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Fun facts about Dallas 

Photo by Ryan from Pexels

Dallas, colloquially referred to as ‘Big D’, is located in the North of Texas. Here are just 10 fun facts about the US city. 

  • Population
  • Visitors 
  • Big Tex
  • Frozen margaritas
  • 7-eleven 
  • German chocolate cake 
  • Popcorn
  • Cake 
  • Famous faces
  • Art

Population 

Dallas is home to 1,281,047 people, making it the 3rd largest city in Texas and the 9th largest city in the US. 

Photo by Talena Reese from Pexels

Visitors 

On average 24.9 million people visit Dallas each year. The JFK Museum, Botanical Gardens, and Reunion Tower are just some of the attractions that tourists travel to see.

Photo by Irbin Medina from Pexels

Big Tex

Big Tex is a 52-foot tall statue that welcomes visitors to the annual state fair of Texas, which is held at Fair Park in Dallas every year. Not only is Big Tex a cultural icon of both Dallas and Texas, but he is also the tallest cowboy in the whole of Texas. 

Image by David Grant

Frozen margaritas 

The only way to improve on the perfection that is a cocktail is to freeze it. Although we don’t know who invented frozen margaritas, we do know that Mariano Martinez was the genius behind the frozen margarita machine. In 1971 Mariano Martinez was receiving complaints from customers at his restaurant in Dallas because bartenders weren’t accurately measuring the quantities of their frozen margaritas due to their high demand. Cleverly, Martinez figured out that an automatic mixer could both produce the perfectly mixed frozen margarita and ease the load on his bartenders. Thus, he began using a soft-serve ice cream machine to generate his frozen margaritas, and the frozen margarita machine was born. 

Image by Missvain

7-eleven 

We’ve all heard of, and probably visited, 7-eleven, America’s popular convenience store. But, did you know that 7-eleven was founded in Dallas, where its headquarters remain? The chain was founded in 1927 as an ice house storefront in Dallas. Then named Tote’m Stores, they sold ice as well as basic essentials such as bread and eggs. The name 7-eleven wasn’t used until 1946 when the name changed to reflect the store’s new opening hours- 7 am to 11 pm.  

Photo by mingche lee from Pexels

German chocolate cake 

Contrary to the name, German chocolate cake does not originate from Germany, but Dallas. In 1852 an English American baker named Samuel German created a dark baking chocolate with more sugar than the average semi-sweet baking chocolate. 105 years later, the Dallas Morning News published a cake recipe by Mrs. George Clay called German’s Chocolate Cake, because it used Samuel German’s specific baking chocolate. As the recipe was distributed, the apostrophe was dropped and the name altered to German Chocolate Cake as we know it today. 

Image by Kimberly Vardeman

Popcorn 

According to Fortune magazine more popcorn is consumed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area than any other. Historian and columnist for the Dallas Morning News, A.C Greene, believes that this is because many people in Dallas still visit the movies to see the latest blockbusters. Naturally, popcorn and movies go hand in hand, thus explaining the high demand for it in the Dallas area. 

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

Cake

Another fun Dallas cake fact is that there is a slice of cake from the 1913 wedding of President Woodrow Wilson’s daughter, Jessie, in Woodrow Wilson High School. The cake was sent from one of Jessie’s bridesmaids in Texas to her cousin in Dallas. In 1927, the cake was laid in one of the cornerstones of the school. 

Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels

Famous faces 

Dallas was the birthplace of some of the world’s most famous faces. Included in that list are Owen Wilson, Usher, Selena Gomez, and Kelly Clarkson. 

Image by Eva Rinaldi

Art

At 68 acres, The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the US. It is home to facilities for visual, performing, and developing arts including the Meyerson Symphony Centre, Winspear Opera House, and Dallas Museum of Art. It is in the arts district that you can find a wide variety of art spanning from ancient times to the present. 

Image by Dallasborn&bred

The best thing about Dallas is that Laundryheap operates in the city. Book your Laundryheap order today by heading to the Laundryheap website or downloading the free Laundryheap app. 


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Things to do in Chicago this fall

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Fall has finally arrived, and there is no city to enjoy the changing colours and festivities of the season quite like Chicago. Here are just 10 things that you can do this fall in Chicago. 

  • Lincoln Park
  • Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns 
  • Sonny Acres Farm
  • All Seasons Orchard
  • Harvest Wine and Cheese Festa
  • Chicago International Film Festival
  • The Magnificent Mile Light Festival 
  • Thanksgiving Parade
  • The Chicago Marathon 
  • Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

Lincoln Park 

You will find Lincoln park in the north of Chicago. Home to immaculate gardens, a hidden lily pond, and the Lincoln Park Zoo, there is an abundance of things to see and do in Lincoln Park. Despite the park being accessible at all times of the year, it is most beautiful during the fall. As you walk the expanse of the grounds there are plenty of trees showcasing the changing colours of the fall, and plenty of crunchy leaves to satisfyingly walk through. If you want a day in the fresh air whilst in Chicago, explore Lincoln Park to its extent. 

Image by Ronincmc

Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns

Fall means Halloween. There are several ways Halloween can be celebrated in Chicago, one of which is the Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns. Hosted at the Chicago Botanical Gardens, Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns is a celebration of the humble Halloween classic- the pumpkin. More than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins light a paved path with a variety of faces from celebrities to iconic Chicago landmarks. Each pumpkin is true art. As you walk the Jack-o-Lantern path, the Halloween festivities continue with costumed entertainers, pumpkin-carving demonstrations, and a light fare. Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns is only running from the 13th-17th and 20th-24th of October so make sure that you get your tickets ASAP. 

Sonny Acres Farm

Keeping with the Halloween theme, Sonny Acres Farm is the perfect place to spend a spooky day out. If you are in Chicago with children, the farms Haunted Daytime Fun is ideal. You can experience fun hayrides around the farm, pumpkin picking, and, if brave enough, even take a visit to the Haunted Barn. For older children and adults who are looking for the fright of their lives, wait until the evening to experience the Haunted Barn. With live actors taking on a variety of horrifyingly creepy characters, expect to be scared from the moment you step into the barn to the moment you leave. You can experience all of the Halloween fun at Sonny Acres Farm until the 31st of October. 

Photo by Jill Wellington from Pexels

All Seasons Orchard 

If you are looking for a more wholesome Chicago fall experience then head to All Seasons Orchard. There is an abundance of fall fun to be had, including picking fruit from the 15,000 apple and pear trees, picking the perfect pumpkin from the 10 acre pumpkin patch, and getting lost in the All Seasons corn maze. There are two pathways you can take in the corn maze, a shorter one for those with young children, and a longer, more challenging, alternative. After tackling the corn maze, explore the All Seasons Orchard Barnyard, complete with petting zoo, mini zip line, and pumpkin bowling. All Seasons Orchard is the perfect fall day out for every age. 

Photo by Tim Cyphers from Pexels

Harvest Wine and Cheese Festa

For those cheese and wine lovers visiting Chicago this fall, book your tickets for the Harvest Wine and Cheese Festa. Over the course of an hour and 15 minutes you will be treated to a special selection of ten Tuscan wines, each paired with a chef-curated selection of artisanal cheeses. Once you have sampled each wine, you can further indulge yourself by purchasing the wines at the on-site marketplace. A ticket for the Harvest Wine and Cheese Festa is $59 and the event will only be running on Friday the 22nd of October and Saturday the 23rd of October. 

Photo by Jep Gambardella from Pexels

Chicago International Film Festival

The Chicago International Film Festival is the longest-running competitive film festival in North America. The festival is presented by its parent company Cinema/Chicago, which was founded in 1964 by filmmaker and graphic artist Michael Kutza. The festival has been running since 1965 and is a celebration of the best in international cinema. All proceeds from the festival go to Cinema/Chicago’s programmes that help foster better communication between diverse cultures through film and moving images. The Chicago International Film Festival is a great opportunity to see international films and is perfect for any lover of cinema in Chicago this fall. 

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

The Magnificent Mile Light Festival 

Halloween isn’t the only fall festival to look forward to, there is also Thanksgiving. The week before Thanksgiving, along the length of Michigan Avenue, 200 tress are illuminated by over a million lights. The festival began in 1949 and has only grown in scale since. After the initial lighting ceremony, a parade of floats begins, featuring festive favourites such as Santa Claus, cartoon characters, and musical performances. To end an evening of magical fun, a firework display lights the nights sky, brining the event to a perfect close. The Magnificent Mile Light Festival begins at 11am. 

Image by Natasha Jelezkina

Thanksgiving Parade

Just one week after The Magnificent Mile Light Festival is Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade. On Thursday 25th of November 2021 thousands will gather on the streets of Chicago to celebrate Thanksgiving and watch the Parade. From balloons of your favourite cartoon characters to parade floats, dance acts, and extra special guests, Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade is a spectacle for all. The parade begins at 8am and runs until 11am, however it’s best to head to State Street as early as possible to secure yourself a good viewing spot.

Image by Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar

Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon is held every October and sees 45,000 runners cover 26.219 miles of the city. The track forms a loop both beginning and ending at Grant Park, and the runners will travel through 29 of Chicago’s neighbourhoods. If you would like to support the runners of the Chicago Marathon you can do so at one of the three ‘Cheer Zones’. The ‘Cheer Zones’ are located at the 8 kilometre mark, 15 mile mark, and 26th mile mark. The Chicago Marathon will be held on Sunday the 10th of October 2021 and races begin from 7:20am. 

Image by Marco Verch

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

For those who are visiting Chicago interested in exploring art and culture, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit is a must see. At the Lighthouse ArtSpace at Germaina Club you can experience the legendary work of Vincent Van Gogh like never before. Van Gogh’s work is highlighted through 500,000 cubic feet of flawless projections that allow every brushstroke to be observed up close. From Starry Night to Sunflowers you can view Van Gogh’s work at an astonishing scale that will give you a new appreciation for his artistry. The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit will be running throughout October and November and tickets start from $40. 

Image by Immersivearteditor

Chicago is a beautiful city, especially during the fall season. Too beautiful to miss out on because you’re doing laundry. Head to the Laundryheap website, or download the free Laundryheap app, to get your laundry picked-up, laundered, and redelivered to you within 24 hours.


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Top places to visit in Boston

Boston is the capital city of Massachusetts. It is overflowing  with history and culture for you to explore at your leisure. 

  • Boston Common
  • Freedom Trail 
  • Faneuil Hall
  • Boston waterfront 
  • Boston Public Library 
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
  • Boston Museum of Fine Art 
  • Fenway Park 
  • The North End 
  • Museum of Science

Boston Common 

Boston Common can be found right in the heart of the city. It is America’s oldest park and is used by tourists and locals all year round. From November to mid-March you can rent skates and go ice skating on the Frog Pond. In the Spring months, you can watch blossoms bloom, and, in the summer, enjoy splashing around in the wading pool.

Adjoining the park, is the 24-acre Public Garden, America’s oldest botanical garden. It is here, that you can experience one of Boston’s most iconic experiences- sailing across the lake in Swan Boats, established in the 1870s. 

Freedom Trail 

Boston Common is also the beginning of the Freedom Trail- a three-mile trail that leads you to 16 of Boston’s historic monuments and sites. To follow the trail, simply keep to the red bricks on the sidewalk and footprints at the street crossings. 

You will begin your trail at Boston Common, where you can pick up brochures about each site you will be visiting at the Visitor Centre. From Boston Common, you can visit the State House, before moving on to the Old Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel Burying Ground, and the Old State House. 

The Boston Freedom Trail is the perfect way to learn a brief history of Boston, and America, in one day. 

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall was built in 1740 as a market hall. It was presented to the city of Boston, under the condition that it would always be open to the public. On the ground floor, you can browse market stalls that spill over into the adjoining Faneuil Hall Marketplace, founded in the early 19th century. Here, you will find an abundance of shops, restaurants, and exhibitions. If the weather is nice, you may also find buskers and street performers in the square around the market. 

The second floor of Faneuil Hall is home to a council chamber where, in the 18th and 19th centuries, revolutionaries met. Above this chamber, you can explore the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Museum, which showcases an array of weaponry, uniforms, and paintings from significant battles.

Boston waterfront   

If you are looking for a spectacular view of the Boston city skyline, then head to the Boston waterfront. When you reach the waterfront, you can take a stroll along the harbour, currently 38 miles long, and take in the wonderful view of the city. The best way to experience the Boston waterfront, is by starting at the New England Aquarium and following the walk to the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse. Make sure you have your camera ready, because you won’t want to leave without a photo or two. 

Boston Public Library 

The Boston Public Library, founded in 1848, was the first publicly funded lending library in America. As you venture inside, you will find Renaissance Revival architecture and murals by John Singer Sargent and Edwin Abbey, granite medallions over the entrance arches, and three sets of bronze doors in the vestibule. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Boston. 

Once you have admired inside the Boston Public Library, admire it on the outside by enjoying a picnic on the grassy lawn. You can relax amongst a strange mixture of old and new buildings, which tower over you in perfect harmony. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a must-visit for fans of modern and postmodern architecture. Spread across 150 acres, you can explore the works of noted architects, such as Alvar Aalto, Eduardo Catalano, I. M. Pei, Frank Gehry, and Eero Saarinen. Littered around the museum are sculptures and installations by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore, all which can be viewed with the help of a self-guided walking tour map. There is plenty to see at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

Boston Museum of Fine Art  

Nestled within the Boston Museum of Fine Art you will find impressionist paintings, Asian and Persian fine art, and ancient art from Greece and the Middle East. Recently, the museum has expanded to house an array of American art, laid out in chronological order. In this wing you will find American paintings, furniture, decorative arts, folk art, silver, glassware, and design dating from pre-Columbia. You don’t have to be a lover of fine art to find something of interest in this vast museum. 

Fenway Park 

Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is known as America’s Most Loved Ballpark. First opened on the 20th of April 1912, not a lot has changed in the century it has been opened. As you tour the park, you can observe some of it’s classic features, such as the hand-operated scoreboard. Don’t forget to get a picture of the Green Monster, Fenway Park’s 37-foot green wall that you can find in left field. Even if you aren’t a sports fan, you will find a tour of the quirky Fenway Park interesting. 

The North End 

North End is one of Boston’s oldest neighbourhoods. It is where silversmith and activist leader Paul Revere lived during the American Revolution. The house that he lived in at the time, situated in North End, is open to tour, as is the Old North Church, where lanterns were lit  in April 1775 to alert Paul Revere that British troops were headed to Lexington to arrest the patriot leaders and confiscate the munitions supplies.

The North End is Boston’s Italian neighbourhood and, asides from the historical importance of the site, is the best spot to find Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. 

Museum of Science

You will find 700 permanent -hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science. From physics and biology, to zoology and astronomy, no matter what your science interest is, you will find it at the museum. Just some of the highlights include a 65-million-year-old fossil, butterfly garden, and the planetarium which has daily laser and star shows. This museum is the perfect opportunity to explore science in the most interactive and engaging way possible.

Whilst you’re busy exploring the many sites of Boston, let us take care of your laundry. Book your Laundryheap service and we will pick-up, dry clean, and re-deliver your laundry to you within 24 hours. Simply head to the Laundryheap website, or download the Laundryheap app, to book your service. 


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Thanksgiving top tips

Image by Biljana Jovanovic from Pixabay

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for everything that you are grateful for. It can also be incredibly stressful for the person/people cooking the Thanksgiving dinner. These top tips will take some of that stress away. 

  • Make a game plan
  • Stick to the basics
  • Don’t forget the drinks
  • Ask guests to contribute
  • Organise your kitchen effectively
  • Stock up on containers
  • Start prep the night before
  • Keep recipes in reach and in order
  • Enlist help 
  • Enjoy your day

Make a game plan

Before Thanksgiving day arrives, sit down, with a pen and paper, and come up with a game plan. Think about how you want the day to run, what dishes you want to cook, what food you need to buy, etc. Start by brainstorming all of your ideas, and then narrow them down. Come up with a timetable of how the day will run and this will help prepare you.

Stick to the basics 

Thanksgiving dinner does not have to be a fancy, high-end, 5 course affair. Cover the basics before you start turning into Gordon Ramsey. Focus on getting the turkey, seasonal vegetables, potatoes, and cranberry sauce perfect, and worry about the rest later. If you need to, print out recipes for each section of your dinner and organise them by time of when you will need them.

 Don’t forget the drinks 

Make sure that your drinks cabinet is well-stocked for your guests. It may also be a good idea to think about how you will be serving your drinks. If you are busy making Thanksgiving dinner, it may be best to leave bottles of wine and beer in ice buckets around the room for guests to help themselves. Think about what will be easiest for you. 

Ask guests to contribute 

It doesn’t matter how many people you are cooking for, cooking a Thanksgiving dinner is a big undertaking. There is lots to buy, think about, and, surprise surprise, cook. As such, it is more than acceptable for you to ask your guests to contribute in some way. This could be by bringing the wine, making a dessert, or providing the vegetables. Every guest should be contributing in some way. 

Organise your kitchen effectively 

To make your Thanksgiving cooking as easy as possible make sure that your kitchen is organised effectively. Make room in your fridge for all of your food and drinks by clearing it out a couple of days before Thanksgiving. As well as this, re-organise your kitchen so that all of the equipment that you will need is easy to reach. This will hopefully alleviate some of the stress of cooking.

Stock up on containers 

It’s always best to have too much food than too little. With this in mind, make sure that you have plenty of containers ready to put the leftovers in. You can give your leftovers to your guests and let them enjoy your cooking a couple of days after the feast itself. Make sure that you keep some for yourself though. 

Start prep the night before 

There will be so many things to think about on Thanksgiving day, so it’s best to begin your prep the day before. Get some of the simpler tasks, such as cutting up vegetables and setting the table, done the day before. This will give you more time on Thanksgiving day to focus on the cooking of everything rather than the prep. 

Keep recipes in reach and in order

Stay calm whilst you are cooking by keeping your recipes in reach and in order. That way, if you need to check anything you can reach the right recipe in seconds. 

Enlist help

Remember: you don’t have to cook a whole Thanksgiving meal on your own. Enlist the help of your guests to take care of some of the smaller tasks, so that you can focus on the bigger ones. This could include, making the sauce, boiling the vegetables, or even just making sure nothing burns. A little help can really go a long way, so make sure you ask for some.

Enjoy your day

The most important thing to remember is that Thanksgiving is your day to enjoy as well. Don’t let the pressure of cooking get you down. Relax, enjoy your day, and spend some quality time giving thanks with your friends and family. 

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Whilst you are busy enjoying your Thanksgiving, let us take care of your laundry. We will pick-up, launder, and re-deliver your laundry within 24 hours. Simply head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap. 

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