Discovery Series – North Dakota

I recently reviewed the ornament from The Peace Garden State, where wide skies meet endless possibilities. Discovery Series North Dakota is its big brother.

North Dakota’s story reaches deep into the past, shaped first by the Indigenous nations who lived on these plains for thousands of years, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota, and Dakota peoples. Their agricultural villages, trade networks, and earth-lodge settlements formed the earliest foundations of the region. Europeans arrived in the 18th century, drawn by fur-trade routes stretching along the Missouri River, and the land eventually became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Montana

Discovery Series Ornament Montana comes from Big Sky Country, where endless horizons meet rugged natural beauty.

Montana’s story begins long before it became a state, with Indigenous nations such as the Crow, Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai shaping the region for thousands of years. European fur traders arrived in the 1700s, followed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, which mapped the area for the United States. Montana grew rapidly during the gold rushes of the 1860s and officially entered the Union in 1889.… Read more

Discovery Series – Louisiana

Yesterday we reviewed the ornament, today let’s do the same for the Discovery Series Louisiana mug.

Louisiana’s history begins long before it became a state in 1812. The region was originally home to many Indigenous nations, including the Choctaw, Houma, and Chitimacha peoples. It later became a strategic French territory, ceded to Spain, then returned to France before being sold to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Over time, Louisiana earned the nickname “The Pelican State,” shaped by its river culture, Creole heritage, and unique blend of French, African, Caribbean, and American influences.… 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 – 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

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

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