I got chills, they're multiplying!

It has been an extremely cold week out on the markets of Norfolk. Numb fingers & toes have been the order of the day, not to mention permanent hat hair!

This time of year is always particularly tough and because I had to miss so many markets in the run up to Christmas because of ice and snow, it seems winter is lasting even longer than usual. So I am glad January is only one day away from being over.

February of course brings with it Valentine's day and I have noticed the odd gentleman browsing the stall with ardent intent. One in particular at Diss made very sure the stall would be in situ every Friday, my guess is he has plans for a certain lady love. Unless he is after my pitch!

While I am talking about Valentine's day a regular lady customer also rather pointedly made a big deal of a bracelet she liked in front of her husband (she obviously has learnt over the years that subtlety never wins the day.) He asked me to put it by for him after she had left the stall and returned to buy it this week. The lady in question asked me outright if he had bothered to get it for her and cursed like a trouper when I lied that someone else had bought it (well it didn't seem right to spoil the surprise, so a small white lie can't hurt, surely?) Am sure she will be delighted (and fish all his dinners out of the bin) when she is finally presented with the bracelet.

I haven't just been working outside, some people seem to think all I do is a three day week but I also have to prepare stock and update the website with new jewellery. If you haven't already checked it out, please do www.myriadlifejewellery.co.uk


Come Easter the stall will be out again four times a week, sometimes five when there is a Sunday show. Keep an eye on this site for further details of shows we will be at..

Norracechicks please support us!

A group of ladies from Norwich & Norfolk have got together via Twitter to run The Race for Life at the Norfolk Showground on Sunday 15th May.

We have called ourselves the

At the moment there are around 20 of us willing to walk, run or crawl (depending on our own personal capabilities & disabilities!) the 5 kilometers to help raise vital funds for Cancer Research.

We don't all know each other properly yet but I am sure that each and every one of us has been touched by cancer in some way and are aware of the devastating effects it has on not only the lives of the sufferers but those that love them too.


Times are hard we know, but every little helps. Please click on the link to our Just Giving page to make whatever donation you can. http://bit.ly/dPDFJy

Thank you! If you are in Norfolk on 15th May, please come and cheer us on!

January is nearly over..

January is nearly over and while I am not one to wish away time it will be good to get it out of the way. It's hard not to become a bit obsessive about every slow minute the daylight expands.

The markets are quiet at this time of year, understandably. It can be a bit bleak but traders still endure so that regular customers know they can drop in, and of course business can't stop just because of the time of year.

The new shed at Fakenham Market is slowly taking shape, and I guess that it will be completed within the next month or so. Certainly in time for Spring. It will be interesting to see what kind of impact the new building will have on the market itself with some of the traders moving about and new type stalls coming into place.

Some people don't like the idea of change but I do. We have to change to evolve. It is sad to have to let go of images and habits of yesteryear but memories never die. Markets need to move with the times to make sure that modern customers are still enticed to use them. Whenever I take a picture of one of the markets the Myriad Life Jewellery stall visits, I think 'that's another one that people will pour over in the future'. People will always be fascinated to see how times changed.

It is important that people realise how important markets are. Not just in big cities but in rural towns too. They are such an vital part of communities, providing not just fresh produce and dry goods to buy but a weekly social event where people can meet up, chew the cud (so to speak) and find out what's happening in their locality.

At a time when people are waking up to the need to support local business, don't forget that includes local markets. Market traders are business people too but don't always seem to get taken as seriously. Markets are the most traditional way to shop, a part of our heritage and hopefully they will continue into the future but not without support.

Unless you are happy for rural towns to become clones just as the High Streets in some places have become, encourage diversity and independent businesses by shopping with them!

It's up to you! Use them or lose them.

Another decade, more decadence??

Wouldn't that be nice, more decadence? Times are hard all round but that is no reason to give up enjoying yourself. We've all got to watch the budget but fashion is always an important pick me up and it doesn't have to be expensive.

Whenever I pick up one of the fashion magazines I end up lusting over the latest leather jacket, hot mini dress or gorgeous boots right up until I see the price tag which was clearly meant to entice one of the Hilton sisters, not the likes of me!

However, the mags often suggest looking to a market for great fashion items and that doesn't have to mean Camden or Portobello, check out what's available closer to home. Be inventive and creative, style doesn't necessarily have to come from the High Street or the hotspots of London.

Of course in winter, the last thing you might want to do is traipse around in the cold seeking out a bargain. However, with all the flu bugs around, it might be best to avoid the city crowds and head for the quieter places to get your fashion fix. Open air kills the bugs pretty well so however cold it is, a little pain can go some way to gain a fresher, healthier atmosphere. Not that this is a health blog of course, I am getting a little carried away here!

The Myriad Life Jewellery stall evolved from my desire to find something a little different, presented in a user friendly way, a relaxed shopping environment with a little advice if required but no pressure, bright lights or pesky queues. Over the years I like to think I've achieved my target as more and more regulars return. With so much hustle bustle in everyday life, it's good to step out and have a little 'me' time and market shopping can be a good way to get away from the madding crowds! Customers have become friends who I look forward to having a chat with.

The jewellery & scarves on the stall are mostly available on our new website now www.myriadlifejewellery.co.uk. It's a work in progress but there are over 40 styles of scarf on there already, around 30 necklaces and bracelets and so the online collection grows. So if you really can't face open air shopping at this time of year, you can pick and choose from the comfort and warmth of your home or office.

Despite the rising costs, Myriad Life Jewellery aim to keep jewellery and scarves as affordable as possible. I understand that most people want a good choice and variety to go with their different outfits and try to maintain a sizeable collection.

Also, the stall only visits Norfolk markets, and does venture as far as Suffolk for shows during the year but the new website means you don't have to be in Norfolk to enjoy the collection. If you do visit Norfolk, please do come say hello. We welcome visitors from all over the country as Norfolk is such a popular holiday and weekend destination.

So back to decadence, hmm I think we've all earnt a bit of that!