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🌳 Why needlepointing is making a comeback
Monday 2/9: Sponsored by Cornbread Hemp and I Hate It Here - Amsterdam advertising ban, sunset of the day, and needlepoint trend
Monday
"Leave the roads; take the trails."
Pythagoras
In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:
Amsterdam’s push toward plant-based eating
Sunset of the day
Botanicals that can help you sleep better
Why needlepointing is making a comeback
A guide to working in HR
True or False?
You can save more water by washing clothes in cold water year-round.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
Amsterdam’s Push Toward Plant-Based Eating
Amsterdam just became the first capital city to ban meat advertising in public spaces, from billboards to transit ads. The move is part of a broader effort to shift what feels “normal” in everyday city life, especially for kids who grow up surrounded by advertising.
The city has already committed to increasing the share of plant-based foods in local diets, aiming for 60% plant-based protein by 2030. Banning meat ads helps reinforce that goal by reducing constant marketing for products linked to higher emissions, land use, and animal welfare concerns.
Supporters say the policy isn’t about telling people what they can or can’t eat. Instead, it’s about aligning public spaces with climate goals. It’s similar to how cities limit ads for tobacco or fossil fuels. At the same time, Amsterdam is investing in more plant-forward meals in schools, hospitals, and public cafeterias, making sustainable choices easier to find.
The takeaway for readers elsewhere: small policy changes can quietly reshape habits, without guilt, rules, or perfection.
Sunset of the Day
Today’s sunset of the day comes to us from The Canopy reader, Christine. There’s something captivating about the contrast in Christine’s sunset capture: stormy clouds gathering above, golden light breaking through, and turquoise waves crashing into volcanic rock below.
Thank you to Christine for sending in this striking coastal sunset. Have a sunset or snapshot you’d love to share? We’d love to see it. Send it our way for a chance to be featured in The Canopy.
Image courtesy of The Canopy reader, Christine.
The Key To Quality Sleep
As the days shorten and the nights grow longer, nothing matters more than restorative rest! Cornbread Hemp’s USDA organic Sleep Gummies are designed to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The best part? They’re made without melatonin, so you can skip the weird dreams and the next-day grogginess.
Each gummy combines full-spectrum hemp with calming botanicals, including valerian root, chamomile, and lavender. They work naturally to help relax your body and quiet your mind, promoting a restful sleep cycle. Because good days start with great nights!
Thank you to Cornbread Hemp for sponsoring The Canopy.
Why Needlepointing Is Making A Comeback
Needlepoint, a craft with roots stretching back centuries, is finding new fans, especially among younger people looking for a creative break from screens. Once associated with formal florals and older generations, today’s needlepoint looks very different: bold colors, playful designs, pop-culture references, and patterns meant to feel personal rather than precious.
Part of the appeal is how intentionally slow the craft is. Stitching requires focus, repetition, and patience: qualities that stand in direct contrast to scrolling or multitasking. Many stitchers describe it as meditative, almost rhythmic, offering a way to unwind while still feeling engaged and productive.
The rise of social media has also helped fuel interest. Videos of works in progress, canvas “hauls,” and stitch nights have introduced needlepoint to a wider audience and helped turn a once-solitary hobby into a shared experience. Local needlepoint shops report growing demand for beginner kits and classes, along with social stitching events that double as community spaces.
While needlepoint can be time- and cost-intensive, many people see it as an investment in something lasting: a pillow, an ornament, or artwork made by hand and kept for years. In a world filled with disposable content and quick fixes, needlepoint’s modern revival reflects a broader desire for tangible creativity and connection.
The best HR advice comes from those in the trenches. That’s what this is: real-world HR insights delivered in a newsletter from Hebba Youssef, a Chief People Officer who’s been there. Practical, real strategies with a dash of humor. Because HR shouldn’t be thankless—and you shouldn’t be alone in it.
Thank you to I Hate It Here for sponsoring The Canopy.
Final Thoughts:
From heart-melting moments to gentle daily resets, here are today’s cozy picks:
Reflections:
🌎 True or False: True. Most detergents work just as well in cold water, and it cuts down on energy use.
🌅 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!