Been There – Louisiana 3

I had the pictures of the Been There Louisiana v3 mug sitting around, but for some reason, I forgot to make a post! There are probably very few people who care about these small differences, but it’s my job to make sure they’re documented for everyone’s reference. I’ve made a collage of all three versions for your convenience – see it below.

This mug is likely the last release from the U.S. within the Been There series. It’s the third revision, following the original misprinted version (v1) that was quickly replaced by a corrected one (v2).… 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

Discovery Series – Vermont

Discovery Series Vermont is a mug for the Green Mountain State. Its nickname comes from the French “Vert Mont,” a name given by early French explorers who were struck by the rolling, forested peaks that define the state’s landscape. Vermont is known for its strong rural character, independent spirit, and deep appreciation for nature, which shows in both its people and its traditions.

Some of the symbols of Vermont:

Maple syrup is one of Vermont’s proudest symbols. Every spring, the sugarhouses come alive as sap from the state’s countless maple trees is boiled down into golden syrup.… Read more

Discovery Series – Indiana

Discovery Series Indiana is a mug for the Crossroads of America state. Indiana earned that nickname thanks to its central location and the web of highways and railroads that run through it, connecting the Midwest to the rest of the country. Its name comes from the word “Indian land,” a reminder of the Native American tribes who first called this place home. From its early frontier settlements to its bustling modern cities, Indiana has always been a state of movement and connection.… Read more

Discovery Series – New Hampshire

Here’s another mug I picked up while travelling through New England. Similar to the one from the previous collection, the design of the Discovery Series New Hampshire mug features shades of blue.

New Hampshire became one of the original thirteen colonies in 1788, rich in forests, rivers, and a stubborn spirit of independence. Its motto, “Live Free or Die,” still sums up the state’s character – proud, practical, and a little rebellious. Once built on logging and textile mills, New Hampshire now thrives on small businesses, tourism, and outdoor life.… Read more

Discovery Series – Kansas

The review of the ornament won’t be complete without the review of its bigger sibling – Discovery Series – Kansas

Kansas stretches wide under an endless sky, where the horizon glows gold with wheat fields and prairie grass. Known as the Sunflower State, it’s a place shaped by hard work, open land, and resilient people. From its small towns to its capital in Topeka, Kansas has always balanced simplicity with strength. It’s where the past meets the plains – steady, grounded, and full of quiet pride.… Read more

Discovery Series – Missouri

Let’s see which symbols and landmarks creators were able to incorporate in the design of the Discovery Series – Missouri. Please note, I will skip those I mentioned in the review of the ornament.

Meramec Caverns, located near Stanton, is one of Missouri’s most famous natural wonders. These stunning limestone caves stretch for miles beneath the Ozark hills, offering guided tours through chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The caverns have even been linked to the outlaw Jesse James, adding a touch of mystery to their breathtaking beauty.… Read more

Discovery Series – Nevada

We’ve seen the release of the ornament earlier; here is the bigger mug, Discovery Series Nevada. Apart from the Mountain Bluebird, Sagebrush, Lake Tahoe, Entertainment and gaming, designers were able to incorporate more symbols of the state in this release:

Fly Geyser is one of Nevada’s most surreal natural wonders, located in the Black Rock Desert. Formed accidentally in the 1960s when a geothermal well was drilled, the geyser began spewing mineral-rich water that created colorful terraces over time.… 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

1 2 3 4 24