Been There – New York University

It has been a while since I’ve had a new release from the Campus Collection for review, and it seems that Been There New York University mugs are finally widely available now.

New York University (NYU) was founded in 1831 by a group of prominent New Yorkers led by then-Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin. The vision was to create a non-denominational, accessible institution that catered to the working class, a stark contrast to the private, religious colleges that dominated the educational landscape of the time.… Read more

You Are Here – Mecca

You Are Here – Mecca is an unexpected release from Saudi Arabia. Mecca (officially Makkah al-Mukarramah) is generally considered the holiest city in Islam and holds immense significance in the Muslim world. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred structure in Islam, towards which Muslims around the globe face during their daily prayers. Every year, millions of Muslims undertake the pilgrimage known as Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, to Mecca.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – South Carolina

Discovery Series Ornament South Carolina is a mini mug for the Palmetto State. This nickname originates from the Sabal Palmetto, a type of palm tree that played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War. In 1776, the resilient palmetto logs were used to construct Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, which withstood British cannon fire due to the wood’s spongy nature. This pivotal victory in the Battle of Sullivan’s Island became a symbol of South Carolina’s strength and resilience. The palmetto tree was later incorporated into the state flag, where it stands proudly alongside a crescent, further cementing its significance in the state’s identity.… Read more

Been There Disney – World Of Frozen (Hong Kong Disneyland)

I did a quick preview of the Been There World of Frozen mug from Disney earlier, and it is time to take a better look at its design. Now that I am giving it a second look, I cannot help but notice that it looks very similar to the Arendelle mug I’ve reviewed already. Some of the characters can be found on both mugs:

Elsa is the Snow Queen of Arendelle, known for her magical ability to create ice and snow.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Georgia

Here are the symbols and landmarks that we can see in the design of the Starbucks Discovery Series Ornament – Georgia:

– Georgia is known for its beautiful state flower, the Cherokee Rose, which blooms in white with a golden center. In gardens across the state, azaleas flourish, adding vibrant pinks, reds, and purples to the landscape. The blooming dogwood trees are a sure sign of spring in Georgia, with their delicate white flowers dotting the forests. Flowers like magnolias and camellias also thrive in Georgia’s warm climate, offering fragrant blossoms throughout the year.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – North Carolina

Discovery Series Ornament – North Carolina is an espresso version of the bigger mug that I’ve reviewed here. There are only 5 state symbols and landmarks that made it to the design of the ornament:

– The Appalachian Range, is a defining feature of the state’s natural beauty. These ancient, rolling peaks offer breathtaking vistas, dense forests, and diverse wildlife, making them a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive through the mountains, showcases the area’s stunning landscapes, attracting millions of visitors each year.… Read more

Been There – Shanghai

Starbucks Been There Shanghai is a mug for a global metropolis on China’s eastern coast that experienced transformative growth in the 19th century when it emerged as a major trading port following the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. This pivotal moment opened the city to international trade, leading to a period of rapid development and cosmopolitan influence. As foreign concessions sprang up, Shanghai became a melting pot of cultures and architectural styles, blending traditional Chinese elements with Western innovations. The city’s iconic Bund area, with its historic buildings from the early 20th century, and its modern skyline featuring skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower, reflect this rich tapestry of history and progress.… Read more

Been There – Hokkaido

Starbucks Been There Hokkaido is a mug for Japan’s northernmost island, which has a rich history shaped by its indigenous Ainu people and later Japanese colonization. Originally called “Ezo,” Hokkaido was home to the Ainu for centuries before the Japanese government began its assimilation efforts in the 19th century. The Meiji Restoration marked a turning point when Hokkaido was officially named and developed as a frontier for agricultural expansion and defense. The island’s harsh climate and rugged terrain made settlement challenging, but the development of infrastructure and the influx of settlers transformed Hokkaido into a vital part of Japan’s national identity.… Read more

Discovery Series – Michigan

I’ve reviewed Michigan Ornament recently, and Discovery Series – Michigan is a full-size version. The matching symbols from these two are: the Petoskey Stone, cherries, Mackinac Bridge, Robin Redbreast, and Ford Model T. The following elements are specific to the mug only:

– The painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) is the official state reptile of Michigan, known for its distinctive, colorful markings. These turtles have smooth, dark shells adorned with red, orange, and yellow streaks along the edges. Painted turtles are commonly found in Michigan’s ponds, lakes, and marshes, basking on logs or rocks in the sun.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Australia 2

Similar to the bigger v2 mug, this new revised Been There Ornament – Australia v2 is dedicated to surfing and anything related. Also, I couldn’t help but notice that the ornament is a total copy of the bigger mug, with the exception of the two-piece swimsuit missing from the design of the ornament. That is unusual for the Been There Series, where ornaments have fewer elements than full-size mugs.

Surfing culture in Australia is deeply ingrained in the nation’s coastal lifestyle, with its world-famous beaches and surf spots drawing surfers from around the globe.… Read more

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