Someone asked me earlier: “What are your pocket must haves?”. I immediately emptied my jeans’ back pocket and I only had two things in it:

my pocket must haves: La Mer The Lip Balm x BlackBerry 9300

To say that I’m connected 24/7′s both a cliche and a fact. My BlackBerry’s helped me catch up with my never ending emails and errr backlogs. On top of that, because I’m on an unlimited data plan, from around Php 6000/month consumption, I now average at Php 1200. More paper for my fancy coffee! :)

Speaking of coffee, I tweet once: if there’s one thing that can keep me off expensive java, it’s got to be La Mer’s The Lip Balm. It might be hella pricey for a lip balm (.32oz, approx Php 2800) but darls believe me: it’s so worth it. I’ve tried a LOT of lip balms since I turned 12, scoured both drug and department stores, spent as little as $1 and as much as $100 but nothing comes close.

To apply, just warm the balm on your fingertips and dab (not glide). One thin application gives me half day’s worth of moisture. Tip: to save the product from bacteria contamination, decant the balm on a smaller pot (that’s why my balm has a hole in the middle). I use a fresh cotton swab to “scoop and transfer”.

I get my The Lip Balm fix from La Mer Rustan’s Makati.

Just for fun I thought, can I slim my current must-haves into a say list of 10? Let’s see… :)

Last month, the unthinkable just happened. I thought it was purely out of my training (running) that I’ve been feeling sharp pangs on my right ankle. H, being quite an expert when it comes to sports related injuries (as he’s accumulated a handful overtime), suggested that I get myself checked ASAP. At 28, I was diagnosed with mild arthritis on my right foot. Wait, let me say that again — mild arthritis (!!!). Turns out, because of being overweight once upon a time (170 lbs. max) and pushing myself to my limits every time I run, I’ve worn out my ankles and my right foot just got the first blow. I’ve had my first of many PT sessions (with the currents and all) and one of my prescriptions include taking a break from wearing my beloved Havaianas flip flops and Anthology flats. *dies*

I can’t wear flat shoes and slippers and stilettos. *dies again* In fact, even if I could, they really make my ankle hurt SO BAD. I naturally asked the doctor what I should wear since I can’t wear rubber shoes to work. He asked if I’ve heard of FitFlops. I said yes and he said I should give it a try because most patients with the same condition found relief in it (in between PT sessions and medication).

I’ve been long lemming for the FitFlop Electra Strata in Tiger Eye but 1) I find them hella expensive at Php 3490 and 2) they’re always (no exag) out of stock everywhere. I guess some things really have to wait for the perfect timing because apart from having a legit reason to grab a pair  (hrrhrr), the pair I’ve been lemming for was finally in stock, anddddd I got it as a gift (you read about this in Twitter right?). *cartwheels*

Did it live up to its promise of tension relief? Oh my goodness. I can’t believe I waited this long to get a pair! It’s true what they say — it’s so hard to go back to other shoes or sandals once you’ve tried these. I’m lemming for another pair (same style but in black for versatility) and this trio I spotted in TriNoma:

The gripe about these boots called Dash? They’re Php 6990 a pop! OUCH!

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