Plastic-Free Tips & Tricks

Plastic-Free Tips & Tricks

We’re dreaming of a green Christmas…

Christmas is one of those holidays where there is plenty of excess and wastage. From gift wrap and decorations to party plates and cutlery. Our aim this Christmas is to help you celebrate in the most sustainable way possible.

Sustainable Decorations

Making your own Christmas decorations is not only a great family activity but it could also save you money as well as the planet. We’ve got two easy DIY Christmas decorations for you to try out!

Whether you’re changing the colour scheme of your tree or just looking to add some sparkle, why not update your existing Christmas baubles this year?
A simple way to spruce up your decorations is to add some glitter. You can either paint the entire bauble and dip it in glitter. Use gold, silver, red or green glitter or any colour that matches your theme. Alternatively, you could go for a more subtle approach by painting the glue in a festive shape. From snowflakes and stars to trees and phrases – this DIY works with any pattern or shape and brings the sparkle back to your decorations again.

If you want to create something interesting and unique to your Christmas tree this year, why not try making these cute felt ornaments?

For this DIY you will need:A sewing needle
Coloured felt
Matching thread
A ribbon to hang the decoration with
A pair of scissors
A few pins

To begin making this craft you’ll need to make yourself a template of the design you want to create, or you can find one online. Start by cutting out the template pieces and laying them on top of the felt, making sure to cut out your pieces in the correct colours. Next Cut your ribbon to around 12cm long. Once, you have all of your pieces cut out you can assemble what your ornament will looks like by layering your pieces to form the design. Sandwich the ribbon in between two pieces of felt to create the loop for hanging. Attach the ribbon, in a loop, to the inside of one of your pieces with a few stitches. Now Sew along the edges of each pieces of felt to attach them all together, making sure to use corresponding coloured thread. To make the ornament double sided – make a copy of the pieces you made earlier and sew both designs back to back. Then, you’re all done and ready to decorate your tree!

If you want to follow a pictorial to help you make these ornaments, we found this great one by Laura Howard – click here to read it.

Plastic-free Wrapping Paper

Sadly, most wrapping papers cannot be recycled because of the printed pattern on them so this year we have found some eco-friendly, sustainable wrapping paper to ensure your Christmas is as sustainable as possible. 

1. Hobby craft sells eco wrapping paper for just £3.00 a roll. Printed on eco brown paper these rolls of wrapping paper are much more easily recycled than most paper. Order online or check in your local store to see what they have in stock.
   Click here to shop.
2. Re-wrapped is a fantastic eco-friendly business, it was “founded in 2011 and specialises in designing and producing a range of top-quality wrapping paper and other products, made solely from 100% recycled paper.”
   Click here to shop.
3. Happywrap specialises in reusable fabric gift wrap. The perfect way to wrap your eco-friendly gifts this Christmas to minimise your waste. Shop a variety of sizes in different pattern and colours and keep them to wrap presents again and again.
   Click here to shop.

Sustainable Crackers

Christmas crackers can contain a lot of plastic and aren’t always recyclable. As one of the most essential parts of any festive celebration, we thought we’d show you how to make this Christmas tradition as sustainable as possible.

If you haven’t got time to make your own or just don’t want the fuss of finding gifts and jokes to go inside, we’ve found some crackers you can buy in supermarkets and high street shops that have little waste.

1. Our first shop bought crackers are from Hotel Chocolat. Each mini cracker has a gourmet chocolate hiding inside and even has space on the outside for writing your guests names on. We can’t be 100% sure that the card cracker is recyclable (make sure you check the label before buying!) but they certainly have less waste than a regular cracker with all of the plastic gifts inside.
   Click here to buy.
2. The second option we have found for you is reusable crackers. Keep This Cracker, run by Bea Thackeray, is a sustainable way to celebrate Christmas whilst also reducing your waste too. These crackers come flat packed for you to fill with personalised gifts for all the family – to reuse them next year simply replace the ‘snap’ and they're ready for festive fun all over again. Better still, the packaging they are shipped in is 100% recyclable too.
   Click here to buy.

Bulk Buying

If you have a large family or lots of friends to celebrate with this Christmas, why reduce your waste and shop more sustainably whilst also saving yourself some pennies. Buy in bulk can be an excellent way of stocking up for Christmas, whether you buy food, gifts or decorations, wholesales can be great value for money as well as eco-friendly by saving on the individual wrapping.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite wholesales for this Christmas.

1. In recent years, there has been a rise in supporting small businesses so why not bulk buy from a small brand? We love Etsy for this as it supports a number of small brands, most of which are sustainable or eco-friendly too. This is a great way of buying lots of gifts and getting your Christmas shopping done in record time!
   Click here to explore Etsy bulk buying.
2. If you’re looking for Christmas cards this year look no further than Tree Free greetings. They stock a wide range of greeting cards as well as gifts including drinkware, stationery, magnets, playing cards and much more. Great for bulk buying eco greetings cards as well as small gifts that are perfect for your reusable crackers!
   Click here to shop.
   Shop their sister brand for more Christmas gifts for all the family! http://www.somdiff.com/
3. If you're looking for gifts to fill your Christmas crackers or stocking fillers Shared Earth has you covered. Offering a wide range of recycled gifts, including ranges made with recycled crayons, bike chains, circuit boards, tyres, glass, metal & many other creatively recycled products.
   Click here to shop.
4. Wrapping presents can be difficult and although gift boxes are pretty and useful, they're not always sustainable. We’ve found a brand who solves this problem – Fold-A-Box. Their flatpack boxes are beautiful and made with a natural Kraft finish – perfect for all your present wrapping problems this Christmas!
   Click here to shop.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Things to do - December

Things to do this December

Looking for something to do this December? Madia & Matilda's got you covered.

From Christmas fairs and museums, to light switch-ons. There's so much to do this December across the UK.

Winter wonderland, Hyde Park

If you're anywhere near London this festive season why not visit Winter Wonderland. This free-to-enter family event features a host of festive fun, including Winter Wonderland ice skating, circus shows, a Ferris wheel and an amazing Christmas market. Perfect for family days, date night or an evening with friends, this is one way to spend your December days.


For more information click here.

  

Worcester's Victorian Christmas Fayre

Established in 1992, the Fayre may have grown a lot in the last 26 years, but it has stayed true to its traditional roots with plenty of Victorian themed characters and treats, and a fantastic festive atmosphere. If you're in Worcestershire this winter, why not treat the family to a fun day out at this traditional Victorian market


For more information click here.

Brighton & Hove Burning of the clocks winter solstice celebration

Burning the Clocks is a unique community event, held on the 21st of December, that brings the whole city together to mark the shortest day of the year - the winter solstice. Local people create beautiful paper and willow lanterns which are paraded through the city as part of the celebrations. With around 2,000 people taking part, the lantern procession creates a magical festive atmosphere across Brighton & Hove.

For more information click here.

Bournemouth Christmas Garden of Lights

If you are near Bournemouth this winter why not stop by the Garden of Lights. Twinkling lights and beautiful alpine stores are the perfect backdrop for festive winter shopping, and ice skating adds a little adventure to the mix. Interactive light pods weave throughout the historic gardens, with sound and even a time machine to captivate and amuse everyone. A perfect family day out or evening with friends to enjoy the Christmas lights this festive season.

For more information click here.

Christmas Eve with Charles Dickens, Holborn 

Each year, the Charles Dickens Museum presents a unique and enchanting glimpse into the festive season as celebrated by the great Victorian author, Charles Dickens. The historic interiors are transformed into a true embodiment of Christmas Past and is a wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve - reliving one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time.


For more information click here.

Dartington Wonderland 

For those of you in the south of England, Dartington is a wonderful place to visit this winter. This Wonderland is the perfect place to stop, eat, drink, shop, play, make, dance, sing, listen and enjoy. Discover over 40 of the best makers in the south, in one of the most renowned arts and crafts towns. A fantastic festive evening for all the family featuring the Romany band, Nordic and Baltic choir, Santa Frau, Kids Create Workshops and the tiniest Gin Palace in the World.


For more information click here.










Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Christmas Gift Guide 2018

Christmas Gift Guide

Still in need of Christmas gift inspiration? 

The Madia & Matilda gift guide is brimming with ideas for your loved ones this festive season, we hope that we can inspire you to celebrate a sustainable Christmas this year!

For the fashion conscious:

1. Victoria Jacket

Our Victoria jacket is the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas. This soft tweed blazer is an ideal item for smartening up any outfit and suitable for any time of year – from chilly summer evenings to autumn/winter layering. Click here to buy.

2. Anabel Top

Why not treat someone to this super soft jersey top this festive season. Featuring a round neckline and flared sleeves, you can choose from grey, pink or blue stripes so you’re sure to find the perfect match for that special someone. Click here to buy.

3. Jungle Dress

Give someone the gift of a New Years party outfit this Christmas. This one shoulder chiffon dress is the perfect forest green number for any party this season. Click here to buy.

4. Rae Jacket

Ideal for layering up on chillier days or adding some glamour to an everyday outfit – Our silver Rae jacket features delicate flower embellishment and is the perfect gift this Christmas. Click here to buy.

5. Raphielle Top

Why not gift a friend or family member our gorgeous Raphielle strap top this winter? Featuring a contrast velvet panel and satin body, this top is sure to stun at any festive party this season. Click here to buy.

6. Bobble Hat

Whether you’re shopping for you mum, wife, sister, aunt, daughter, friend or college this Christmas, we’ve got you covered with our range of bobble hats. With a choice of two different designs and six colours you’re sure to find the perfect match for your loved one this winter. Click here to buy.

7. Hettie Bags

Treat someone special to our range of Hettie bags this Christmas. Whether you’re looking for a handbag, clutch or cosmetics bag look no further than Madia & Matilda – we’ve got a selection of gorgeous bags in various colours to make gift buying simple this year. Click here to buy.

For the stationery obsessed:

1. Washi Tape

Whether your buying washi tape to decorate your gifts and Christmas cards this year or buying it for a stationery obsessed friend, it’s a great gift. Choose from our selection of metallic or festive themed tapes to make the perfect stationery gift box this Christmas. Click here to buy.

2. Pencil Case

Know someone who needs to get organised? Why not help them out with our sustainable pencil case? Made from a rose-coloured cotton with a polka dot print, this will make the perfect gift for any age. Great for using at work, school or just tidying up your desk at home. Click here to buy.

4. Cards

Our beautiful range of handmade scrabble letter cards make the perfect for someone who loves giving. With a range of birthday, Valentines and Christmas cards to choose from, send these cards alongside your gifts or treat a stationery lover this Christmas. Click here to buy.

5. Paper Clips

Perfect for any stationery enthusiast, these gold and copper paper clips are sure to add some glamour to boring paperwork. If gold and copper aren’t to your liking, we also stock silver scissor clips. These quirky hashtag clips make a perfect gift alongside any of our other stationery items. Click here to buy.

6. Pocket Mirror

Not necessarily an item of stationery but perfect for those who love collecting small items. Ideal for touch-ups on the go, this metal mirror features a tropical leaf print. Why not gift our pocket mirror alongside some of her favourite makeup items for a super sweet Christmas present? Click here to buy.

For the homeware lovers:

1. Coasters

Know someone who loves a classy cocktail or can’t be without a cuppa? Why not treat them to our stylish coasters, choose from dipped concrete or hammered rose gold for a practical yet chic gift. Click here to buy.

2. Trio of Succulents

It’s no lie, everyone loves house plants and succulents. Placed on shelves or a windowsill or as the table centrepiece, why not treat your special someone to our trio of succulents this Christmas. Click here to buy.

3. Hexagonal Wall Mirror

Part of our new Madia & Matilda home range made in the UK, this gorgeous rose gold hexagonal wall mirror is perfect for decorating any wall in the house. Gift your friends or family to this simple elegant mirror this Christmas. Click here to buy.

4. Hoogly Tea

Everyone knows a tea lover, so why not treat them to our range of Hoogly teas. Whether they like their tea green, black or white, or they like trying more adventurous flavours like liquorice and lavender you’re sure to find the perfect gift at Madia & Matilda. Click here to buy.

5. Tray of House Plants

If you want to give more than one person a succulent this year as a part of their present, why not buy our tray of house plants. Perfect for adding your own touch with personalised pots or as part of a gift hamper they’re sure to make someone's day. Click here to buy.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Foodie - Vegan Cinnamon Doughnuts

Vegan Cinnamon Doughnuts

Ingredients

For the batter1 1/4 cup plain flour
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice/all spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/3 cup pumpkin pureé
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
​
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or vegan butter
1 cup organic sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

The recipe

Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease the doughnut tin.

In a large bowl mix the flour, spices, baking powder and salt. In another bowl lightly whisk the brown sugar, almond milk, pumpkin pureé, coconut oil and the vanilla.

Next combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients a little at a time, this should result in a thick batter.

Then, using a spoon to fill the tray, make sure that the mixture is evenly distributed in each mould. 

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Leave to cool on a wire rack and prepare the sugar coating.

In one bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon, in another pour the coconut oil or vegan butter. Make sure the oil/butter is a liquid but not too hot.

Once the doughnuts are suitably cooled, dip one side into the oil/butter and then straight into the cinnamon sugar mix.

If they last long enough, you can display them on a cake plate or stand.

If you want to find out more information about this recipe, click here. #madiamatilda if you would like to share your creations with us

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

5 Looks For The Party Season

5 Key Looks For The Party Season

Looking for the perfect party outfit this Christmas?

Look no further than Madia & Matilda!

From elegant evening dresses to versatile blouses, we've got you covered this party season with our top five picks from the Autumn/Winter18 collection.

Amara Sheer Dress

This beautiful chiffon dress is perfect for the festive period. This timeless dress features a high neck line that flatters any shape. Paired with sparkly accessories and some strappy heels, you'll be party ready in no time!

Raphielle Strap Top

Party all night in this understated satin and velvet top that is perfect with for an event or party. Pair with a sleek pair of trousers and strappy heels for a more sophisticated look, or add your favourite black jeans and some heeled boots for a casual party look.

Raphielle Strap Top

Rosie Tunic Dress

Our loose fit casual tunic dress is perfect for the autumn/winter. Made of cotton, this dress is light and comfortable and, in silver, is perfect for a Christmas party. Pair with black tights and heels for a unique elegant look for the evening.

Marcy Ruffle Blouse

This fuchsia blouse is a versatile piece that you can dress up for any party or event. The chiffon material makes this blouse light and flowy and perfect for layering with this winter. Pair with some black jeans and heels for a smart casual party look.

Robyn Frill Dress

This dusty pink dress is the perfect early Christmas party piece for transitioning from Autumn to Winter. Our crepe frill mini dress features a zip up back and a frill on the right side. Paired with some black heels this dress will see you right through the holiday season.

We hope that our party outfit picks will inspire you when it comes to dressing up this holiday season. If you want to share your party looks with use this Christmas don't forget to #MadiaMatilda #WithLoveMnM or tag us on social media!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda