Been There Ornament – Laos

Been There Ornament – Laos is the release for the landlocked nation in Southeast Asia with a history that weaves together ancient kingdoms, colonial influences, and modern resilience. Once known as the Kingdom of Lan Xang, or the “Land of a Million Elephants,” Laos was founded in the 14th century and flourished as a center of trade and Buddhism. It later fell under French colonial rule in the late 19th century before gaining full independence in 1953. Today, Laos continues to embrace its cultural traditions while steadily growing as a peaceful and welcoming destination.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Missouri

Along with the ornament from the neighbouring state, I picked up this beautiful Discovery Series Ornament Missouri. I really like how the shades of blue stand out in the design; they make it especially eye-catching. Do you agree?

Missouri, “The Show-Me State”, became the 24th state in 1821 as part of the Missouri Compromise, which tried to balance slave and free states in the growing Union. Before statehood, it was home to Native American tribes such as the Osage and Missouria and later became a major point of westward expansion.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Kansas

Discovery Series Ornament – Kansas is the latest addition to my collection.

Kansas became the 34th state to join the Union on January 29, 1861. Various Native American tribes had long inhabited the region before European settlers arrived via trails such as the Oregon and Santa Fe. It was at the center of national conflict over slavery in the 1850s, earning the nickname “Bleeding Kansas.” Over time, the state’s rich soil and climate made it a powerhouse of agriculture, transforming its economy and identity.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Nevada

Here is the Discovery Series Ornament Nevada that I recently added to my collection.

Nevada, admitted to the Union in 1864 during the American Civil War, is often called the “Battle Born State” due to its wartime statehood. Its history is closely tied to mining, as the discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859 brought a rush of settlers and wealth to the region. Early Native American tribes, such as the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe, lived in Nevada long before European exploration began.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Seattle

Here is the Discovery Series Ornament – Seattle from the Emerald City. The city earned this nickname for its lush evergreen forests and vibrant year-round greenery, officially adopted in the 1980s after a contest to highlight its natural beauty.

Here are some of the symbols of the city that we can see from the design of this espresso mug:

Starbucks Coffee Bag: Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks, the world’s most famous coffee company, founded in 1971 at Pike Place Market.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Baltimore

I like the blue colors of the Discovery Series Ornament – Baltimore, but I wish the string were also blue.

Baltimore’s story begins in 1706 when Maryland’s colonial General Assembly created the Port of Baltimore at Whetstone Point for the tobacco trade. The Town of Baltimore itself was officially founded on August 8, 1729, when the Governor of Maryland signed an act establishing the settlement on the west side of the Jones Falls. The city was named after Cecilius Calvert, the 2nd Lord Baltimore, connecting it to the English aristocrat who helped establish Maryland as a colonial haven for religious tolerance.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Sydney

It seems that none of the elements were removed from the design of the large mug when creating the Been There Ornament – Sydney. This city mini mug is paired with the country ornament in a set, so if you want to collect all the cities, you’ll end up with a few extra country ones.

– The front of the ornament shows Sydney’s famous harbor view with the Opera House‘s sails standing out against the sky and the Harbour Bridge curving behind it.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Charlotte

The minimalistic design of the Discovery Series Ornament Charlotte is easy to review, as I can clearly spot exactly five symbols or points of interest from the city.

Founded in 1768 and named in honor of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Charlotte began as a small crossroads town in the Carolina Piedmont. Its early growth was fueled by the discovery of gold in the 19th century, making it the first major gold rush site in the United States. By the late 1800s, the city became a hub for cotton processing and railroads, setting the stage for its modern economic boom.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Charleston

Discovery Series Ornament – Charleston is another piece in my collection that I picked up during my journey up the East Coast.

Founded in 1670, Charleston, South Carolina, began as a colonial seaport and quickly grew into one of the most important cities in the American South. Its wealth was built on rice, indigo, and cotton plantations, supported by its bustling harbor. The city played a key role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War, with the first shots of the latter fired at nearby Fort Sumter.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Guangzhou

Been There Ornament Guangzhou is using the following symbols and points of interest that we saw in the design of the larger mug: Pearl River Cruise, Yuexiu Park, Baiyun Mountain, and Canton Tower.

Experiencing Guangzhou means savoring its exceptional culinary heritage. Dim sum forms the heart of local dining culture, featuring delicate morsels such as har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecued pork buns) traditionally paired with tea. The city’s beloved white cut chicken showcases Cantonese simplicity—tender poached chicken accompanied by ginger and scallion sauce.… Read more

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