Climate Concerns

Global Climate Change Week

Global Climate Change Week is coming up folks— it begins on October 9th! In light of this, we thought we'd take the opportunity to share some info about the climate. 

Alaska, the home of these bears, is being hit pretty hard by the effects of global warming

So what is going on with climate change today? 

Good question. Whether you believe in it or don't, or just aren't sure who to believe, here's the lowdown.

The Technical Stuff

Earth's climate has always fluctuated, since before the dinosaurs were hanging out with us, but the biggest human-made change in climate in the UK was during the Industrial Revolution, which began in the 1700s. This marked the point when industries began to use fossil fuels to replace renewable fuels such as wood or water. In the mid-1800s scientists discovered just how effective gases like CO₂ are at trapping heat— and began to realise how much was released into the atmosphere as a result of the Industrial Revolution.

It's interesting to note how much the industrialisation of the Western world relied on fossil fuels, and the consequences of this. Many people are still only just realising the impact of everyday actions on the climate.

According to NASA, the evidence of our changing climate can be found in 'ice cores', which are "cylinders of ice drilled out of an ice sheet or glacier", in Greenland and Antarctica. Ancient tree rings and layers of sedimentary rock can also provide evidence for significant climate change. This evidence shows that global warming is increasing at the rate of—brace yourselves—ten times the average rate of global warming, measured against millions of years of atmospheric changes on Earth. Scary, huh? For a thorough, reliable and eye-opening source on climate change, click here.

A joint statement issued by 11 international science academies in 2005 summarises: "The evidence [for climate change] comes from direct measurements of rising surface air temperatures and subsurface ocean temperatures and from phenomena such as increases in average global sea levels, retreating glaciers, and changes to many physical and biological systems". However: before things start to feel depressing, let's take a look at the future... #crystalball

A graph showing carbon dioxide levels over 400 000 years

Coping with Climate Change

NASA reckons the 'solution' to climate change (yes! There is one!) has 2 main parts: mitigation, or reducing the amounts of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere; and adaptation, or how we can adapt ourselves to our changing climate, including what it might be like in 200 years.

There are some really inspirational stories of cities which have taken climate concerns into their own hands: Samsø, a Danish island, "achieved carbon neutrality" in about 5 years in the late '90s through eschewing fossil fuels and replacing them with clean, renewable energy sources such as wind turbines. Amazingly, these turbines were funded by the inhabitants of Samsø themselves! How about that?

You may have heard of the Paris Agreement— this is a large part of the United Nations' current work on climate change awareness and action, on an international scale. According to its website, the UN declares that the Paris Agreement "brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries to do so". Exciting, no? It might seem on a small scale as if agreements like this are not doing enough to combat the effects of climate change, but it's really a huge step in the right direction. It means that climate change is finally an issue of international importance. More on the Paris Agreement and the UN here.

How can you help? 

Educate yourself! (This blog's a great place to start, we say). Leonardo DiCaprio has set up his own foundation, the LDF (Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation) which is "dedicated to the long-term health and wellbeing of all Earth's inhabitants". The LDF website is full of great info on climate change, vulnerable marine life and landscapes, plus much more. Check it out here. 

For a closer-to-home company focused on clean energy production, look no further than Ecotricity, founded by Stroud's very own Dale Vince. They are pioneers for a cleaner, more effective and eco-friendly source of energy. Ecotricity are contributing to local economy and sustainability in a fantastic way. So there you have it: a provider of clean, green energy so you can binge Netflix guilt-free! More about Ecotricity here.

You could also... Buy all your clothes from Madia & Matilda! Yes, this really is a solution. Supporting small local businesses is important as it boosts local economy and morale. As to our business, it is founded with ethical and ecological concerns at heart. We upcycle materials and breathe new life into pre-loved garments, meaning that our carbon footprint is as small as possible.

Altering your diet to include less meat could also significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Cows and sheep are famously good producers of methane, a hefty greenhouse gas. There are many other arguments surrounding the production of meat, focussing on the ethics/lack of in the meat industry— but let's save that for another day (don't think you're off the hook, steak lovers: more on this another time!)

Interestingly, shelling out for an electric car won't result in a cut to your carbon emissions as effectively as maintaining and using your old car properly will (at least according to the Guardian). If looked after, cars will go and go, unless you're one of those people who loves to drive through Scottish lochs in your holidays.

For loads more ways to reduce your own carbon footprint, look at this cool article by The Guardian, or do your own research! There are SO MANY ways to do your bit. (Please share your findings with us if you hit anything super good!) +Madia & Matilda follow us on Instagram or twitter.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

#Foodie - Sushi Making Ideas

Homemade Vegan Sushi Rolls are a healthy and economical way to enjoy sushi, using vegetables instead of seafood. These amazing recipes produce the an incredible taste, and at a fraction of the cost of seafood sushi. Give it a go, we dare you!

Basic Sushi Recipe

You will need:

Nori sheets (made from dried seaweed)

2 cups white rice (medium grain)

120ml water

3 Tbsp rice vinegar

3 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp mirin

2 tsp salt

1 cucumber, cut into strips

1 red bell pepper, cut into strips

1 carrot, shredded

1 avocado, cut into strips

Soy Sauce for dipping

Thai Sweet Chile Sauce for dipping

Toasted sesame seeds, to garnish

Method

• Thoroughly rinse rice until water runs clear
• Cook rice according to packet instructions
• Let rice cool completely, and transfer to a non-metallic bowl
• Mix vinegar, sugar and salt until dissolved and pour into rice
• Gently mix rice to incorporate seasoning
• Prepare veggies by cutting them into strips
• De-seed cucumber
• With rough side of the nori sheet facing up, spread the rice to a thickness of about 1/2 an inch. Leave the top 1" off the Nori sheet bare
• Layer veggies on the bottom of the Nori sheet. Then, with a mat or towel, carefully roll up the sheet so all the veggies are rolled up firmly inside
• Slice with a wet knife
• Season with sesame seeds, if you desire
• Use soy sauce or sweet chilli for dipping

Makes approximately 24 rolls

Avocado & Mango Brown Rice Sushi

Serves 4

You will need:

for the rice:

• 1 cup short grain brown rice, rinsed well
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

for the rolls:

• 1 cucumber, sliced into long strips
• 1 ripe mango, sliced into vertical strips
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ⅓ cup micro greens, optional
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, optional
• 4 nori sheets

serve with:

• tamari or ponzu sauce

Instructions

1. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker and cook on the brown rice setting. If you don’t have a rice cooker, combine the rice, water and 1 teaspoon of olive oil and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove the rice from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 more minutes. Fluff with a fork.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to allow the sugar to dissolve.
3. Prep the filling ingredients for the rolls and set aside.
4. Transfer the rice to a large bowl and pour in the vinegar mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold in the rice until the mixture is fully incorporated. The rice will start to look glossy. (Traditionally, you fan it to cool it while doing this)
5. Place a small bowl of water and a kitchen towel near your work area as your hands will get sticky. Place one nori sheet, glossy side down, onto a bamboo mat and press a handful of rice onto the lower two-thirds of the sheet. At the bottom of the rice place your toppings (see picture). Don’t overfill or it will be more difficult to roll. Use the bamboo mat to tuck and roll the nori. Once rolled, use the bamboo mat to gently press and shape the roll. Place the roll to the side, cut side down. Repeat with remaining rolls.
6. Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut the sushi. Wipe the knife clean with a damp towel between cuts.
7. Serve immediately with tamari or ponzu sauce and coconut peanut sauce, if using.

This recipe is from a lovely blog called Love and Lemons: https://www.loveandlemons.com/

Sincerely, Madia & Matilda

Cheltenham

It's the home of world-famous horse racing tracks, a well-established Fashion Week, a superb Fashion Academy, and the Food and Drink Festival. There is just so much to do in Cheltenham, and it doesn't stop there! Cheltenham Literature Festival is opening soon and will be running from the 6th to the 15th of October. Cheltenham has something for everyone, whether you're a foodie, a book lover, a trendsetter, or a mixture of all three.

http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature/

Madia & Matilda visit Cheltenham often enough to be able to confidently recommend some great spots, for example Huffkins, a contemporary "Bakery and Tearoom" with a relaxed atmosphere. Another place well worth a visit would be All Bar One, a tasteful pre-drinks venue also offering delicious bites to eat.

Cavendish House for a spot of retail therapy. 

For anybody into sewing, Cheltenham’s World of Fabrics is an Aladdin's cave of sartorial possibility.

World Of Fabrics, 28 Albion Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 2LP, United Kingdom

Wholefoods is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds on the Gallagher Retail Park, this store offers a vast range of high quality natural foods, as well as beauty and health products

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/cheltenham

http://www.bostonteaparty.co.uk/

Great scenic views, a thriving shopping centre, the lido and some of the most tasteful restaurants and cafes and also only a stones throw away from Madia & Matilda.  http://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

 Sincerely Madia & Matilda

New In This Autumn  

Pick up some seasonal style staples and accessories for this Bank Holiday 

Whether you're chasing the sunset, celebrating with friends at a festival, or planning a sunny getaway, we've got a few style ideas and destinations... 

This stunning rose gold bar necklace was hand-crafted by artisan jewellery-making company Lily Flo. The contemporary design makes the necklace perfect for any occasion, from day events to evening events. In a nutshell, this is your Bank Holiday statement piece!

If you've never been to Three Cliffs Bay, don't leave it any longer! This glorious, tucked away beach is a delightful combo of the rugged Welsh coast and a golden stretch of sunny sand (if you catch it in good weather). Pack a picnic, prosecco, a few dogs and a wetsuit, and enjoy a Bank Holiday treat. 

  Sincerely, Madia & Matilda

Home - Ed Sewing Classes

#Foodie - Veggie Noodles With Tomato-basil sauce

We all love a home cooked pasta dish, therefore with our new inspired meal ideas Madia & Matilda have prepared a dish we can all enjoy. 

Ingredients

1/2 tbsp (7 ml) olive oil

4   garlic cloves, pressed 
1 onion chopped up 

2 pkg (10.5 oz/595 g each) grape or cherry tomatoes

1 cup (250 ml) unsalted vegetable stock, chicken stock or chicken broth

1   large aubergine (eggplant for our American friends) , unpeeled

2 medium courgette

2 medium yellow squash

3/4 oz (20 g) fresh basil leaves, snipped

1/2 tsp (2 ml) each salt and black pepper

Directions:

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat for 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Add pressed garlic and chopped onion; cook for about 30 seconds. 

Add tomatoes and chicken stock. Cover; bring to a boil over a high heat.  

Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 6-8 minutes or until tomatoes burst. Gently squeeze any whole tomatoes with Tongs. Using grater or veggitable stripper grate vegetables into long strips, avoiding seeds. Stir vegetables into tomato mixture. Cook, uncovered, 3-6 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally. Finally stir in basil, salt and pepper. 

You will make enough, for 6 servings, enjoy.

Tips:

For variety, stir in any of the following in Step 4. 
• Fresh baby spinach • Cannellini beans or for our non vegan friends - Diced cooked chicken, Italian sausage.


                     Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Shop Unique - Brands Feature - Lily Flo Jewellery

Madia & Matilda curated selection of brands, SHop UNique features our independent designers and brand who share our passion and ethos for ethical fashion, jewellery and products. We interviewed Diana Sherling founder & designer of Lily Flo Jewellery 

1. Can you tell us a little more about the brand?

I grew up in a family who loved art and travel, but it was the art of the Ancient worlds of Greece and Rome that really captured my heart and soul all through school and university culminating in lecturing at the British Museum. Much of my aesthetic is inspired by the art of the ancient world. However, it was my career in luxury advertising as a global strategist for some of the worlds largest advertising agencies that helped shape my sense of style and fashion. I believe in the power of great style, in contemporary twists on timeless style, and how jewellery is essential to finish a modern and elegant wardrobe. I started Lily Flo Jewellery in 2015, frustrated that I couldn’t find the jewellery I desired, ignited my passion for designing and making, learning traditional jewellery skills with a modern take

2.How do you make your jewellery?

Passionate as much about design as much as craft, I learnt metal smithing and gemstone setting at the University of Arts London, but I designs from the heart and everything is made in my studio in London. I love to experiment, curious about creating new shapes and designs through my love of mixing traditional techniques with the innovation of creating new shapes. I have always had a passion for colour, and often select the colour palette first before choosing the gemstones. When I do, I am particularly drawn to the symbolic and empowering nature of gemstones, often playing with the contrasts of rough and finessed, precious and industrial. All the jewellery is made in our studio in London. We believes in authenticity and honesty throughout the supply chain, materials and working practices and be ensuring that everything is made under her meticulous eye.

3.What is the jewellery made from? Components?

Why did you choose this material? Our fine jewellery uses Eco Gold and Silver sourced from the best in Hatton Garden, the Diamond Jewellery centre of London. Eco Gold and Silver is high quality recycled gold and silver without human or environmental impact. Its the most green you can get. We source our gemstones and diamonds directly from India, where every stone is cut and faceted by hand from rough, using contemporary cuts. They are sourced from small businesses who we have personal, long term and trusting relationships with us to not only does ensure quality, but we feel passionately about businesses helping each other. Whilst gemstones are responsibly sourced and our diamonds are sourced through suppliers that adhere to the Kimberley Process and the World Diamond Council's System of Warranties, preventing the distribution of conflict diamonds both in rough, cut and polished stones.

4.What inspires you?

I often visit galleries and museums in London and around the world. I love ancient and modern art milling through the British Museum or the V&A, fine portraiture of Klimt and Rembrandt as well as weird sculptures at the Serpentine and lighting installations. I love colour, texture and form, but art that is imbedded in culture and has something to say. I read a lot of biographies and autobiograhies of artists and designers, fascinated as much about Georgia O’Keefe as Tracey Emin, Diane von Furstenberg and Coco Chanel. I am currently reading Vidal Sassoons Biography which is fascinating.

5.Where do you make the product and what does sustainability or making a quality British product mean to you?

Everything is made in our studio in London. I design everything and make everything as far as possible using traditional silver and goldsmithing techniques. Sustainable and responsible production is at the very heart of the brand and the ethos of why I made the brand into what it is today. I see many other British jewellery brands either outsource the manufacture abroad often to China and Thailand where large factories make the pieces at the lowest price, faceless workers, unsure conditions, all for the lowest possible retail price. It just didn’t feel ethical, honest, right for me. I wanted to create a brand that is ethical, credible, pure, loved for the designs as much as the people who make them. Passionate about more than just the product, but people and the environment. A brand that can live and evolve and I felt the only way to do this was to be true and have a long term view of every part of the design and creation process. For me that means made in London. It means using ethical and responsible materials, metals and gemstones as far as I possibly can. Our metals come from Hatton Garden to ensure quality. It means reusing and limiting the waste of the actual making and supporting small businesses through packaging, retouching everything. I am a born and bred Londoner. I have lived and worked in London my whole life. I love London and never tire of it. So being a British Designer is very important to me and I aspire to represent British as a top British Jeweller one day.

6.Where you would you wear your jewellery?

I specifically design jewellery that can be ageless, timeless, occasion-less. It is designed to wear all the time to feel strong...personal symbols of independence and freedom. ‘I bought this for myself, I wear it because I earned it, it makes me happy..’

7.Favourite place to relax?

I love being by the water… ideally the sea, on a boat swimming.. I’m a massive gym bunny and love jogging in Hampstead Heath..

8. In the future what styles do you plan to make next?

I’m working on extending my fine jewellery collections, for the International Jewellery Show in London in September 2017. Named Stardust it will feature droplets of multi coloured Sapphires, Tourmalines and Diamonds in delicate and dainty shapes, like waterfall chandelier earrings, multi-layered necklaces and bracelets, soft to wear, falling on the contours of the body, smooth and delicate.

9. What do you think about sustainability and how does it impact your business?

I have built my business around being sustainable and responsible. It’s very much a conscious decision to build it to be ethical from the ground up. It’s easier to do it this way than have a business and then change as much as possible to be ethical and responsible. It’s part of everything who we are and what we do. We are all about being good, honest and responsible from the products we make, the partners we choose to sell with, our suppliers and our customers. We believe that there is a massive trend in consumer’s behaviour to be better educated and more knowledgeable about who, what and how products are made. So although they are little treats and beautiful pieces that uplift and simply make women happy, it is genuinely a vital part that they can feel reassured and comfortable that they were made honourably too.

10. What do you like about collaborating with Madia & Matilda?

There aren’t many retailers that genuinely put sustainability and responsibility at the heart of the business. Without a question, great product comes first. Beautiful fabrics, exceptional cut and shapes, insightful and inspiring colours and fabrics, but heart and soul means a great deal. Shalize created her business with that at the heart, she is a great designer.. Yet she has given herself the added challenge of making her products sustainable. We know there is a great deal of wastage and fast fashion has helped augment the issues of sustainability, but Shalize has quietly and confidently addressed them from within and produces on trend, key essential pieces, well priced with a soul.

To shop now, you can find Lily Flo on our Shop Unique selection or under accessories on madiamatilda.co.uk or in-store in our boutique.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Good Read

Madia & Matilda’s spotlight book- ‘The Curated Closet: Discover Your Personal Style and Build Your Dream Wardrobe’ by Anuscka Rees

Think spring cleaning should be left until actual spring? Think again! It’s always the right time to de-clutter, change your diet or pick up that new hobby that you’ve wanted to explore.

There’s a consciousness here at Madia & Matilda about reducing waste; finding innovative ways to use up even the tiniest swatch of fabric. This way of thinking does mean that we have to be clever about how we store and work with materials. For most, this mentality is prevalent in our personal lives too. As a consumer, this book brings focus to how we approach fashion and in particular, waste form day to day.

Read between the lines with this lovely book. As seen with our curated brands Alphabet necklace.

It’s interesting to read the similarities in both our ethos and that of the book. We aim to create timeless pieces that you can fall in love with and can wear for a long time;there’s an emphasis in the book on buying fewer clothes that you feel excited about wearing, rather than a lot of clothes because they’re on sale or in fashion. 

If reading is your bag, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is taking place on 12-28^th August. This Hettie ‘Ella’ bag is perfect for the odd book and your daily essentials if you’re going to take part.

In favour of a lighter touch of reading, we suggest browsing the twitter feed of Ethical Hour. Have a look if you want to get more involved with sustainable brands.

With a good book or some headphones in, either way you could cosy up with our new pillows, made with upcycled fabric. A worthwhile read on a quite afternoon. 

                         

                  Sincerely Madia & Matilda

#Foodie - Pea Soup

Why not choose a creamy pea soup for a delicious autumn dinner to keep you going in the middle of the week

Ingredient:

Creme fraiche (optional)

Butter

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion or spring, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley

6 cups peas, fresh or frozen

½ cup water

4 cups vegetable stock

½ cup half-and-half (optional)

½ teaspoon salt

Freshly ground pepper to taste

You will need:

Pan, a hand held Blender, Spoon

Directions:

Heat butter and oil over medium heat until the butter melts in pan. Add onion and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and thyme (or parsley); cook, stirring, until fragrant, for about 10 seconds.

Stir in peas. Add in water and the stock; bring to a lively simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook for about 1 minute.

Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Stir in half-and-half, add in salt and pepper.

Finally add in Creme fraiche (Leave out if Vegan)

Tip:

Ready  to eat in 35 m, with 3 servings, you can also make ahead of time; refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

  

Sincerely Madia & Matilda