International Women’s Association of Vilnius

Don't Miss Blossom of Hope 2013 - Raising Funds for Biopsy Needles

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:53:00 +0000

For information about sponsorship opportunities & to purchase tickets, please email blossom@iwavilnius.com

IWAV Monthly Social With EDITA SUCHOCKYTE

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:49:00 +0000

February MMS was held at the art gallery in Vilnius Old town on Uzupio 16.

A Lithuanian print maker, singer and a painter - EDITA SUCHOCKYTE showed participants her art and talked about making prints and her passion for singing. She painted a few portraits of the lucky ones.

Lithuanian print maker EDITA SUCHOCKYTE is an intriguing personality - she is a singer and a painter. Her career was influenced by her father, Vitalijus, a well know cartoonist and animator. Edita organized many exhibitions including such, which combine both her interests – painting and singing. Edita Suchockyte is famous for an easy touch, femininity and gentle erotics. Young females from her paintings are smiling, looking at you or just silent but be sure that most probably they are singing in their mind.

Edita studied at J.Vienožinskis Art School and graduated from Vilnius Academy of Arts in 1999. In 2001 she went to Tanzania where some of the etchings on a variation of childhood and motherhood mixed with the exotic and emotionally gripping African landscape. Edita has various personal exhibitions in Vilnius and Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania.

Many thanks to the Artist EDITA SUCHOCKYTE for her time inspite of being busy with preparations for an exhibition and many thanks to Diana Zarembiene for organizing. If interested in Edita’s work or painting a portrait, please contact her at esuchocka@yahoo.com, +370 618 15323, http://www.suchockyte.com/ or find her via Facebook.

Photos by Galina Soldatenko

January MMS: Cocktails Night At Radisson

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:13:00 +0000

Photos from one of IWAV most popular monthly socials: Cocktails Night at Radisson. Fabulous way to start off another year for IWAV members!

Photos From International Christmas Charity Bazaar

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 21:35:00 +0000

For more photo and information about ICCB 2012 please visit ICCB web site

Photos: ICCB Press Event at The Embassy of Great Britain

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 20:26:00 +0000

A press event introducing the 10th anniversary ICCB to the media was held at the Embassy of Britain. This is a sneak peek at what is waiting for us at the Christmas Bazaar on 1 December at Ratuse.

Big thanks to Alma Cenkuviene for the photos!

MMS: Evening with Photographer Marius Jovaiša

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 21:44:00 +0000

At the recent Monthly Member Social IWAV ladies had a unique opportunity to meet a very talented and famous Lithuanian photographer, filmmaker, and a publisher Marius Jovaiša who has published photography albums Unseen Lithuania, Heavenly Belize, Magic Cancun & Riviera Maya, and Heavenly Yucatan. Marius takes pictures flying in the air.

He showed slides and shared his photo taking experience, told interesting stories behind the scene about his numerous travels in Lithuania, Australia, Hawaii, Polynesian Islands, Namibia and New Zealand, Panama, and Mexico.

A truly inspiring evening was finished with a gift exchange. With a gift to Marius on behalf of IWAV members to congratulate him on his newly born baby and a gift from Marius to IWAV member Tal who was celebrating her birthday that day.

Preparations for ICCB 2012: Photos from Workshops

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 07:57:00 +0000

Preparations for the 10th International Christmas Charity Bazaar that will take place on 1st December at Vilnius Town Hall are underway!

Several workshops have been organized to create items for sale at ICCB 2012. IWAV ladies have been creating beautiful jewellery from beads, crystals and stones as well as decorating with wonderful Christmas designs ceramic plates and vases. Check out some photos from the workshops below.

ICCB 2012 is looking for more contributions: used books in good condition, art items, items with Angel image for Angle's Boutique, items for children's corner etc. Please visit http://www.iccb.lt/, for more details about this year's event go to http://www.iccb.lt/this-years-event/

Ceramics Workshop

Beading Workshop

MMS: Bubbly Beverages At The "Blu"

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:33:00 +0000

Did you know that the number of bubbles in sparkling wine as well as their size can vary from one kind to another? And there is an easy way to tell the bubblier one!? Have you ever wondered what makes champagne the world’s most luxurious sparkling wine? All these curious facts and more about sparkling wine were revealed at the IWAV October Monthly Member’s social hosted by Mrs. Jolanta Smičienė - a wine and champagne expert.

The tasting was arranged at Radisson Blu Astorija and was open not only to the members but spouses and friends as well. Radisson Hotel created an elegant and beautiful atmosphere which made a perfect setting to enjoy this sparkling event.

The four bubbly wines tasted were:
Botter Prosecco Frizzante D.O.C. Veneto (Italy)
Codorniu Classico Cava Brut Penedes D.O. (Spain)
Antech AOC Cremant De Limoux Cuvee Expression Brut (France)
Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Premier (France)

The wines were accompanied by hors d'oeuvres specially selected to compliment the taste of the wine. Mrs Jolanta made an informative presentation introducing each sparkling wine and giving explanations regarding history, manufacturer, grapes, method of production and other details key to understanding more about sparkling wines. Everyone enjoyed tasting, exchanging opinions regarding the wines and having a chance to chat during the breaks. The evening culminated with tasting the king of the sparking wines, “Champagne” and a discussion about why this bubbly is so much more expensive and sought after than the others.

The combination of fantastic food, wonderful wines and interesting information made this event a great success. Many thanks to Mrs. Jolanta Smičienė and the Radisson Blu Astorija staff.

Cheers! Enjoy the photos!

MMS: Beauty Event at Autent Parfume

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 20:41:00 +0000

Last week Autent Parfume boutique organized a beauty event for some IWAV ladies. The small store located in Etmonu street offers a range of exclusive perfumes and products from Japanese skin care brand Menard.

The hostesses - Jurate, the owner, and Ramune welcomed their guests with a glass of sparkling wine. Participants took their places at a table specially set up for the occasion with everything needed for a facial. Jurate started the evening by introducing cosmetic brand Menard exclusively sold at Autent and talking about their philosophy, technologies and rare ingredients used in their products. After listening to some interesting facts we all had an opportunity to learn a couple secrets behind the porcelain beauty of the skin that Japanese women have and experience the skin care ritual developed by Menard. The ritual lasts quite long – probably takes about an hour and consists of 7 steps and even includes elements of facial shiatsu massage.

After the facial we all had a chance to ask questions and inquire for recommendations. The evening ended with browsing through a unique range of perfumes offered at Autent boutique which includes E. Coudray, Dorin, Profumi del Forte, Miller Harris, Bond No. 9 etc. Some guests used the opportunity to get 15% discount at the event and each guest received a gift bag.

We thank the Autent Parfume for this beautiful event!!

MMS: Fashion Exhibition From Mini to Maxi “Fashion from the 1960s" from the collection of Alexandre Vassiliev

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:13:00 +0000

Last week we enjoyed an inspiring excursion into fashion history. Several IWAV ladies attended exhibition at the Applied Arts Museum dedicated to fashion showing authentic and rare items from Vassiliev’s collection starting from dresses from the 19th century to the 1980s with a special focus on the 60s.
We went through the whole array of emotions from sheer bewilderment at how, at the beginning of the 19th century, women would use tight corseting to achieve what’s known as a “wasp waist” effect and would be always fainting from inability to breathe... to an overwhelming fascination at rare “haute couture” items from 50s and 60s looking like absolute works of art.
The exhibition offers to attendees an impressive collection of dresses and accessories from such designers as Chanel, Dior, Balmain, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Nina Ricci, Cardin, Courrèges, Laroche, Cassini, Valentino and others.
The exhibition includes original paintings and large format photographs of women wearing clothes from the featured decades.

Very inspiring indeed!
Enjoy the photos! (flash was not allowed, hence lack of sharpness in some of them)

Thanks to Diana Zarembiene for organizing this visit!

Posted by/Photos by Galina Soldatenko

Monthly Member Social: Fashion Evening with HOJ and Laura Dailidėnienė

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:45:00 +0000

This Monday IWAV ladies and friends enjoyed an evening of fashion with Helena and Olga, designers of knitted dresses, and Laura Dailidėnienė, a talented young costume designer. HOJ designs and creates hand-made dresses that are worn by the elite of Lithuania and the HOJ works are appreciated abroad. HOJ knit dresses for prominent Lithuanian designer Juozas Statkevičius. Among the celebrities who wear the dresses knitted by HOJ the ones which need to be mentioned include the Crown Princess of Denmark Mary, a famous Lithuania ballet dancer Egle Spokaite, singer Bjork and many others. Participants of the event had a chance to watch a presentation about HOJ (short for the names of the sisters who work together - Helena, Olga and Janina) designs and look at several items including dresses, shawls, ponchos, sweaters, scarves and other.

Laura Dailidėnienė made a presentation of her jewellery colections. Laura designs jewelry, bags, costumes and shoes, and represents her brand DAILI. She is an active participant of various fashion events since 1998 and has a design studio in Vilnius. Her latest jewelry collection SEPIA was created for 2012 clothes collection demonstrated at the International Fashion festival Fashion Infection (Mados Infekcija) in Vilnius. For this jewelry collection Laura applies Tiffany technology and uses luxurious mirror-glass in a form of origami. Enjoy the photos!

Blossom of Hope 2012: Short Overview and Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:54:00 +0000

For the fourth year IWAV and Roche Lietuva organized Blossom of Hope charity event to raise money to purchase biopsy needles for oncology hospitals in Klaipeda, Kaunas, Vilnius, and Siauliai.

This year Blossom of Hope fundraising initiative received strong support from foreign missions, businesses, designers, artists and the guests attending the event. As a result of the joint effort and the spirit of kindness an impressive amount of 76 000 lta was raised to support oncology departments in the four Lithuanian cities. The event took place on 28th of April at Radisson Blu hotel. The gala started with a welcome drink. Guests mingled while enjoying cocktails, live saxophone music, art and design exhibition.

The guests were also offered a free printed portrait photo sponsored by Biuro Pasaulis. Each female guest received pink carnation flowers and a gift-bag with a cosmetic product sponsored by Avon. Delicious Anthon Berg chocolates were another surprise for those attending the evening.

The entertainment program included a charming ballet performance by young ballerinas from Egle Spokaite’s ballet school.

Barbara Little, IWAV chair, made an opening speech introducing and thanking the patron of the event Egle Spokaite as well as the guests of honor Sylvi Muelmenstaedt, wife of the German Ambassador to Lithuania and Sarah Hunt, wife of the British Ambassador to Lithuania.

In her speech, Egle Spokaite emphasized the importance of early breast-cancer diagnostics. She also talked about a strong health culture and healthy habits in the society as well as “giving for the sake of giving and not expecting anything back”. “Our guests are donating life and hope by being here.”- said Egle Spokaite.

Sylvi Muelmenstaedt shared with the audience her experience of being a breast-cancer survivor.

She talked about all the emotions she went through from the point of the devastating life shattering diagnosis and excruciating treatment to the exuberant joy of winning over the disease and staying alive. “Thanks to early detection, the cancer could be contained and successfully treated. I was given a new lease on life”, said Sylvi. "Thank you all for giving your precious time, money, energy and creativity! Thank you for your compassion and generosity!" Sylvi Muelmenstaedt ended her speech by asking the guests to raise their glasses to health and life. Ms.Muelmenstaedt's story moved many guests to tears.

After the guests enjoyed their dinner and lovely jazz performance by Ella Fitzerald Tunes music project, the hosts of the evening Jurate Stankuviene and Gintaras Mikalauskas announced beginning of the charity art and design auction. Susan Haftel and Mike Little acted as English speaking auctioneers.

The bidding and competition was at times fiery! All the items were sold and the three top money makers were: "Chrysanthemum" necklace from Konplott Vilnius, “Sapphire Blossoms” jewellery set by Tauras Blazevicius, and a "Wild Poppy" handbag by Laura Dailidienene. Guests also bid on items at the silent auction and tried their luck in lottery. Silent auction offered accessories by Lithuanian and Latvian designers and artists. The items included for example, an art-deco brooch by Vilija Sabunkaite “Pearls of Hope” specially created for the event; art bag “I challenge the Spring” by Vita Radzina; hand-painted porcelain cups specially created for Blossom of Hope by Ausra Bernotavice and many others. Lottery featured vouchers from Le Meridien V Golf Club, Novotel Vilnius, Radisson Astorija, cruises from Tallink and other exciting prizes.

All the funds raised through sponsorships and sales from the event will be used to purchase biopsy needles for oncology hospitals in Klaipeda, Kaunas, Vilnius, and Siauliai. Reports and photos of needles delivery to hospitals will be available at IWAV website www.iwavilnius.com.

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More information about Blossom of Hope available at http://www.iwavilnius.com/blossom-of-hope-2012.html

MMS: Chanel Night at Kristiana

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Photos from Chanel Make-up Night at Kristiana, 20 February.

Alice's Makeover:

Big thanks to Benita for organizing this amazing event! And of course many thanks to the beauty consultants Zivilie, Egle and Renata for making this evening so interesting and so much fun for us!

Photos by Galina Soldatenko

MMS: Making Chocolates

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:11:00 +0000

Last Monday all the chocolate lovers gathered at Sokoladas café/store in Pilies. The Chocolate Master himself was waiting for us to share his magic chocolate-making secrets. The evening started with tasting some Belgium chocolates and a lecture on the quality of marzipan and the importance of the right technique to create the best chocolates. All the ladies got dressed into special “uniforms” and watched the Master in action. The presentation included making molded chocolates with rum filling and decorating chocolate covered Florentines. After that we had a chance to try our hands at making and decorating chocolates – black, white, milk chocolate, marzipan, nuts and Florentines at our disposal. To add some excitement to the process, the Master promised prizes to the 2 winning chocolate designs. Congratulations to Jurgita and Erin! Enough said – please enjoy the photos!

Text/photos by Galina Soldatenko

Christmas Party at Musu Nameliai

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:32:00 +0000

Dear Ladies,

I would first of all like to say a huge thank you to those ladies, children and a husband who came along yesterday to help make the party special for those children at Musu Namelai. Saying that I think you will agree with me that we all got out of that visit as much, if not more, than we put in.

That mouse was brilliant and even though we could not understand some of what was said, I really don't think that we needed to. He was hilarious. I was sat behind Avery and she was thoroughly enjoying the Musu Namelai version of Red Riding Hood. Red Riding Hood on a motor bike was new!

But also there was a lady sat between Irina and myself telling the background to some of the children. One little boy around 8 or 9 whose parents did not want to know him so his 19 year old sister had taken on the responsibility of looking after him. One boy ( the wolf ) who lived in four rooms shared by 15 people, the adults were alcoholics. We looked at the children and they seemed and acted so happy but the homes that they go back to are dire.

I AM SO GLAD THAT I WENT ALONG. THE IMAGES WILL STAY WITH ME FOR A LONG TIME.

Barbara Little
**************

Enjoy the photos! They are so many - I just couldn't stop posting them! I hope thorugh them you will get the feeling of the whole event and of children's joy!
Galina

Christmas Fashion Dinner: Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:35:00 +0000

On 5th December 28 ladies attended IWAV Fashion Dinner at Mabre hotel. Victoria Diaz - Marketing Manager, and Julija Janus - fashion designer, joined us with tips, photos and lots of information on what to buy and what not to buy in fashion. It was a very enjoyable evening - take a look at the photos.

Photos by Galina Soldatenko

International Christmas Charity Bazaar: Preliminary Results and Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:55:00 +0000

We are delighted to announce preliminary results of ICCB 2011:

300,000 Litas in cash donations were collected in the name of the Christmas Bazaar this year!

- 90,000 Litas were collected in cash donations from sponsors before the event.
- 210,000 Litas in cash were collected by the stands representing international community and institutions.

This year we formed a partnership with friends in Kaunas, who will organize an event on December 27th in cooperation with the municipality of Kaunas to collect money for the hospital.

The final results of the 9th International Christmas Charity Bazaar will be announced on December 31st and will include the result of efforts in Vilnius and Kaunas.

Enjoy the photos!
Opening Ceremony: Photos by Jurgita Kunigiškytė

ICCB 2011: Photos by Galina Soldatenko

Read more about ICCB 2011 and find more photos at ICCB 2011 web-page

International Christmas Charity Bazaar: Programme

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:59:00 +0000

Don't miss the ICCB!!!

More details and ICCB programme to download available at ICCB 2011 web-page

International Christmas Charity Bazaar: Angels Wanted!

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:31:00 +0000

We are looking for Angels! Would you like to share Christmas charity spirit and help us? Please donate your angels: ceramic, plastic, glassy, sewed, modeled or done in different way. There are no limits for your creativity and charity.

Your angels would bring the improvement of life for less fortunate.

Please contact: Edita Raguckiene at edita.raguckiene (at) gmail.com

Skelbiama angelų paieška!Prisijunkite prie Kalėdų dosnumo šventės ir padovanokite mums savo angelus. Jie gali būti moliniai, stikliniai, mediniai, piešti, klijuoti ar kitaip pagaminti. Kūrybiškumui ir dosnumui ribų nėra.

Jūsų padovanoti Angeliukai padės sukurti geresnę aplinką likimo nuskriaustiems žmonėms.

Edita Raguckiene, edita.raguckiene (at) gmail.com

MMS: Wine-Tasting at Burbulio Vynine - Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:09:00 +0000

Here are IWAV Chair Barbara's remarks about the event that I quote from her email:
"On Monday evening we held our Monthly Members Social at Burbulis Vynine on Rudininku.

For those of you who could not attend for various reasons you missed a great time. I thanked Vaidotas twice but was told more wine was coming. There was more than one lady who left his vynine at around 9.30, a little bit - as the English would say - three sheets to the wind. ( It is an old sailing maxim ) It means slightly intoxicated.

It was a really great evening in every way and I would like to thank Diana Zarembiene for initially arranging it and to Vaidotas and his staff for making the event memorable . ( some of us will be able to remember it anyway )"

International Christmas Charity Bazaar: Sneak Peek

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:13:00 +0000

Dear All, last week there was a special media presentation dedicated to International Christmas Charity Bazaar. Thanks to IWAV charity coordinator Irina Tuminiene who took some nice photos at this event we now have a chance to take a "sneak peek" at what we can expect to see at the Christmas Bazaar on the 3rd of December. Of course this is only a tiny preview of what will happen at this amazing event...just a little teaser for everyone... you have to come and see it with your own eyes!

Enjoy the photos!

For more information about International Christmas Charity Bazaar go to ICCB 2011 web-page

International Christmas Charity Bazaar: Baking For the Cause!

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Dear Ladies, we all have a chance to contribute to ICCB cause by providing some home-made delicious goodies for the Bake Sale at the ICCB Food Court.

Have you already decided what you are going to make? Many of our members have a talent in baking! So I am sure this year just as always the bake sale stand will be overflowing with all sorts of Christmas treats and will raise some good money.

Don’t forget to send in the details of your dish to Food Court Coordinator Jurgita Januseviciene (jurgute12 at yahoo dot com) by 25th November. You have to provide the following information:
1. Country represented (if applicable), or Organization/ company
2. Contact person
3. Name of the food/ drink
4. Ingredients (in Lithuanian and English – assistance can be provided)
5. Approx. quantity

There are also some requirements regarding packaging, pricing etc. For more details download Food Court Participation Guidelines 2011 at ICCB 2011 web-page

Galina

International Christmas Charity Bazaar: Beneficiaries

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Dear all, intense preparations for International Christmas Charity Bazaar are underway. Soon, hopefully, I will be able to share some photos of what is coming up in the “ICCB 2011 Sneak Peek” post! Now it’s just a bit more than two weeks before Christmas Charity Bazaar so check out this link to learn how you can help and don’t forget to save the date of December the 3rd to attend the International Christmas Charity Bazaar at Rotuse (11.00-17.00)

This year, funds raised at ICCB will help eight beneficiaries. They all need out support to improve living conditions or do some renovation work or to purchase some important equipment. See photos of beneficiaries below the list.

Projects serving Lithuania:
1. Oncohematology Department, Paediatric Clinic, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Hospital
Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universiteto ligoninės Vaikų ligų klinikų Onkohematologijos sektorius
2. Big Brothers Big Sisters Program of the Children Support Centre
Paramos vaikams centro Vilniuje programa Big Brothers Big Sisters
3. Youth Line Foundation
Paramos fondas „Jaunimo linija“

Projects serving the greater Vilnius municipality:
4. St. Joseph Children’s Shelter of Paparčiai
Paparčių Šv. Juozapo vaikų globos namai
5. Shelter for Mothers and Children of Vilnius
Vilniaus miesto motinos ir vaiko pensionas
6. Tremtiniu namai” Elderly Home of Vilnius
Senelių globos namai „Tremtinių namai“
7. Children’s Home “Gilė” of Vilnius
Vilniaus vaikų globos namai ,,Gilė“
8. Vilnius Antakalnis Children's Home
Vilniaus Antakalnio vaikų socialinės globos namai

Big Brothers Big Sisters Program of the Children Support Centre

Oncohematology Department, Paediatric Clinic, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Hospital

Youth Line Foundation

St. Joseph Children’s Shelter of Paparčiai

Children’s Home “Gilė” of Vilnius

Vilnius Antakalnis Children's Home

Shelter for Mothers and Children of Vilnius

More information about ICCB and contact details.

Monthly Social at Konplott Jewellery Store: Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:54:00 +0000

Member social event hosted by Konplott jewellery store Monday evening 17 October was a big success!!!

We had 15 attendees, among them four guests and a cute female pooddle, Melute, which made us 16, then! The atmosphere with deemed candle-like lighting bringing out sparkles in jewellery, soft background music was elegant but at the same time relaxed and warm!
Ladies seemed to enjoy their time at Konplott and many ladies used the opportunity to buy beautiful Konplott jewellery. Trying on earings and necklaces and advising each other was much fun. Some of us even bought two pieces each! At the same time, there was a lot of chatting and everyone enjoyed delicious wine and snacks that Asta, director of Vilnius Konplott, and staff had prepared for this event. We also enjoyed Asta's presentation on the designer, Miranda Konstantinidou, and her creations. Many thanks to Benita for translating.

On behalf of IWAV members we would like to express our gratitude for organizing this amazing event to Asta Brusokaite, director of Konplott Vilnius, and her team Gintare and Auste, who were very helpful and great hostesses! Asta is kindly offering 5% from jewellery sold to IWAV members at the event and during the whole following week (till October 24) to Christmas Charity Bazaar.

You are welcome to visit Konplott store in Vokieciu gatve 14!

Written/Posted by
Keti Tsami
Galina Soldatenko
Photos by
Galina Soldatenko

Sushi Making Class: Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Galina) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 13:08:00 +0000

Photos from sushi making class on 19 September.

Tour Around the Lofts:

Sushi Class:

Big thanks to Diana for organizing!!

Photos by Galina Soldatenko