Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts

Friday 25 December 2020

Vegan tips for life

 


A plant-based diet and becoming a vegan are two different subjects, decide why you want to become vegan if it is for the diet or if it is for the animal welfare side. If it is a bit of both remember perfection does not exist when it comes to being a vegan. Just doing your best is what you should strive for. 


My first tip would be to go in slow. Try being a vegetarian first. Do this for a few weeks and then the transition to a full-blown vegan diet is much easier. 


Next tip: Try not to be an unhealthy vegan. Chips and coke can be vegan. You do not want to end up overweight with skin issues and low energy levels. Look out for replacements to get you through in the beginning. Tofu, soy, tempeh are all good protein alternatives. Check out all the recipes online. Pinterest is a good site for recipe inspiration.



You can pretty much make any of your non-vegan meals with vegan replacements or simply leaving out the non-vegan ingredients. My favorite egg replacement is chia and flaxseed mixed with a little water which goes great in cakes and bakes. Tofu scramble instead of eggs are easy and healthy.


Do not let people judge you, if you are concerned with this you do not have to announce to everyone you are vegan, you can always say you follow a plant-based diet. On the other side, it is also important to understand people who are not vegan. If there is one way to turn people off beckoning vegan, it is a vegan that does not understand or judges them. Remember this is a lifestyle, not a diet, start slow and see how your mind and body feel in the process.

Images from: https://pixabay.com


Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Wednesday 13 November 2019

Christmas Gift Guide







Christmas Gift Guide


 T's the season to be gifting





Festive shopping can be a total minefield, so this year we've decided to put together a sustainable guide to Christmas shopping to help you out.

We hope one or two of these, might be what you were looking for & if you are a student we have a few student discount available 








Gone are the days, of rushing around last minute - No, this year your going to search at ease no overcrowded shops.. This year; as an eco savy warrior, your going to make a list and check it twice
Just thank us later…



1. Emery - Cordroy Skirt

New in for the season Emery midi skirt, with patch pockets is the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas. This soft cordroy skirt is an ideal item for smartening up any outfit and suitable for any time of year – from chilly evenings to autumn/winter layering. Click here to buy.





2. Chloe Top
Why not treat someone to this super soft jersey top this festive season. Featuring a polo neckline , you can choose from White, green or purple, but hurry red and yellow have run out. so you’re sure to find the perfect match for that special someone you must keep in mind that our ranges are limited. Click here to buy.






3. Keira - Blouse and Panda - Skirt

The perfect Christmas day outfit, adorend in recycled sequins. frills and pleats this is the outfit to wear whilst you open Christmas gifts Click above to buy.


4. Ines - Front Zip Skirt  
The epitome of elegance this zip front skirt is composed of 100% cotton and is machine washable. One gift to consider this Christmas. Click here to buy.

5. Marisa - Tea Dress
Why not gift a friend or family member our gorgeous vintage inspired Marisa Tea Dress 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. Tote Bags
Treat someone special to our range of tote bags from Graphyx this Christmas. Whether you’re looking for a shopper, 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 cards make the perfect gift 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.




Acessories Lovers

1. Earings for her, Cufflinks for Him
beautiful range of handmade earrings make the perfect present for loved ones, especially if they are jewellery lovers. Our gift-wrapping service means it couldn’t be easier to spoil someone special… Click here to buy.





Art - Cufflinks


2. Scarves & Gloves
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.



Chunky Knit -WristWarmers

3. Gold Dangle Earrings


These paisley earrings are a simple and stylish to wear and make a super sweet Christmas present.
Click here to buy.





For the homeware lovers:


1. Coasters
Hosting any classy cocktail parties or can’t be without a cuppa? Why not treat them to our stylish coasters,a practical yet chic gift. Click here to buy.


2. Reed Defuser, House Plants and Succulents
It’s no lie, everyone loves a nice smelling home, 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. Kitchen Supplies
Everyone love new things for the kitchen and if you are on your sustainable journey why not checkout our sustainable range, you’re sure to find the perfect gift at Madia & Matilda. Click here to buy.








5. Succulent holders

 If your looking to give your eco-friends, a gift that will give you cool point, why not buy ours. Perfect as part of a gift hamper they’re sure to make someone's day. Click here to buy.



For the beauty queens 


1. Some new products added to our beauty range, don't for to check them out Shop Beauty.





2. Mason jars and pots, ideal for storing your brushes and small beauty products 
Click here to buy.






3. Natural beauty cleanser go on why not treat your self..Click here to shop.



Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Wednesday 13 March 2019

An introduction to sustainable gardening

An introduction to sustainable gardening






Nicky Roeber is the Online Horticultural Expert for Wyevale Garden Centres, he got in contact with Madia & Matilda to share some insights for our readers & followers. Here, he outlines some ways in which you could be gardening in a more sustainable way.

At a time when we're all becoming increasingly concerned about environmental issues such as global warming and the plastic crisis, it's important to think about how our daily actions could be contributing to these problems. And, we're definitely making progress in this respect — in fact, according to Pinterest's latest report, sustainability is set to be a huge trend for 2019.

Eco-friendliness is something we should be factoring into everything from the foods we eat to the activities we partake in. For example, if you're a keen gardener, there are some steps you can take to ensure you're always doing this in the most eco-friendly and sustainable way possible. And I'm going to share some of my top tips for that here.

Use recycled pots and planters






In order to live more sustainably, it's vital that we all generally buy less and buy better. So, if you currently don't have enough pots and planters to create the garden of your dreams, consider trying to source these second hand. Car boot sales, markets, and charity shops are all great places where you're likely to find pre-loved but perfectly good plant pots. And, if you're feeling creative, you could even create your own using recycled or salvaged materials.

If you're struggling to find the types of planters you're after, you can always buy some brand new ones. Opting for natural versions like those made from bamboo, or metal styles that are going to last for years, is a great idea. As long as you’re planning to use them permanently, you could also pick out some plastic pots, as they are particularly durable. Just make sure you dispose of them in the most eco-friendly way possible if you do ever need to get rid of them.

It’s also worth remembering that you should always look to buy plants that come in sustainable temporary packaging, too. This will help to increase your green gardening credentials even further.


Give composting a go





It's a great idea to give composting a go if you're generally looking to live more sustainably, as it offers a great way of transforming your kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich food for your plants and crops. And, as explained in the guide to composting that you can find on the Wyevale Garden Centres website, composting your household waste not only cuts down how much rubbish you're sending to landfill, but it will also help to reduce your greenhouse emissions.

When composting, you should aim for a mix of 50% green and 50% brown waste. And, you should be able to use your compost within nine months to a year of beginning the process.

Take some steps to conserve water




According to The Guardian, at peak demand, up to 70% of our water supply can be used on looking after our gardens. So, when you're looking to make your outdoor hobby more sustainable, taking steps to conserve water is a great idea. There are a number of ways in which you can do this.

Firstly, by making a real effort to look after your soil, you shouldn't have to water your plants as much. Instead, you can add organic matter to your soil to improve its structure and help it to retain water more easily. Additionally, placing mulch in your flowerbeds and hanging baskets will help to prevent moisture from evaporating during dry spells.

You can also help to keep your plants hydrated without wasting water by checking whether they need it beforehand. To do this, inspect the soil about a spade's length below the surface. If this is still damp, you should be able to hold off for a while.

Plant and propagate food scraps





I've already explained how you can use your food scraps to make nutrient-rich compost, but you can also repurpose some of your kitchen waste by planting and propagating it. Carrots, lettuce tomatoes, and herbs can all be grown quite easily if they get the right amounts of sunlight and water.

If growing vegetables from food scraps is something you're interested in, make sure you check out Food Revolution's guide, which explains what kinds of foods you can do this with, and what kinds of conditions they all need.

Opt for organic




You might already buy organic vegetables from the supermarket, but have you considered taking an organic approach to looking after your own garden? This can apply to everything from looking after your soil to the way you control pests and weeds.

As previously mentioned, composting is a great way to provide your plants with all of the nutrients they need, but it will also ensure you're doing this in the most organic way possible. Just make sure that all of the food waste you put into your bin comes from organic vegetables.
You can also control weeds naturally by spreading a blanket of bark mulch, leaf mould, or composted straw across your soil. This will help to prevent pesky weeds from growing and breaking through the surface. You can also help to control pests by making your garden a haven for wildlife that will take care of them for you. Hedgehogs and toads will deal with slugs and snails, while ladybirds have a big appetite for greenflies. So, installing bug boxes and creating homes for these little creatures will work to your advantage.

Sustainability is becoming a growing concern for most gardeners, as we're all becoming more aware of the impact our actions can have on the environment. But, if you take these tips on board, you should be able to carry on with your gardening hobby in an eco-friendly way. 





Wednesday 11 October 2017

More on Sustainability and the Climate

Mama Giraffe & Mama Earth

Climate Change Week is from the 9-14th of October. In view of this, we've decided to do a series of posts focussing on the climate, sustainability and local initiatives to do with these topics. Hope you enjoy reading!


The Giraffe Bit

We know why you're really here, and we don't blame you (giraffes are super cute), but here's the thing. Climate change isn't only affecting humans and trees. It has had, and will continue to have, an enormous  impact on the habits and habitats of thousands of species across the globe. I'm sure this isn't news to you (anyone else adopt a tiger or polar bear through the WWF when they were 12?) but let's get some facts.
The WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is one of the major charities aiming to improve the welfare of wildlife by: "advancing policies to fight climate change; engaging with businesses to reduce carbon emissions; and helping people and nature to adapt to a changing climate".

According to the World Animal Foundation (WAF), giraffes are being lost "at an unprecedented and alarming rate". The IUCN (the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) have classed giraffes as a "vulnerable" species (by the way, did you know there are 9 subspecies of giraffe?! Neither did we). We're using giraffes as an example (mainly because Madia & Matilda's founder Shalize Nicholas has an obsession) but there are thousands of other animals and plants in the same sticky situation as giraffes, or worse.

This list includes Sumatran tigers, orangutans, whales and many others, from all regions and taxonomic groups.

A Sumatran tiger takes a dip. How cute?!?


The Pocahontas Factor 

How is Pocahontas relevant?!

You'd be surprised. The classic Disney flick was based on a true story and deals with topics such as colonialism, racism and displacement of indigenous people. Pretty hard core, considering its target audience! (There has been some discussion about how well Disney dealt with these complex topics, but let's leave that for another time.) 

Pocahontas vs Modern Example. A compare/contrast kinda thing. Bring it on!

Pocahontas: Sexy beast Cap'n John Smith and buddies rock up to Pocahontas's area hoping to find precious natural resources, such as gold (bling bling).

Modern Version: Some powerful organisations are seizing land that's been sacred to local tribes, sometimes for thousands of years. Their aim is to grow new crops to use as biofuels and to cut down on the use of fossil fuels. Though the search for alternatives to fossil fuels is important, it's coming at a huge price to local people.

Pocahontas: Cap'n John Smith's buddies are particularly looking forward to fighting some of the native American Indians, so that they can use the new land as they choose (maybe build a few villas, a water park, poss also some quality shopping arcades?).

Modern Version: Fighting has broken out between these large companies and the Indigenous communities over land ownership. This has resulted in devastating loss of life on both sides, and damage to the land in question.

Pocahontas: Smithie and buddies believe for a long time that they are the ones in the right. So do the Powhatan, Pocahontas's tribe. 

Modern version: Actually, the principle is the same. And it's a tough one to call (so we're not going to try). On one hand there's ancient tribal tradition around the world, and sacred lands are super important to that; on the other hand, biofuels are one real solution to battling climate change, by reducing the amount of fossil fuels we use (this includes damaging collection methods such as fracking, which also cause pollution and habitat loss). The jury (meaning us) is out. 



The Saami People and the Guarani People

The Saami people have lived and herded reindeer in parts of Scandinavia, Russia and Canada for thousands of years. The reindeer rely on a consistent climate to flourish, and the Saami people suffer alongside the animals if this is upset. In recent years the weather has been unpredictable: snow and wind patterns have gone a bit crazy, and there have been sad reports of reindeer falling through the ice. When reindeer are put at risk like this, it dramatically impacts the lives of the Saami people and their culture.


In the case of the Guarani of Brazil, some 47 000 to 51 000 people, it's actually the efforts to grow and make biofuel which is harming their community. In recent years there has been a huge displacement of the Guarani people from their ancestral lands. This has had disastrous effects on the population: the suicide rate within the communities has risen to about one per week, according to anthropologist and community leader Tonico Benites Guarani, in conversation with The Guardian. (For the full article click here). It's the result of unrest and disputes over land in Brazil which has been going on for decades. Sources say that around 95% of ancestral Guarani land has been torn from the community to make room for biofuels, sugar cane and soya plantations.


Young people from the Tupiniquim tribe, another Brazilian tribe who have fought hard to retain ancestral lands seized for the production of biofuels


I'm sure you've spotted the dilemma. In the case of the Guarani people, efforts to develop a new, renewable energy source to replace fossil fuels have caused major damage to their way of life, both psychologically and physically. There's obviously no easy solution to the problem. 

So what the heck can be done about it?

It seems like one of those problems where a balance needs to be struck: somewhere between moving forward positively, and conserving natural habitats and indigenous communities. It doesn't look like there's a magic formula for this, unfortunately (unless you have one??), but that shouldn't stop us trying. 


As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "you must be the change you wish to see in the world". 


Sincerely Madia & Matilda