in red

The Linda Midi Dress is the perfect dress to keep for post-lockdown vibes and also can be adaptable to the current climate, worn for online events during this second lockdown. The dress is available in black and red to serve both these purposes. This piece is timeless with its intricate detail, including a zip-up back which assures its practicality. 

Linda Midi Dress in red

Images from: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Black Friday History

 

Shop Madia and Matilda a black-owned business

                                                              

Black Friday is here. The most popular shopping day of the year, where brands sell their products at discounted prices for customers, encouraging customers to purchase Christmas gifts. A range of retailers participate around the UK. 

However, behind the day of discounts and shopping galore, there is more to Black Friday that meets the eye. There are many speculations on the internet regarding the truth behind this particular day. There have been reports that during the 1800s, Black Friday was a day named by plantation owners, as they bought slaves at discounted prices after the celebration of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving originated from the Harvest Festival, which ended before winter and families would need additional work and required slaves, therefore, these theories are based on a certain element of the truth.

Although these reports are not confirmed and are supposedly labeled as theories as there are no credible sources of evidence. These theories should still make people think about this day twice. It is important to look at Black Friday as more than a millennial shopping day, reflecting and looking back on history is something we as a brand encourage.

The Black Lives Matter movement holds huge importance to our brand. We are a proud black-owned business, in full support of equality. Through our brand we hope to bring love and support in a time of isolation amongst the country. Therefore, it is key to look into the history of days such as Black Friday, ensuring that we continue to educate ourselves and our peers about Black History in the recent light of the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Images from: https://pixabay.com/images/search/black%20lives%20matter/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Christmas Gift Shopping

 

Due to the current lockdown situation, most shops are currently shut and who knows what will be open in time for Christmas. Sadly, having a festive browse in the popular retail outlet stores of London and the famous Christmas markets that bring us that Christmas cheer, is not currently an option. Therefore, turning to online shopping has become the new normal of 2020. Now, this will also apply to Christmas this year.

There are plenty of online shops for your Christmas gift inspiration, from clothing to personalised gifts. Madia & Matilda are operating online and ready for any of your orders, whether it is a Christmas gift for a loved one or a well deserved treat for yourself. Christmas shopping can still be made fun when browsing our online store with plenty of unique ideas for your wish list this year. 

It is also important to note that you can shop locally to keep small businesses running in your area. Usually, you can find small local businesses on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram, where you can purchase anything from personalised cakes and bakes to wall hangings for your home. Be sure to check your local area, contributing to these businesses over Christmas will help those families. We can all stay in this together by shopping online and locally! 

Images from: https://pixabay.com/photos/christmas-shopping-shopping-cart-1088248/

 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Foodie - Vegan Chicken Noodles Soup

 Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for winter

(via @cleaneatswithcleo)

Ingredients⁣

1 tbsp olive oil ⁣

1 large yellow or white onion, chopped ⁣

4-5 large carrots, peeled and cut into coins ⁣

4-5 celery stalks, sliced ⁣

2 garlic cloves, minced ⁣

1 tsp fresh thyme (dried works too)⁣

1 tsp salt ⁣

1/2 tsp black pepper ⁣

1 15-oz can of chickpeas 

10 cups vegetable broth ⁣- you can add more to achieve desired consistency! 

8 - 8.8 oz of noodles, I used @barillauschickpea rotini ⁣

Fresh dill for serving (or parsley!) ⁣

⁣

Heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add onions, carrots, celery and cook until softened.

 Add the garlic and thyme, salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.⁣

Add vegetable broth and bring mixture to a boil. Add the chickpeas or chicken and pasta, reduce to a simmer and cover for 15 minutes. ⁣

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

How To Turn Your Lockdown Walks More Fun

During lockdown the comfort of your home might start to feel a bit confining and your everyday walk too monotonous. Lucky for you, we have a couple of ideas to help make your daily stroll more exciting!

Image from: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/1346992-how-to-make-good-conversations-a-walk-in-the-park 

1. Have a chat with your loved ones. Maybe suggest your mom, dad, sibling or friend also go for a quick hike and give you a call. That way it feels almost as if you are walking together! It is also a good way to check in on how they are doing. Talking through your emotions and thoughts can help a lot with the stress you might feel during the lockdown.

2. Try out photography! It doesn't matter whether you think of yourself as a good photographer or not - this is the time to practice. You can just use your smartphone and look out for interesting things to capture during your walk.

3. Make up lyrics - keep your mind busy by making up new lyrics for a tune you like or even try to write a poem in your head.

4. Listen to podcasts. There are tons of podcasts and audiobooks on the internet that will definitely make your walk more interesting.

5. Play counting games. Take in your surroundings by counting things like how many types of dogs, flowers or shoes you see on the way.

   

Remember, walking is one of the best ways to both reduce anxiety and keep yourself active. We hope this list will help you to do so!

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 

Christmas Waste Report & How To Do Your Part

Christmas is one of the most awaited times of the year, especially because of the food and presents that come with it

Image from The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/news/consumer/christmas-shows-our-approach-to-climate-change-is-crackers-1.4089553 

Sitting down with your loved ones and celebrating - it all seems picture perfect. However, there is a side to this beloved holiday that is nothing but the opposite of perfect. As The Sunday Post reports: “We throw away a shocking amount, from six million Christmas trees to over 227,000 miles of wrapping paper. Our crimes against festive food are even worse. We chuck out approximately two million turkeys, 74 million mince pies and 17.2 million Brussel sprouts.” 

Image from GPT The Waste Solution https://gptwaste.com/6-facts-you-didnt-know-about-christmas-waste/

This kind of wastage takes a huge toll on our planet! Thankfully, there are ways for us to be more sustainable. Here are some ideas:

1. Organise your food! Don't throw out the leftovers but try to think of ways to use them in your cooking the days following Christmas or if you have bought too much food you can always do a good deed and donate it to your local shelter.

   
   

   
   

2. Gift activities or experiences rather than material things - your present will be much more worthwhile and make a memory rather than going unused and 

eventually getting thrown away if the recipient ends up not liking it.

3. Buy presents from sustainable brands. For example, gift your loved one something from Madia & Matilda!

   
   

   
   

Knitted hat from Madia & Matilda

https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Darcey-Knitted-Bobble-Hat-p125103478 

4. Use recycled wrapping paper!

Recycled wrapping paper from Ethical Superstore

https://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/natural-collection-select/recycled-wrapping-paper---tags---folk-robin-print---pack-of-4/ 

5. Instead of buying a Christmas tree, rent it instead.

6. Try sending Ecards or a festive video instead of a Christmas card, you could even send it with a M&M gift Voucher https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/GIFT-VOUCHER-c14721567

   
   

   
   

Ecard from CrossCards

https://www.crosscards.com/cards/postcards/merry-christmas-bird.html

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Style Spotlight - The Kirsty Top

                                                               

Our latest must-have for this season, the Kirsty top. Features a polo neck, with long- sleeves, made from ruched soft jersey fabric. A fitted, versatile, and comfortable style which creates an effortless look suitable for everyday wear. This look can be tucked in or out and paired with jeans or a skirt. The Kirsty top is a classic and essential piece to add to your winter wardrobe. Also available in Black, White and Red 

           

Kirsty top in black

The Kirsty top is a perfect staple piece for this season, fitting into the stay at home lifestyle during the winter lockdown. This piece is warm and cosy, ideal for working from home in online meetings. You can also wear this piece in a dressed-up fashion once the lockdown is over. 

Kirsty top in black

Images from: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk

                                                              

       

                                                               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