I'm lucky enough to have bought most of my homewares abroad, mainly because the thought of living in an identikit IKEA home brings me out in a rash. My favourite mugs, purchased in the Herzliya branch of Max Brenner, are no exception.

They're called Hug Mugs and they really are quite lovely. If you happen to have a penchant for hot chocolate, especially the really thick naughty kind, then I defy you to find a more suitable mug to drink it from.

To quote the Max Brenner website...

"The Hug Mug is a cacao bean shaped mug designed to keep your hands warm while drinking.  It creates the ultimate experience of warmth and coziness and the openess of the mug allows the aroma of the chocolate to be thoroughly enjoyed."

How perfect, especially sat on the sofa with Home Alone 2: Lost in New York showing on the telly. Mmmmmm.

Should you be so inclined, you can purchase your own hug in a mug here.

I still need to have a couple of meetings about it, but today I basically got the green light I've been waiting for. The big bosses have said yes, I can go to the US for three months.

Decisions still need to be made about exactly where I'm going and whether I'll stick to one city for three months or split the time across two or three but I intend to spend the entire time in California. I'll be in LA/Orange for Christmas this year anyhow so I guess that's when I'll finalise where I plan to head. I also need to decide when to leave, I'll either go March-May or April-June. I am very excited and intend to bore everyone senseless by talking about nothing else but this (and maybe X Factor) until I leave.

If anyone has any tips/advice or wants to hang out once I'm there then let me know. To be honest you really don't need to let me know now, this is six months away, but fuck it I'm overexcited.

This is a picture of me....

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I'm clearing out my life and I've decided shoes that don't fit me are the first things to get the heave-ho.

If you would like to have fabulous feet then feel free to contact me on p.dinseyATgmail.com. All pairs are £25. I will post for free in the UK or you can collect if in London.

Pair 1 - Vintage Bottega Veneta. Stunning bright acqua colour. Size 40. (worn)
Pair 2 - Limited Collection two tone slingbacks, very Prada! Size 6. (worn once)
Pair 3 - Office Vintage Collection. Pink and gold. Size 38. (never worn)
Pair 4 - Jones the Bootmakers black patent round toe heels. Size 38. (never worn)