EziBuy - Australia's Favourite Clothing Catalogue

Hello all,

It is relatively late - especially when I didn't get to sleep until about 2am last night - up doing my tax. I have never been that good at paperwork.....

I am suffering with tiredness now - as many of you would know I am sure. 

But, alas, my new Winter Catalogue is here as is the new Home Catalogue. And as these nights are getting chillier by the day, snuggling up looking at gorgeous Winter woolies with a lovely cup of tea is a mighty fine reward!

And so much to see! Actually, a "few" parcels arrived for me this week - I am really into these woollen dress outfits that are everywhere this year. And they are so comfortable as well as looking great - I am a big one for comfort. During the day with so much running around, I hate to feel restricted by my clothing. But, at the same time, its important to feel good about what I am wearing. Comfort and style. Very nice!

Especially when you can layer-upon-layer-upon-layer. Speaking of which - have you seen the Emerge Military Coat in Midnight Blue - stunning. Classic. And kind of cool. I also really like the cut of the Capture Panel Detail Coat - very flattering. Especially for those of us with curves. And those who are straight up and down. These classic styles reflect femininity, no matter what our body type. And they feel so cosy as you step out to brace the elements. Comfort and Style - again!

Hang on - nearly forgot the long cardie - won't say it again, but, C and S!

I am a little frightened to open the Home section - I just can't resist. Actually, I just put some flannelette sheets on the bed,a sheet set from last year's collection - they are so delicious to hop in to. I always get lovely flashbacks to cold Winter nights in Melbourne where I grew up - my dear Grandmother always had the softest, comfiest flannelette sheets. A lovely tradition to carry on for my little family I think.

Had my first day of filming on a new project - it was great. I have a lovely role that I am very grateful for, and feels so good to be doing a film again. I realised it has been about ten years since I did a film, I have been working in TV so much since then. The rehearsal time and shooting time feels so luxurious compared to the speed of television. People often ask me which medium I prefer - I don't mind at all. It's always about the Role and the team involved really. Working with like-minded people is the ultimate. I look forward to telling you more in detail when I can.

My little boy has been at home sick for a week, poor thing. I got the giggles with him today - as he's jumping all over me and I'm trying to do paperwork. He is ready to go back to pre-school tomorrow. He is pretty excited as he is just starting to hit the boredom threshold. I really noticed today as he climbed up onto my accountant's desk and then started doing what he calls"tricks" all over his floor - a cross between yoga, martial arts and some kind of wierd dance. You gotta laugh!

Hope you have time to log in and say hi. Enjoy all the new season goodies,

Bridiexxxxx

Hello Everyone

Apologies for not Blogging-In sooner - I have been in Melbourne and Sydney since I last "blogged" - I have to say this new terminology still makes me laugh! Watch out - I'll have an ipod next. Although,I have to admit, I do have an iphone and I swear by it - although it means I am constantly working, checking emails etc - not sure if that is such a good thing. I often think back to pre-mobile phone days......I did survive - being uncontactable! But, I have to say working away from home a lot, often in very remote places, I have greatly appreciated being able to push a few buttons and hear a familiar and loving voice on the other end when I have felt so very far away. My nemesis has been my life-saver!

I guess Ezibuy is a little like that - it connects you. You can push a few buttons or make a call and goodies are on their way. There is a great comfort in that, too. No matter where you are, or how busy your life gets - you still have access to lovely clothes or little treats for your house or flat or unit or wherever we are fortunate enough to call home.

I was in Sydney last week doing some work with an organisation called Can Assist - they work with country cancer patients and their families helping with very practical things like accommodation and financial assistance and emotional support as a family member undergoes cancer treatment. Unfortunately, I think most of us have been directly or indirectly affected by cancer in some way. And having nursed my mother-in-law through another terminal illness last year, I am very much aware of the need for these organisations throughout Australia, especially in rural areas. I don't mean to be all doom and gloom - I actually find it really positive, and these opportunities make me feel a part of a greater, caring community.

We have established our own little on-line community here, on the Ezibuy site - we are grateful and loyal Ezibuy devotees - we have a common thread to share. No matter our age or where we are from or who we are, we have a positive link to one another. Like I have said before - friends we haven't met yet!

Actually, Ezibuy does come into the picture - when I was in Sydney at the Can Assist Charity lunch, I began chatting with some of the patrons - two were visiting from NZ and the other two were from the South Coast of Sydney. As they commented on my dress (Grace Hill last Summer- bronze/gold/sequins - really pretty), I told them it was from Ezibuy - the lady from the South Coast pointed out her Ezibuy cardigan and the NZ traveller was of course also a loyal Ezibuy customer. We then went on to talk about great NZ actors and McLeod's and many other things - they were really lovely people.

I love clothes that I can dress up or down with a pair of heals or thongs - slip a coat over the top and anything goes - especially in this unpredictable weather! And especially travelling down and back to Sydney in a day.

On Wednesday I am off to Melbourne again - I have to leave home at 4am - a snuggly coat will definately be required. In fact I am sure I have one of those gorgeous wool-blend black button-through new season coats in the back of my car now. Must unwrap tomorrow - see what surprises await in my blue and white familiar packages. Don't you love the scramble to open them up and do the try-on?

I also have some gorgeous new sheets arriving - love the feeling of fresh new sheets on the bed - its amazing how you can transform the look of a bedroom with new-look linen. I am a sucker for cotton, and generally stick to pure white - but I have ventured out a little recently. I think its fun to keep thinking how I can improve or change or modify my home. And there are some parts that I am sure will never change! There is great comfortability and  security in the familiar.

Anyway, enough from me for now. Hope you are all having a wonderful week. Life is full of ups and downs always - which I am grateful for - I have never been good at boredom!

Love to you,

Bridiexx

Hi Doris

Just saw your post now. I have a philosophy with this sort of thing - trust your instincts and abandon all rules. I think if you really like a colour or a style and it is something you can see yourself in and will be something you'll feel good in - then go for it! Go with the gut feeling!!!!

Know you'll look great and feel beautiful,

Bridiex

Hi all,

I am starting to feel like I have a whole lot of Ezibuy friends that I haven't met yet!

It is so lovely to read your responses and comments, and hear your feedback and mull over your questions.

After being intentionally and rather stubbornly limited to emailing and word processing ( I admit to having had a little resistance to all this technology!) , I am starting to see the benefits and enjoyment of meeting new "cyberspace" friends. I'm just a little behind the times, a little old-fashioned, I guess. Still love sitting down face-to-face with a cup of tea and a good girlfriend. But, the beauty of all this accessibility is we can have both. Avail ourselves of the best!!!!! Life is too short for anything else.

I am in Melbourne working at the moment - if any of you know Melbourne (my home town) it is known for its "four seasons in one day". I was optimistic in my packing (deluded by the Byron Bay warmth) and was a little light-on with my early morning Autumn woolies. This time of year is  tricky wherever you are, I think. It is transitional, and my apparel needs to match! Layering is the answer. Rug up as you leave home in the morning. Start unlayering by 11am as the sun warms up the day, down to short sleeves by mid-arvo, and popping stuff back on for the journey home. Ludicrous really, but that about sums up my clothing experience today. Be prepared!!!

Hello to Jo who was asking about our Restaurant in Byron Bay - it is still my husband's restaurant, so I hope you had a good night! With these tough economic times, and the way people are eating these days, and the type of dinning experience we all want, we decided to change it half-way through last year. It is now Bayside Dining Traditional Thai (not Western Thai food, but very authentic) - and it has been a great success - thank goodness! It is much more relaxed (very child-friendly) and of course many Asian cuisines are all about sharing - with all of us tightening the pursestrings with so much economic unsurity, you can go in and eat without spending a fortune, or lash out and have the full Thai Banquet if your heart desires. We have tried to create an environment for everyone, to be all inclusive. So if any of you are ever in Byron, pop in. 

I understand Aly's reference to her post-baby body - I had to start filming 5 weeks after my son was born - there was no time for personal training or ridiculous crash-diets! It was a very humbling experience. And a very real one. If you think what our bodies go through with pregnancy and childbirth - we deserve a bit of recovery time, don't you think? I remember going to the Logies, 4 weeks after his birth and having to squeeze into this beautiful Collette Dinnigan dress - I dashed down to DJ's underwear department, hoping for some very firm-fitting Bridget Jones undies to hold everything together. This really cranky, mean saleswoman looked me up and down and said "Why don't you just try exercising." I was devastated - clearly if I had thought to order them online from Ezibuy I would not have had this soul-destroying experience. To top it all off, I had to run upstairs several times throughout the endless telecast, terrified my boobs would explode on national television! Who ever said it was a glamourous industry?????

Danielle - this was my first experience of "mother's guilt" - no one prepares you do they? It felt so wrong to leave my new, tiny, tiny baby in a hotel room (surrounded and cherished by my dear mother-in-law and other reletives, mind you) to go to some tv awards night! I think I was nominated for a Gold and Silver that year, so I kind of had to go. But, in my heart, it didn't really add up! Anyway, we all got through that one, and many others together.

It is important to give to ourselves, though. To treat ourselves as our own best friend. If I am now starting to repeat myself or reiterate anything from last week, forgive me, it's late and I'm tired. Must go to bed now. Working tomorrow, then fly home Friday and back here in a week......I think. And, with my now 4 yo boy, in tow - of course!!!!!

Look forward to hearing from more new friends - have a great week.

Lots of love,

Bridiexx

Hello everyone again! The reality of my life is I sat down at my laptop over 2 hours ago to begin my blog - managed to log in ok - with the help of a phone call! - and since then I have been dragged away with phone calls ,emails, messages, washing, dinner prep for tonight, more phone calls, lunch for my 4 yo and school holiday entertainment - and FINALLY I am back! Take a deep breath, Bridie!

This is the reality of my life - I never have a problem with motivation, or boredom  - But, I can be criticised for being too busy. There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day - in fact, I never ever really get everything done. And being the "Modern Woman" that I am - whatever that is - I tend to multi-task, multi-task, multi-task! Although, somehow I think there is something very ageless about this concept - we have always multi-tasked, because we can. No slant on the male gender at all, but the facts are - our brains are built differently. 

And how this affects me is, I have to remind myself every now and then, to STOP. Just STOP.

A friend of mine the other day suggested I put my feet up - a purely foreign concept as I think most working women/mothers/wives/sisters etc would identify with.

I did stop briefly this morning to go through the latest Ezibuy Winter Catalogue - I paused, and made my list. I think there is a new HOME Catalogue coming out soon - I must get on line and STOP again - love homeware - I have to admit it has been a bit of an obsession, a bit of a compulsion in the past. So many beautiful things. I think its really important to create an environment to be in - it is in my home. To have comfort and stimulation and beauty all around.

Anyway, I picked out several lovely dresses for myself - i really love the merino and woolen dresses that are around this year. And I am looking forward to rugging up. I love the sense of seasons - in Northern NSW, near Byron Bay where I live, we often don't get a great distinction between the four seasons. But, I am fortunate enough to travel a fair bit, and exprience the bitter cold in many other beautiful places! Great for layering, lovely coats, scarves, boots and all that.

There were a few questions in the Blog Comments - one was about my singing ability. Its a funny thing - love to sing, happy to sing with others, but slightly terrified of singing on my own. And having just written this I have now subconciously set myself an unguarded challenge - oh dear!

I miss my dancing from Dancing With The Stars - and the Mirror Dance was my favorite too - I could have done it one hundred times over. I was so fortunate to have such a wonderful partner, Craig Monley - a very talented choreographer, and as determined, dedicated and professional as I hope I always am. That job ended up being one of the most exhilarating and challenging jobs I've ever done. I had no idea when I agreed to do it that I would be as terrified, or learn as much, or be as inspired by taking on that challenge. Life is often like that for me - things that are not necessarily of my choosing often have the greatest affect on me, and are the most profound.

Well I suppose I better sign out now - getting ready to go away again - we are the gypsy family, which we all love, thank goodness!

I have very much enjoyed writing this blog - makes me STOP and think. A little like a diary entry shared with thousands of people - that is a strange concept! Hope you all have a lovely week and look forward to your feedback and questions - happy to respond always.

Lots of love and Best wishes

Bridiex

I'm excited to start my very first blog! To start things off I thought I'd let you know a little bit about me... 

For those of you who don't know, I have been Ezibuy's Brand Ambassador for over 3 years now. It has been Ezibuy's integrity, affordability and accessibility that has continued to attract me and thousands of others to this steadfast, up to the minute, clothing and homeware label. I have always carried my Ambassador title with great pride. 

One of my favourite past times is curling up with a good book - I have been an avid reader since I was a kid. I tend not to get too much time with my busy life, and often end up staying up way too late, saying "just one more chapter" to myself. I can understand my passion for reading and words and language, and the absolute sense of stepping into someone else's world - as an actor, it completely ties in. 

I also love nature and the bush, I love the ocean and swimming, and never underestimate the power of diving into the sea. I can be having a really bad day, go for a swim, and all of a sudden my perspective completely changes. Everything is ok again. The ocean rejuvenates the soul. 

Movies are another passion - as a kid, films like Storm Boy, Bugsy Malone  and Little Boy Lost initiated my early interest in the film world, as did the acting classes and clown classes I started at the age of 5. I have acted since this time, so to me it is like breathing, it comes so naturally, and feels so right. I have never lost my passion as I have never stopped learning. 

One of the highlights of my early career was being accepted into NIDA at the age of 21. It really was a dream come true - I will never forget the phone call saying I had been accepted and offering me a place in the best drama school in the country. "Fame", the movie had been another favourite film as a kid, and the thought of going to a Performing Arts school, and one so prestigious, was amazing to me. It was the beginning of many more dreams. 

I think filming the scenes of Claire McLeod's death in McLeod's Daughter's was probably one of the most rewarding and memorable highlights of my career so far. Lisa (Chapell) and I cried for three days straight, I think - we were both so committed to making the last moments of these two sister's lives together, truthful and honest and full of love. And that is where the uniqueness of McLeod's began, I believe - it was a story about the love between two very different sisters - a wonderful concept. It paved the way to a really successful series, and I will always be thankful for the opportunity and grateful for the wonderful challenges I had as an actress on the show.

Another surprising and immensely challenging highlight was my appearance on Dancing With The Stars. I have never been more terrified, or fulfilled or had so much fun for some time. And this job really challenged me as an actor, as I was completely taken out of my comfort zone.

My favourite dance of the series was the very last - the Mirror Dance - in the freestyle section. I would love to do more!!!! 

In terms of clothing, I am very eclectic - I have absolutely no rules. I have always had a passion for clothing and "dressing up". I can wear all different pieces together. An Ezibuy top with a designer skirt and a second hand, retro handbag! I remember taking a $2 gold mesh clutch to the AFI's one year with a Designer dress - I picked up the bag in an opshop in a little town called Freeling in SA when we filming McLeod's. I guess I am not a snob when it comes to clothes and style . I think what is really important is staying true to myself and what appeals to me, rather than what fashion magazines are dictating I wear. It is really important as a woman to feel good, I think. And when you work and are a mum, practical clothing is really important.  

I definitely prefer to dress in skirts and dresses - I love retro influences in current fashion, and I'm a sucker for shoes and bags.

My body shape is curvy. I have Italian heritage on my mum's side and have the curvy hips to match. I love the smock dresses that are in fashion now, and often wear clothes to accentuate my small waist. I am definitely into accentuating assets and cleverly disguising the rest. As I said before, clothing is a really important part of feeling good about yourself - and can be vitally important to your self-esteem. One of the things I love about Ezibuy, is it allows us all to do this in a very affordable and accessible way. Clothing is so much more than just "putting something on" - it can change your whole perception of yourself and the world around you. 

I love women like Kate Winslet. She embraces her womanhood at all times. She is a mum and an actress and a wife and a friend - she plays all the roles we all do, and her clothing reflects this at all times. I love Chloe Sevigny for her wackiness and not caring what anyone thinks. Elle McPherson is just gorgeous all the time! There are many admirable women to be inspired by out there. 

Anyway enough about me! I'd love to hear from you - let me know if you've got any questions or if there's anything in particular you'd like to hear bout in this blog. Chat soon...xx