Unplugged.

Now that we have settled in after our recent return from Mexico, we have been able to digest all of what we saw and experienced. Being away in Mexico for over two months with my immediate family was a gift that just keeps on giving.

The purpose of our trip was to unplug from society and to really dive into our family unit as a whole, while experiencing new things together that would further bond us. Our foundation as a family has always been solid, but nothing would have been able to further solidify our connections the way moving to a different country where everyone else speaks a different language could. We did not go to a popular vacation destination, rather we went to a small town that happened to be a kite surfing mecca, that also worked in our favour.

The trip itself was outstanding. The people we met, the way the country treated us, the memories that were made, all were simply beautiful. Nothing however, could have prepared us for the fun and laughter that we would share together as a family unit. When we are amongst our daily routines, the work, the school, the social and business expectations, all of these responsibilities make it entirely impossible to have the levity to embrace the ease that it takes to find yourself in a space of that kind of lightness where simple pleasures reside.

Upon our return, I have had many people ask me what was the greatest take away. I have to say that despite how many people showed concern about us taking that kind of time off and away, it was the greatest gift we have given ourselves. The greatest take away was that life is a hamster wheel, and it was the first time we had ever gotten off of it. We for the first time were not on anyone's schedule except for our own whim of what feels right for us in that moment. Living in the moment, truly for the first time as a family. Watching our children live in the moment was the real highlight.

I wish this experience for each of you. It need not be a two month adventure, but ask yourself when the last time was that you actually unplugged the computer, put away your iPhone, didn't once turn on a radio or television, for the entire two week holiday you were on? How about even for a week end? I promise you that you won't be disappointed at the sense of freedom you will get, when you also make the decision to unplug and jump off the hamster wheel.

Happy Unplugging!

xo t.

ps- follow us on Twitter at :  @tiffanyhaziza

Golden Friends.

Presently I am in California and have just finished lunch with a good friend I have not seen in ten years.
It is difficult to stay in touch sometimes and with young families it can be even more difficult regardless that we are at opposite ends of the west coast.

It always amazes me that regardless that the amount of time that has passed since our last encounter, when you are with a good, authentic friend, it feels like no time has passed at all. Within an hour we can be caught up on all the real things going on in our lives, and touch base on what is to come.

I have golden friends. They come and they stay in  my heart forever. The older I get the more defined these friendships are, and the more important they are in my heart. I find that all too often we get caught up with comfortable, easy friendships that are a matter of convenience. As I embark on my return home, that I am going to allow myself to gently let go of the few convenient friendships that had been lingering around my day to day life. I need to and have some golden gems of friends that deserve my time and attention.

I am also going to commit to picking up a pen and contacting my beloveds afar by regular mail. When was the last time you got a letter from a friend? Remember how nice it feels to receive a letter by mail? I do, and I crave the basics of days gone by. I am happy to attempt to return to it even by way of snail mail.

Reach out and touch some one...

xo t.

Carpe Diem

With all of this talk lately about healthy living and using your life to live each day to it's highest potential it begs the question... "Are we really living our best lives.?"

 It is so easy to answer this question with a resounding YES! Of course that is the answer we want to give. Of course we want to be using every moment of our lives to the greatest possible use and enjoyment. The real question though is what is holding us back from living out our dreams? Whether the dream is a job, a possession or travel, what binds us from having those dreams come to fruition? More commonly than not, the number one answer I get when I ask this question is that the need to earn money somehow always comes between the dream and reality.

 Imagine for a moment if money wasn't an object. Imagine if your bills were paid, you had all of your basic needs met... would you still feel like money was an object between you and that job, that car, or that extended fishing vacation? Imagine for a minute that you redefined what was a need in your life and what is a want. What if you realized that what you thought you needed is actually what you have come to believe you need vs. your actually needs. Society has an amazing way of imposing needs upon us when really all we really need are basic essentials, our family, our friends and our own sense of need vs. want. There are so many demands placed upon via society, social media, and advertising, that if we bought into all of these demands we would all be blond haired, barbie dolls, driving convertables that very few of us can afford, all the while dressed in one designer label after another.

Don't get me wrong. I love beautiful things. I love many designer wares, but I love them because they are well made and I will likely own them forever which means they are made with amazing quality and are classic designs. Yes, I love some of these brands. No, I cannot afford many of them and yes, there have been moments where the thought of having them reigned supreme over the reality that I did not need them. I have recently come into a place of happy medium that I am very comfortable with. It took me long enough to figure it out, but it's true that there are many other high end brands, and designer names that have nothing to do with the initials, LV, CC, or YSL. There are gorgeous well made things in the world that may not last me forever, but will easily get me through the next ten years. Just long enough for my preferences to redefine themselves if they wish.

In this revelation, my family and I have found a way to find more balance between wants and needs and where and how to invest our means accordingly. No we will not be heading to the runways of Paris this year to personally hand pick next falls collection that I will be wearing, no, instead I will be heading back to my closet to revisit last year's gear that served me quite well then and will do so again I am sure. With this concession and many others like it, we have found a way to take ourselves out of society's grasp and have willed ourselves the luxury of 'unplugging' from this ever present race we all find ourselves in. Even if this reprieve is temporary, it is a starting place to grow from and it gives me hope that the simplicity that I have craved in my life is one step closer to living a more authentic life, and one step farther away from 'needing'.

 I hope this post encourages you to take inventory of what it is that has eluded you and to find a way to manifest it in your own life. We all have it in us to live our dreams, it is more about determining when is the right time for ourselves to claim that dream once and for all. In the meantime, this will be my last post for a while. Carpe Diem.

 Gone Fishin',
t.

"National Let's Talk Day"

Anyone who really knows me, knows that 'wellness' to me, means more than just physical wellness.
Mind, body and spirit wellness are equally, if not more important than just the wellness of our vessel.
Today is "Let's Talk Day." It means let's talk about the unmentionable, awkward, uncomfortable subject
that as a society we have for generations not discussed. Depression. There, I said it. ;)

To know me is to know I am loud and I am proud. I have a reputation of living my life out in the open.
I have championed many causes that are not even my own. It should be expected that today of all days
that I would rally and own the fact that my family, like many others knows a thing a two about depression/
bipolar disease.

Unlike many Canadians, I am not affected by the harsh stigma that comes with the topic of Mental Illness.
I have my own personal experience with this and I am here to tell you that it would be easier to have
a permanently broken arm rather than having a mental illness. At least with a broken arm you have a visible
cast that garners understanding, compassion and acceptance of the medical condition that needs medical attention.
Depression is so invisible that it is not greeted by the same, much needed love.

Mental Illness has been seen as a weakness, a flaw, a damaged and unreliable mind, which is as far
off as could be. Mental illness, in the case of Bipolar disease is in fact genetic and represented
in Chromosome 22. With the proper medication this disease can go without any significance in ones life.
Gone untreated is a very different and destructive story. It can lead to behaviours that alienate life
long friends, poor decision making which can often lead to suicidal tendencies. #harsh.

There are telltale signs of mental illness and all you have to do is google depression or bipolar
to read for yourself the ways that you can spot an ailing friend. A few obvious ones are that they
seem to fall off the face of the earth. They stop calling, calling you back, showing up when they
said they would. When they do surface their behaviour is erratic and nonsensical compared to what
their 'normal' would be. Those are just a few of the initial signs that you would notice. My personal
recommendation would be to show up on their doorstep and get inside their 'cocoon'. From there
you have a chance to 'reach them'. Otherwise you will notice that there is very little opportunity
to actually engage them. Just a few thoughts for you on this day when we need to break the silence
and find those friends that may be suffering in silence.

I can speak to depression and bipolar with some authority and I would like to mention that
along with being a little crazy (I speak that with the utmost respect and humour)comes a
a little bit of brilliance also. Among a few of my favorite bipolar peeps, you will find are
none other than Oprah, Bill Clinton, Sarah Mclachlan, Andy Warhol, Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe,
Catherine Zeta-Jones,Charlie Sheen, Lindsey Lohan, Bono, Ben Stiller, Britney Spears, Vincent Van Gogh,
Ernest Hemingway, Kurt Cobain, Robert Munsch, Amy Winehouse, Jane Pauly, Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie,
Dan Brown,Sting, John F.Kennedy, JFK Jr, Jacqueline F. Kennedy...to name a few.

You see, a few brilliant people all dealing with the highs and lows of mental illness.
The disease has no preference, it can hit any of us. Anytime.

My hope is that this blog entry inspires you to talk about depression with those you
live with, love and work with and those you haven't heard from in a while.

Love & Light,

t.

Perception Meets Reality

It seems that it was just yesterday that I sat down to welcome 2012, and now
I find myself preparing for February. I am amazed at just how fast time flies.

This year has already provided a valuable lesson. Have you ever had a trip
planned and been so excited about it that you imagined just how awesome it
was going to be? Such is the case with me. I had, had a trip planned for
nearly a year. It was for my sweet, young cousin's destination wedding.

I was going to travel solo and the thought it was a brilliant idea. No kids
to watch after, a loving husband staying home to love them up. What
could be more perfect? Well, if you are anything like me, you are
likely capable of romancing an idea to the max. I had built this
trip up to be epic and it really was in every way until day 6, that is.

Day 6 came with a big dose of reality. I missed my family terribly. The
original idea of traveling without them was more than fine, but the reality
made it less than fine. I had not anticipated getting nearly as home sick
as I became. It may have had something to do with all of the great people
I met and wanting to share them with my best friend and partner in life...
or it may have had to do that all of those great people were also there
with their better halves.

So, the lesson for me was to be careful how perception does not always
meet reality. Again, the trip was epic, the wedding was epic and I could
not have been happier that my sweet cousin Megan had the wedding of her dreams
and I was so honoured to be apart of her dream day.

There were so many amazing people I met, Poc, Kourtnee, Kristin, Ashley, etc...
these are now friends that I would not have otherwise met that eased the pain
of missing my family. These amazing women were the gift my cousin gave to
me- by simply inviting me with her to the Mayan Riviera. I love it
when my sisterhood grows with strong, fierce and lovely women.

I was able to gift some of my jewelry while away. It inspires me
to create new work. Even though I am on a hiatus from Buddha & The Raven,
I am still allowing myself to be inspired and to create personal pieces
for personal friends. One charity I am honoured to be donating to is for the iconquer
team which is apart for the Ride to End Cancer Foundation. I love the
opportunity to chip in and support my friends and pay homage to those
I have loved that are fighting cancer and for those who didn't win
the battle.

If you ever have a cause that needs a charitable donation, don't
ever pause to contact me. You can count on me to donate in some
capacity.

My personal charity of choice is in memory of our beautiful Kerry Kirstiuk.

www.campkerry.com


Sending you all love & light,

t.

Welcome 2012

So, here we are. In a blink of the eye 2011 was here and gone, and we find ourselves a little wiser and a little worn but we survived with successes just in time to greet a new year. It is amazing how incredibly full this past year was. So many blessings and so many heartfelt lessons. I wish I could say that they were all enjoyable, but I can say they all left me for the better. I love a new year. I love the fresh slate and the gift of a second chance to get 'it' right. The new year is the promise of a new day. I have such a good feeling about this coming twelve months and the adventure and love that it has in store for all of us. Embarking on uncharted territory can make us cautious and reserved; however, if there is one thing I know for sure, it is that jumping in with both feet makes for a less shocking entry. The more timid we are, the less invested we become. It is my hope that I and everyone that is reading this finds it within them to dive in to whatever and wherever their hearts lead them. (while being responsible and considerate) This year my sole purpose is to focus on my family. I have made the thoughtful decision to step away from my business and to direct that energy on the three people who mean the most to me. On the heels of a year where jewelry took up my every spare moment, whether it be in creating, sourcing, or designing... this year I am taking my life back and giving thanks to the amazing opportunities that Buddha & The Raven allowed me. I am not shutting down the business, I am simply taking a year hiatus. If last year taught me one thing, it is that it is impossible for me personally to do 7 things really well. It is not a lack of effort, it is a lack of ability. I am capable of kicking ass if I limit my plate to a couple of things. Funny how it took me 30 something years to figure that one out. So, as I head out in to this amazing year I give thanks to my friends and family for the love and support that I know I will have with me. I only hope they know that I am right behind them all the way. Wishing you all your highest and the greatest good for your own wishes for 2012. You deserve every joy your heart desires. Go get it! Love & Light, t.

Winter Solstice

Soon the Winter Solstice will arrive and with it the return of brighter, longer days in time for the end 2011. I wish there were words to convey all that learned in this year. Very possibly the most heartbreaking and breathtaking year of my life. So many highs, so many lows and everything in between. Meeting new friends and loving old friends, and then having to let go of both of them... oh, the lessons. Life lessons come in all shapes and sizes and within their own time lines. I wish I could reach out and change part of the landscape of this year, while in the same breath I fully understand that we should also be grateful for unanswered prayers. If I had sum up what this year has meant to me, it would be that a massive chapter in my life has come to an end while a new one has been revealed. We all have the peaks and valleys that create our life's story and it fascinates me to no end to be present and in the moment while it all unfolds. There have been so many amazing people that have taught me so much this year. Watching loved ones achieve their dreams. Whether it has been having children, landing their dream job or simply finding it within themselves to live, take and own their lives and to allow themselves to grow into their 'best selves'. I have a lot to learn from them and I honour those friends for being so courageous. This year I have faced some truths about myself and I am proud to stand up, stand tall and to admit to myself my flaws. It must have something to do with growing up and realizing all of the ways I am still evolving. I can also own that I have done some amazing things too. Firstly and foremost, I have surrounded myself with amazing people. I am proud of my circle of loved ones and what they have taught me, how they have supported me and loved me every step of the way this year. I owe a deeply humble debt of gratitude to all of them. I realize that this is a far more personal blog entry than I usually post. I normally write about the jewelry business at some point, but today I wanted to acknowledge my friends. From Halifax to Vancouver Island and right here in my own home. I want to say thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for sharing your love and compassion and I hope you have been able to find some nurturing in our friendship also. Life has become more than ever about the dance of intimacy in my friendships. The trust, the lessons, the vulnerability that comes with being open and honest. Whether it be in our moments of triumph or in those moments where our ugly bits surface. It is all about the fancy foot work that creates a forgiving flow in our closest relationships. Thank you for loving me through all of the above. With 2012 fast approaching, I want to extend a warm winter wish to each of you reading this. My wish for your new year is that you allow yourself to be cared for. So often we are the caregivers. I hope that you find it in yourself to be cared for. Whether it is a friend who offers you a heartfelt compliment or a stranger that offers to buy you a coffee... accept it. What goes around comes around and you have love and light coming your way. Allow yourself to give the gift of giving to someone else. This has been my greatest lesson this year and it has taught me more about myself than anything else in my lifetime. It has been an amazing journey this year. Thank you for being apart of it. Thank you for being your beautiful self. Gratitude. It is where I will be in 2012. Love, Tiffany