Been There Ornament – Hong Kong

Been There Ornament Hong Kong joins other mini mugs in my collection.

Hong Kong began as a small fishing and farming community before becoming a British colony in 1842 after the First Opium War. Over the next century, it transformed into a major trading port and one of the most important gateways between East and West. In 1997 sovereignty returned to China under the “one country, two systems” framework, which allowed Hong Kong to keep its own legal and economic structures.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Louisiana

Discovery Series Ornament Louisiana has arrived!

Louisiana has a history shaped by Native American nations, French and Spanish settlers, and a mix of cultures that grew together over hundreds of years. The state sits at the meeting point of major rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and wide stretches of wetlands, all of which helped shape its way of life. From early trade routes to Cajun and Creole traditions, Louisiana has always been a place with its own style, rhythm, and flavour.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – San Francisco

Discovery Series Ornament San Francisco captures the spirit of a city that grew from a small settlement into one of the most recognizable places on the West Coast. The Gold Rush, waves of immigration, and a long tradition of creativity and progress shape the city’s history. Even though San Francisco keeps changing, it still holds onto its classic sights and the upbeat energy that people love.

– One of the most charming symbols on the ornament is the seal, a fun nod to the famous sea lions that gather around the waterfront at places like Pier 39.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – North Dakota

Discovery Ornament – North Dakota comes from the U.S. state that borders the Canadian province whose ornament we reviewed recently. Interestingly, it also features a fisherman!

North Dakota’s history is rooted in the cultures of the Indigenous peoples who lived on the plains long before European settlement. The region later became part of the Louisiana Purchase and began to grow with the westward expansion of the railroads in the late 1800s. When North Dakota entered the Union in 1889, it carried forward a heritage shaped by agriculture, open landscapes, and frontier resilience.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Manitoba

Happy to add this cute little Discovery Series Ornament Manitoba to my collection.

Manitoba has a long history shaped by Indigenous cultures, the fur trade, and early settlers who helped develop the province into what it is today. The region has been home to First Nations for thousands of years, and their traditions still influence the province’s identity. Later, the fur trade connected Manitoba to the rest of Canada and supported new communities. Winnipeg eventually grew into a major cultural and transportation hub.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Malacca

Been There Ornament Malacca is an ornament for a city also known as Melaka, that has a long and layered history that stretches back to the 1400s when it rose as a powerful Malay sultanate and one of Southeast Asia’s busiest trading ports. Its strategic position drew the attention of foreign powers, leading to centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British control. Each era left behind architecture, cuisine, and traditions that still shape the city today. Because of this mix, Malacca is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Malaysia’s most historically rich destinations.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Kuala Lumpur

Been There Ornament Kuala Lumpur is yet another addition to my collection from Asia. There are still quite a few releases from this series to review!

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, began as a small tin-mining settlement in the 1850s. Over time, it grew into a bustling hub of commerce and culture, attracting people from across the country and beyond. Today, it’s the political, financial, and cultural heart of Malaysia, blending colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. The city’s skyline and heritage reflect its diverse past and rapid development, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant capitals.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – San Diego

The design of the Discovery Series Ornament San Diego represents “America’s Finest City,” known for its sunny weather, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning coastal scenery. Founded in 1769 as the first mission and presidio in California, San Diego has grown from a small Spanish settlement into one of the most vibrant cities on the Pacific coast. With its deep historical roots and multicultural influences, the city beautifully balances heritage and modern coastal living.

– The roller skater on the ornament captures San Diego’s fun and active lifestyle.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Penang

I’m getting closer to completing my collection of mini mugs with this beautiful Been There Ornament Penang that I got from a friend!

Penang, often called the “Pearl of the Orient,” is a small island with a big story to tell. You can even see the image of the island itself on the front of the mug, shaped like a green gem off Malaysia’s northwest coast. Its modern history began in 1786 when Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company established a trading post here.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Sabah

Yet another mini mug from Malaysia! The Been There Ornament Sabah is designed using the blue color palette. This is possibly to reflect the state’s serene coastal beauty and the symbolic meanings of peace, unity, and strength found in the shades of blue on Sabah’s flag. The string of the ornament is also blue.

Sabah, known as the “Land Below the Wind,” sits on the northern tip of Borneo and carries a history as diverse as its landscapes. Long before colonial times, the region was home to several indigenous groups, including the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, and Bajau peoples, each with distinct languages and traditions.… Read more

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