DIY and Philanthropy

A Gift from the Orphanage

christianathanos — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:14:05 +0000

This week I came home to find a beautiful letter from Sister Nectaria and all the girls at the orphanage wishing me and my husband “every happiness in life” for our marriage. It warms my heart to think that these beautiful souls, my little sisters, took the time to make this. Their wishes mean the world to us! I will be mounting and framing this to keep and treasure forever.

On Teaching Kids About Poverty

christianathanos — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:28:08 +0000

When I was young, I vividly remember my mother showing me a picture of a young boy whom I didn’t know and saying, “This is your brother, Andreo. He is very poor and needs our help and prayers so that he can go to school.” Coming from a family of all girls, I was very curious about this new “brother.” Each year, we’d receive hand-written letters from Andreo about his everyday life that I’d devour. I needed to know who he was. I needed to help him. I wrote him letters and cared deeply for his well-being. With every prayer we said, we’d never forgot to include Andreo.

I didn’t know at the time that my mother set us up as monthly financial sponsors for a child through Children’s International. I also didn’t realize until last year when I discovered the box of Andreos letters that not only was he from India but from Kolkata, the city that has grown dear to my heart, the city of the Theotokos Girl’s Orphanage. Coincidence?

Andreo was my first memory on poverty and giving back. I am now working on a new project, and I would love your input:

How do you, as parents or teachers, teach your children about poverty and giving back. Any resources, books or experiences you can share?
If you don’t yet have children like me, how did you learn about it?

Your story and experience will help me shape my project tremendously! If you don’t wish to comment here, I’d love to hear by email: christiana@theluckygirlsmovie.com

MANA Documentary: Six Nuns and Sixty Children

christianathanos — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:35:23 +0000

Now you know that I love a film about a nun helping children, so when a friend sent me a link to a Kickstarter campaign where a group of filmmakers in Greece were fundraising to produce a movie about six nuns who opened an orphanage in Greece, I got excited. MANA tells the story of six women who boldly left their home to become nuns yet were arrested after their parents told officials that they were not allowed to leave for the monastery. These women persisted and finally succeeded. Slowly, they built a home in Greece for young children in need, and their model is very similar to to orphanage in India: There is no cut-off point for when the children need to leave the home. I believe in this model, and I strongly believe in the importance of film as a way to raise awareness and resources for causes like this.

The filmmakers have some great footage of the orphanage, and it seems like a pretty dynamic group of ladies running the home! I can’t wait to see the finished product of the film and learn more ways on how we can help this home in the future! For recent updates, you can follow their Facebook page. Here’s a little clip of their project.

Blessed Mother’s Day

christianathanos — Sun, 12 May 2013 13:36:05 +0000

This morning I woke up feeling blessed rather than empty. I jumped onto Facebook and saw pictures of my friends’ mothers and grandmothers, new moms and my friends who are incredible mothers. How beautiful these people are! My mother’s life was short, but if you knew her, you would know that she was a force. She was the first person to speak up for something she believed in, the first to empathize with others, the first to help a person in need, the first to tell it like it is and the first to dance.

I feel blessed because I believe God knew she may not be here long, so He made her spirit extra lively, her words extra influential, her love for others magnified and her faith contagious . People take workshops and read books on how to attain boldness and initiative at her level. Me? I just wish to have an ounce of her bravery and compassion!

Happy Mother’s Day to those brave mothers. Even if your kids may think your ways are crazy, I assure you that your boldness WILL be appreciated. And for those who lost your mothers, may you find peace today and remember all that is good!

Happy List

christianathanos — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:53:06 +0000

This week is referred to as Bright Week, which is the week following Orthodox Easter. Easter is my favorite holiday of the year because we spiritually prepare ourselves in so many ways. So this week, I had a lot to be happy about. The warmth of these candles from midnight service that we always sneak into our homes to bring in the light. A quick shopping stop to pick up a breezy jacket and colorful hair-ties. Receiving a god-mother’s day package that so perfectly matched the flowers I captured. After Lenten fasting, most people crave lamb. I prefer eggs. Oh, and bacon. That feeling you get when you’re about to select your next read.

God-Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

christianathanos — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:40:57 +0000

Yesterday I received something beautiful in the mail. It was a Mother’s Day card and picture collage of my adorable god-daughter. I have never received anything around this day (not yet having kids), and usually it is a time where I feel the absence of my mother. This package allowed me to think of all the god-children and mother figures I am blessed with, not to mention THE most amazing god-mother! So I put together a collection of gift ideas for those mother figures out there whether related by blood or just love!

Mismatched eco-friendly napkins for the cooking type.
Hand-painted silk scarves in pink and purple for the classy type.
Letterpress Greek island maps by Cartoules Press for the Greeky type.
Persian carpet themed bookmark for the bookworm type.
Monogram stationery for the writing type.
Handmade floral leather glasses case because reading glass cases need to be this cute.
Double print tassel clutch for the type that will let you borrow it.
Rose gold offset long cross for the spiritual and hip type.
Gold plated evil eye bracelet for the superstitious type.

Happy List

christianathanos — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:35:28 +0000

When I was in college, I loved making happy lists. It’s a simple list of things that make me happy. You know those little things, right?

Cherry blossoms.

Pretty and colorful stamps make mass mailings so much better.

A savory breakfast of toast, hummus, smoked paprika and chia seeds with coffee and a new notebook.

Personalized return address stamps.

Warm sunset strolls.

A trip to the library with a handful of inspiration and information.

Searching for Jewelry Material Suppliers

christianathanos — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:17:08 +0000

I am on a mission to find jewelry suppliers and jewelry supply stores in DC, surrounding states or online. Any suggestions are welcomed! A few weeks ago I received an email out of the blue from a blog reader who had recently traveled to the Holy Land and bought a bulk amount of rosaries, made out of two different types of wood. She asked if I could use them in any crafty way to benefit the orphanage. I gladly accepted and absolutely love them. I can’t wait to wait to share some designs I have in mind, using the beads. If anyone else has a large amount of unused materials, I may be able to put them to use. Also, would LOVE any contacts or info on jewelry suppliers! Even if your contact is a friend of a friend’s uncle’s cat, any contact will help! Just email me: christiana@theluckygirlsmovie.com

Not Martha

christianathanos — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:22:50 +0000

I always laugh when I take up a project because I’m not naturally a DIY type of person. I just take on projects and then find all sort of challenges in almost every project I do. Like the time I made lambathes and tried to hot glue fabric to a candle, not realizing that heat + wax = melting wax.

I’m painting and re-knobing two nightstands, which I will share the finished product soon. They actually look wonderful except the very large screw that won’t go in. I get desperate in these situations, especially when it’s the very last part of the project, and I use all sorts of wrong materials that somehow end up working. How does Martha do it?

In other news, I have been researching how to start a business in DC. I found some great resources already, and I’ve started on some cold emails to get input on going about this idea I have. I am so grateful for all the positive emails and comments I received from my last post.

Sharing Dreams

christianathanos — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:21:10 +0000

I’ve gone back and forth on writing this post for a while. Once you put something out in the open, there is a great responsibility to follow-thru on your word. Well, here it is.

So most of you know that I love the Theotokos Girl’s Orphanage in India. I love it for the opportunities it provides for girls who would otherwise have no opportunities. I love it for sending almost all girls of college age to college. I love it for sending girls to graduate school since the filming of Lucky Girls. I love it because Sister Nectaria runs it. And I just love her.

I’ve been dreaming of more and more ways to help this orphanage and begin helping other organizations that educate girls. I dream of combining my love for DIY to fundraise creatively. I dream of involving young adults and youth, and allowing them to help shape this concept.

Well, I’ve decided dreaming is over, and now it’s all about doing. I admire those doers. People like Ashley and Tammy, who are the founders of some really great organizations are the people I admire. These girls just get things done.

So I need any and all the resources out there. I’m very certain of what I want to do next, but I am still looking for the best model in which to frame it. I need people who are knowledgeable in starting non-profits and businesses with a social impact. If there is anyone interested in helping me in any ounce, please let me know. Cue them all my way! I will start sharing my next steps soon!