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- 🌳 Something Nice: Hiking, dog of the day, indestructible cookware, cats stick their tongues out, and hair cycling
🌳 Something Nice: Hiking, dog of the day, indestructible cookware, cats stick their tongues out, and hair cycling
Sunday 4/26 Something Nice: Sponsored by Mother's Day Gift Guide
Happy Sunday!
Welcome to Something Nice, our Sunday dose of good news. Check out our favorite feel-good stories from this week, brought to you by the team behind The Canopy.
In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:
🌱 Tips for hiking
🐾 Dog of the day, Duncan
🍳 The rise of indestructible cookware
🐈 Why cats forget to put their tongue away
💆♀️ It might be time to reset your hair routine
On This Day In History…
2003: National Pretzel Day is made an official day by the Governor of Pennsylvania.
2011: “The Voice” singing competition premieres.
Tips For Hiking
Hiking doesn’t have to feel intense or overly planned to be enjoyable. With a few simple habits, it can become something you actually look forward to. Starting with the basics, like wearing supportive shoes, dressing in layers, and bringing a few easy snacks, can make the experience feel a lot more comfortable.
It also helps to know a little about where you’re going. Using an app to check trail difficulty or having a general sense of the route can take some of the stress out of the day. Paying attention to trail markers along the way can keep you on track, especially when paths aren’t clearly defined. These small steps can make the difference between feeling unsure and feeling more at ease outdoors.
Beyond the logistics, the experience itself matters just as much. Going in with a relaxed mindset, taking breaks when needed, and bringing someone along can make the whole thing feel more enjoyable. Over time, hiking can shift from something that feels intimidating to something that feels grounding. It’s a simple way to spend time outside and reconnect with your surroundings.
Dog of the Day, Duncan
Meet Duncan, a 9-week-old Westie puppy and curious little explorer, submitted by Daily Dig reader Sandy.
Duncan is fully in his “discover everything” era: climbing, hopping, tunneling, and chewing his way through the world one tiny adventure at a time. Whether he’s chasing after his Boston Terrier big brother or soaking up a warm patch of sunshine, he’s always on the move (with the occasional pit stop for a cozy nap on his favorite blanket).
He’s fueled by puppy food, powered by curiosity, and surrounded by humans who remind him he’s the best boy, even during his slightly mischievous moments. With a lifetime of adventures ahead, Duncan is just getting started.
Thank you to Daily Dig reader Sandy for sharing Duncan with us! Want to see your dog featured next? Send us their photo for a chance to be our next Dog of the Day!
Image courtesy of Daily Dig reader, Sandy.
The Rise of Indestructible Cookware
Even when you’re careful, nonstick pans can lose their coating quickly, forcing you to replace them within a year. Many are also made with forever chemicals (PFAS), and take forever to scrub clean.
HexClad aims to fix this for real people who cook at home. Their hybrid cookware is designed to be indestructible, making it possible to use metal spatulas without scratching the finish. They’re also oven-safe and can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. And with HexClad pans being free from forever chemicals (PFAS-free), you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals when cooking meals for you, your family, or your friends.
Every HexClad purchase comes with free shipping, a lifetime warranty, and a 30-day return guarantee. The lifetime warranty makes it the last cookware set you’ll ever need to buy.
If you’ve been considering HexClad, there’s no better time to try it. Get up to 49% off everything, only through May 11. It also makes a great Mother’s Day gift for the moms who love to cook.
Thank you to Hexclad for sponsoring The Canopy.
Why Cats Forget to Put Their Tongue Away
That tiny moment when your cat’s tongue sticks out just a little has a name. It is called a blep, and while it looks funny, it often comes down to how relaxed your cat is. When cats settle into a comfortable state, their muscles loosen, and sometimes the tongue simply stays out.
Bleps can also happen during grooming. Cats rely on repetitive licking patterns, and if something interrupts that rhythm, the sequence can stop mid-action. The result is a small tongue left behind while your cat moves on to something else, completely unbothered.
There are also moments when a blep may be tied to how cats process scents. Their sensory system includes specialized structures that help them interpret smells, and subtle tongue movements can be part of that process.
Most of the time, though, a blep is just a sign your cat feels safe and relaxed. It is a small, unplanned moment that shows up when your cat is comfortable enough to let their guard down.
Why Your Hair Routine Might Need a Reset
Hair routines tend to fall into autopilot. Same shampoo, same conditioner, same steps—on repeat. Hair cycling offers a shift: instead of sticking to one routine, it’s about adjusting based on what your hair actually needs that day.
The idea is simple. Use different products at different times, like a clarifying shampoo when there’s buildup, or a nourishing mask when hair feels dry. This helps avoid overloading your hair with too many ingredients at once, which can sometimes do more harm than good.
Hair needs can change more than expected. Weather, stress, hormones, and styling habits all play a role in how hair behaves. Rotating products gives your scalp and strands a chance to respond to those changes, instead of forcing the same routine to work year-round.
It can also make routines feel easier. Instead of layering everything at once, each wash has a purpose. One day might focus on hydration, another on scalp care, another on letting your hair rest. Think of it less like adding more steps, and more like paying closer attention.
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🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured!