The Problem with Tiny Feet...

...is that you have to check 22 (count 'em, twenty-frickin'-two) stores before you find cleats in your size!

Those beauties are from Adidas in Power Plant, kids' size 5.5 (I'm a 5Y in Nike). I checked stores from Sta. Rosa to Trinoma. After days of searching, I finally found this just-delivered pair, in my team's colors, no less!

But seriously, 22 stores?! And here's the thing: You won't find women's sizes here. If you're a girl who needs cleats, you either have to have small feet and go for kids' sizes, or big feet and go for men's sizes. (Luckily, I fall under the first category, which means my shoes are cheaper. I think the men's version of my new shoes are over five grand!) The last time I found shoes in my size, I bought two pairs because they're just so damn hard to find.

Which reminds me, a moment of silence for my retired pairs...

Goodbye, Adidas cleats, which Pia wore during her MVP run in Shanghai. Farewell, Nike cleats, which didn't give me blisters. You've both served me well.

Sports stores, the disc community is growing and growing and growing, and lots more girls are playing disc. Please stock up, I beg of you. And include women's sizes too! Or I could just order loads of women's cleats abroad and resell them here. Ha!

So, my problem is cleats. Ladies, tell me--what do you have a hard time finding here?

El Cheapo Shopping Finds

Am on a bit of a budget now, so had to keep expenses down on a recent shopping trip. Found these basic pieces at great bargain prices...

Racerback tops from Forever 21 at P190 (about $4.50) each. Super versatile.

At long last, wide-leg pants! These are by Weekender at SM Department Store. My priciest purchase of the day, at P699.75 (about $17)!

I'd been searching and searching for a nice pair of wide-leg pants since late last year. I still want a pair in camel, but this chocolate brown number can take the place of my faded brown slacks.

Next: Le Donne flats, P595 (about $14). It's very hard for me to find flats that I like--I have wide feet so a lot of the ones in the market tend to be unflattering. These pointy-toe ones seem to elongate my feet. Sooo comfortable! Soft as butter.

And finally, my husband's favorite: a little black dress--or, more accurately, a little black-and-white dress.

He loves that it hugs my curves (while I love loose clothing--I seriously have a lot of things I could wear once I'm preggers--husband likes it when he can see my figure). The fit is great now, but if I plan to eat in it, I should lose a couple of pounds! Or maybe invest in Spanx. Hmm. I did save a bundle on this shopping trip. This dress's price tag? P450 (about $11)! By Liberte at Robinsons Department Store. A similar one appears in September's P500-and-under fashion feature.

Found any good deals lately?

First Year: Paper

By Sunday, it'll be one year since Hamil and I became husband and wife. I have no idea where the year went! I guess it's a sign that we're having a blast!

The traditional first anniversary gift is paper, and I decided to give Hamil...

Tip: If the book you want is the last copy and it's not perfect (some damage on the cover, for example), ask for a discount! You could get as much as 15% off.

...a book shopping spree! It's a pretty great gift, if I do say so myself, and if you knew how much Hamil and I love to read, you'd understand. I want it for myself when Christmas rolls around!

We spent quite a bit of time at Fully Booked as he went through the management and sports sections. (No fiction for him--that's my genre.) He was like a kid in a candy store! He was nice enough to throw in a book that we were both interested in (Tony Bourdain--something I've been wanting to read for years), so even I got a little somethin'-somethin' out of this shopping spree.

I was so happy to see Hamil so happy. Before we left for the bookstore, he was so excited! I love spoiling him; I'm a firm believer in that saying about spoiling your spouse but not your kids. Just seeing him smile--a really happy smile as we carted his books to the cashier--it really made me forget about the expense. I'd give this man the world if I could!

A Li'l Spring in Your Step

SM, I heart you. Your oh-so-reasonably priced Parisian line of shoes has some really delightful designs now. My latest find:

Absolute cuteness! Perfect for spring! In fact, they are most definitely a part of my spring wardrobe for my upcoming trip to New York! They aren't entirely comfortable, but I've lasted a day with a fair amount of walking in them. They've gotten so many compliments already. And they're less than P800!

I'm due for a shoe-shopping trip before I leave in a couple of weeks. Will be posting more of my finds!