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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Starbucks Been There Ornament Australia is interesting in a way that it comes in a set with other Australian ornaments. You can see it in the picture below, together with the Australia v2 ornament. Yes, it took me so long to get it that Starbucks released a new version of the ornament! I have to admit, I am not a big fan of this type of packaging because, in order to get all the Australian cities, you have to buy multiple country ornaments.… Read more
Starbucks You Are Here – Groningen comes from the Netherlands. Big thanks to the blog reader for providing the pictures of this beautiful mug!
Groningen, a vibrant city in the northern part of the country, boasts a rich history dating back to the 11th century when it emerged as an influential regional trade hub. The city’s strategic location allowed it to thrive during the Middle Ages, becoming a member of the powerful Hanseatic League. This affiliation boosted its economic and cultural significance, fostering connections with other major European cities.… Read more
Discovery Series Ornament – Michigan is the release for the Great Lakes State, which has a rich history that dates back to its Indigenous peoples, including the Anishinaabe tribes. European exploration began in the 17th century with French fur traders, leading to the establishment of settlements and missions. The region became a state in 1837, driven by its booming lumber industry and later the automotive revolution, which transformed its economy and identity. Today, Michigan is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural heritage.… Read more
