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At face value, sweetened condensed milk is a pantry staple, a no-frills can with old-fashioned labeling and no marketing gimmicks. It’s understated, but sweetened condensed milk doesn’t need anything more because what’s inside is so perfect: a dreamy combination of creamy and sweet that we just love to cook with in our test kitchen. A key ingredient in classic baked goods, this sweetened syrup lends chewy texture and toasty caramelized notes to our favorite new and old sweet recipes and is the key to our easiest homemade cheesecakes and ice creams....

2019 Blood Moon Credit: Chad Elberson / GETTY IMAGES 2019 Blood Moon Credit: Chad Elberson / GETTY IMAGES 2019 Blood Moon Credit: Chad Elberson / GETTY IMAGES 2019 Blood Moon Credit: Chad Elberson / GETTY IMAGES In just a few days, fans of all things outer space will see a celestial event that won’t return for another three years. According to CBS News, a total lunar eclipse will rise on November 8—the last until March 14, 2025....

blue and white Chinese bowl Credit: courtesy of sotheby's blue and white Chinese bowl Credit: courtesy of sotheby's blue and white Chinese bowl Credit: courtesy of sotheby’s blue and white Chinese bowl Credit: courtesy of sotheby’s Just about one month ago, a Connecticut man took home the surprise of a lifetime when he bought a bowl at a New Haven yard sale that turned out to be an ancient artifact....

benjamin moore metropolitan swatch in living room Credit: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore This year has been something else. If you find yourself Googling “wellness retreats” or clutching your healing crystals or meditation pillow, you’re not alone. In fact, the frenetic pace and constant news alerts of our time inspired Ellen O’Neill, director of strategic design intelligence at Benjamin Moore, and her team of color and design experts to land on the brand’s highly anticipated color of the year: Metropolitan AF-690, a stylish gray with cool undertones, (a win for neutrals!...

modern fireplace with home decor wood mantel Credit: Getty / Cavan Images modern fireplace with home decor wood mantel Credit: Getty / Cavan Images modern fireplace with home decor wood mantel Credit: Getty / Cavan Images modern fireplace with home decor wood mantel Credit: Getty / Cavan Images Wood burning stoves and fireplaces can instantly add a warm, cozy atmosphere to your home. This is especially true during the colder months of the year, when outdoor temperatures drop and you look to find supplemental ways to heat your home’s interior....

ft_sept05msl53.jpg Carpets and rugs retain heat, muffle sound, and offer an easy way to make a home comfortable. But, as anyone who vacuums knows, they also harbor a lot of dirt, as well as whatever else comes in on your shoes. Many carpets are factory-treated with stain protectors, fire retardants, and mothproofing insecticides. Synthetic carpets contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – which account for that “new carpet” smell – that may cause health problems ranging from allergies to nausea....

upset couple laying back to back in bed Credit: Layla Bird / Getty Images upset couple laying back to back in bed Credit: Layla Bird / Getty Images upset couple laying back to back in bed Credit: Layla Bird / Getty Images upset couple laying back to back in bed Credit: Layla Bird / Getty Images Stress, especially from arguing, inevitably takes a toll on the mind, but according to a new study published in The Journals of Gerontology by Oregon State University researchers, taking the steps to resolve any issues before the end of a day can significantly improve your overall health....

Maine Coon Kitten Sitting On Sofa Credit: Elisabeth Lindmark Murman / EyeEm / Getty Images Maine Coon Kitten Sitting On Sofa Credit: Elisabeth Lindmark Murman / EyeEm / Getty Images Maine Coon Kitten Sitting On Sofa Credit: Elisabeth Lindmark Murman / EyeEm / Getty Images Maine Coon Kitten Sitting On Sofa Credit: Elisabeth Lindmark Murman / EyeEm / Getty Images If you have a cat with a dandruff problem, you already know how uncomfortable it can be for a pet....

outdoor patio table and chairs Credit: Ashley Poskin outdoor patio table and chairs Credit: Ashley Poskin outdoor patio table and chairs Credit: Ashley Poskin outdoor patio table and chairs Credit: Ashley Poskin The summer sun can wreak havoc on your outdoor furniture, especially if it sits outside unprotected during the winter months. After a few years, it can start looking old and worn, and you might be tempted to replace it with something new—but before setting it out on the curb, consider giving it a second look....

almond coconut chewy chocolate cookies Credit: Chris Simpson We know, we know. You’ve been socialized to appreciate the wonders of modern refrigeration-so much so that you get nervous leaving your lunch leftovers on your desk for a few hours. But when it comes to enjoying breads, pies, cakes, and cookies in their freshest possible state, it might be time to pull the plug on your appliance reliance. Here’s where (and how) to stash the (baked) goods for optimal freshness....

embroidery-hoop-table-numbers-02-0415.jpg Credit: Madeline Trait THE TOOLS Embroidery hoop in the size(s) of your choice Computer with Word, Illustrator, or a similar program Inkjet transfer paper Scissors Lightweight fabric embroidery-hoop-table-numbers-09-0415.jpg Courtesy of Madeline Trait | Credit: Madeline Trait HOW-TO 1. First measure your hoop to determine the height and width of numbers or letters you will make; aim for approximately an inch smaller than the hoop’s diameter. (For a 6-inch hoop, your number will be no more than 5 inches tall and no more than 5 inches wide....

Flower Girl Hairstyle French Braid Side Pony Credit: Kaytee Lauren Photography There’s a good chance that your flower girl is just as excited as you are about her role in the wedding. In addition to deciding what she’ll wear-will she don white or dress in the same color as your bridesmaids?-you’ll want to give some serious thought to her walk down the aisle. Traditionally, the flower girl enters the ceremony just before the bride and tosses flower petals from a basket, but today’s modern couples are opting for more unique alternatives....

wood stairwell floral arrangement Credit: Heather Payne Photography If you’re like many brides-to-be, you’ve probably had some idea of what you wanted your wedding flowers to look like since before you even got engaged. While there’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want (in fact, it will come in handy throughout the wedding-planning process), it’s important to remember that not everything is practical or ideal, especially when it comes to flowers....

Their bright green color, mild nutty flavor, and versatility in sweet and savory recipes are just a few of the reasons why we love pistachios. Originally from the Middle East and western Asia, pistachios give appealing texture and color to everything from salads, pastas, and side dishes, but they can also be used as a garnish (think on a cheese-log appetizer or chicken or fish main course). Pistachios are also divine in desserts, adding a little something sophisticated to cakes, cookies, and ice cream....

selection of sustainable fish, wild salmon, barramundi, halibut, mussels, and sardines over ice Credit: John Kernick selection of sustainable fish, wild salmon, barramundi, halibut, mussels, and sardines over ice Credit: John Kernick selection of sustainable fish, wild salmon, barramundi, halibut, mussels, and sardines over ice Credit: John Kernick selection of sustainable fish, wild salmon, barramundi, halibut, mussels, and sardines over ice Credit: John Kernick Faced with a staggering array of options at the seafood counter or market, it can be challenging to figure which options out your best choices....

Though loved by many, Bolognese is understood by few—at least outside of Italy. What surprises many non-Italians is that tomato takes a backseat in Bolognese, and the sauce has a nutty, russet color. This is not the same as the tomato ragú with braised beef and/or spicy sausage that’s considered the “Sunday sauce” of so many Italian-American families. That sauce, gutsy and red, hails from southern Italy with the many émigrés from those regions....

Labelle Lake ice palace Credit: Kira Martin Labelle Lake ice palace Credit: Kira Martin Labelle Lake ice palace Credit: Kira Martin Labelle Lake ice palace Credit: Kira Martin Looking for something spectacular to do this winter? Fulfill your Frozen fantasies at a crystal fortress constructed entirely of ice. We found four—located around the United States—worth putting on your cold-weather travel bucket list. LaBelle Lake Ice Palace in East Rigby, Idaho Live reindeer, horse-drawn sleighs, and the slickest slides you’ve ever sped down are just a few of the draws at the LaBelle Lake Ice Palace in East Rigby, Idaho, pictured above, run by the eight-member Youngstrom family....

First edition Harry Potter book Credit: Jacob King / Getty Images First edition Harry Potter book Credit: Jacob King / Getty Images First edition Harry Potter book Credit: Jacob King / Getty Images First edition Harry Potter book Credit: Jacob King / Getty Images For many people, the whimsical world of Harry Potter is a core childhood memory. Whether you saw its magic leap off the page or through a television screen, the famous seven-part series is beloved by millions....

knitting on an airplane Credit: Getty To many travelers, getting through airport security without having to fork over any of your belongings could be considered an Olympic achievement. And for such a calming activity, crafting sure does require some potentially questionable tools when it comes to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. More often than not, what is really comes down to is the size of your tool as opposed to the actual function of it....

Serpentine Vase David Stark Final This is not your average centerpiece, but it’s still really easy to create! With just some glasses, fabric, and string, you will be able to create a stunning decoration for your tabletop. We used canvas here because the simple, basic material lends a surprising air of casual sophistication, while letting the flowers themselves pop. The visually appealing sculptural look of the serpentine vase makes a strong statement, adding elegant appeal to any table and inspiring a range of gorgeous looks with basic buds and blooms from your own backyard or lush flowers from an exotic market....