Jill Harness
(She/Her)
As seen in:
MSN,
Yahoo Life,
Aol,
Encyclopaedia Britannica,
Flipboard,
Mental Floss,
Lifehack!,
The Kitchn,
Apartment Therapy,
Neatorama
and
Covers:
Law, home repair, gardening, design, food, pets, commerce, parenting, geek culture
Mother, writer, gardener, nerd.
Articles by Jill Harness
Charming, Creative, and Cute Cosplays from the 2026 SDCC
The San Diego Comic Con was a few weeks ago and we did once again capture some wonderful pictures of the fun and festivities. However, due to the blasted con plague were late posting pictures of the amazing cosplays. Here are some of our favorites this year: McWendy's This is easily of my favorite cosplays of the entire convention. I feel my brain melt whenever I look at this picture. Rapunzel Rapunzel We've all seen Rapunzel cosplays, but how often have you seen someone dress as her tower?
Rocks That Explode Around Firepits
People like to think of rocks as heavy, stable, unchanging things, but rocks can be volatile objects in particular situations. While it might take years for a river to smooth the edges of a jagged rock, the high and uneven heat of a fire can cause rocks to explode in a matter of minutes. Technically, all rocks could explode in a fire given the right conditions, but the reality is that this is a much more common occurrence with some types than others.
Rocks that explode around firepits
People like to think of rocks as heavy, stable, unchanging things, but rocks can be volatile objects in particular situations. While it might take years for a river to smooth the edges of a jagged rock, the high and uneven heat of a fire can cause rocks to explode in a matter of minutes. Technically, all rocks could explode in a fire given the right conditions, but the reality is that this is a much more common occurrence with some types than others.
12 Incredible Couple and Group Cosplays From the San Diego Comic Con
‘The more the merrier’ is definitely true when it comes to cosplaying at the SDCC. It’s not only more fun for those doing it to have some companionship, but also for the fans who love to see multiple characters from their favorite franchises. Here are some of the coolest group and couple cosplays from this year’s Comic Con.
Brilliant, Bizarre, and Fun Things You’ll Only See at SDCC
San Diego’s great weather and proximity to Los Angeles have long allowed the San Diego Comic Con to attract major studios and actors to promote their newest projects. This prestige, in turn, attracts massive crowds, many of whom don’t even have badges and instead enjoy the activations and fanfare outside the convention center. All of which results in a chaotic, larger-than-life street scene that’s entirely unique to the convention.
Live Out Your Trekkie Dreams at the Paramount+ Lodge
I San Diego this weekend? Whether you're a resident or just in town for SDCC, be sure to stop by the Paramount+ Lodge to live out your Star Trek dreams. Because who hasn't wanted to sip on a Vulcan sunset (sadly Romulan ale was unavailable) while enjoying music spun by an Andorean DJ? You could even leave via transporter and head down to an alien planet.
What is Nickelodeon's Slime Made of?
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, chances are you watched your fair share of Nickelodeon. And if you loved Double Dare, You Can't Do That on Television, or The Kid's Choice Awards, you may have fell in love with the mysterious green slime that seemingly rained from the sky at the Nickelodeon Studios. I know I sure did.
Mincemeat the Way Soldiers of WWII Experienced It
War is hell, but field kitchens do whatever they can to bring a little comfort to soldiers risking their lives for the cause. Back in WWII, that meant baking mincedmeat pie for the troops around Christmas time —even if they didn't quite have all the traditional ingredients. Tasting History has the recipe for this fascinating wartime sweet. It is quite interesting and includes boullion, corned beef, apples, sugar, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper.
11 Things You Might Not Know About Reindeer
Yes, reindeer are real—but no, they can’t fly. Beyond their sled-pulling capabilities and discrimination against those with red noses, what do you really know about reindeer? Here are the facts about these Arctic animals. Reindeer and caribou are the same thing. Reindeer have several names. Reindeer were originally connected to Santa through poetry. Santa’s reindeer are most likely R. tarandus platyrhynchus, a subspecies found in Svalbard. It’s not always easy to tell the sex of a reindeer.
Great Group and Couple Cosplays from the 2025 San Diego Comic Con
SDCC is a unique experience to meet people from all over the world who share your interests, but it’s even more special when you can enjoy the convention with a friend or loved one who shares your fascination. There’s no denying that cosplayers in groups usually have even more fun than those who attend alone. Here are some of the best group and couples cosplays from the 2025 San Diego Comic Con. Easily the most epic group of the convention was this Princess Bride crew.
Cosplay Trends at the 2025 San Diego Comic Con
When it comes to cosplay, you never know what to expect at Comic Con. You might see Lucile Ball and Ethel scarfing down chocolates or you may spot a 10-foot tall Galactus mech suit. But between all the one-of-a-kind creations, there are also tons of fans celebrating the franchises they love the most. If you pay attention, you’ll soon start spotting some trends. These fun costumes might not be the most wow-worthy of the entire, but they represent what attendees really care about in 2025.
Explore the Wreckage from Alien:Earth
Think you're brave and smart enough to survive an attack from the Xenomorphs of Alien? Then head to the Wreckage activation to explore the world of Alien: Earth. There you can investigate a crash scene on an alien planet with mysterious tubes of goo and crates filled with suspicious pods. Before you know it, you'll have alien spit in your eye and watch your comrades be snatched away in front of your very eyes.
Scared of Clowns? You Might be After Clown in a Cornfield
Who doesn't love a good old fashioned town festival? If you're in San Diego this weekend, you can check out the 100th Founder's Day festival at Kettle Springs. But watch out! Frendo the Clown is not your friend. Can you escape the clowns in the cornfield maze and get out of the barn before the bomb explodes?
Step Into a Strange New World (and Other Great Shows) at the Paramount Lodge
Ever want to step into a Federation starship? If you're in San Diego tomorrow, you'll get the chance thanks to the immersive Paramount Lodge experience outside the San Diego Comic Con. There you can enjoy a (virgin) extraterrestrial cocktail complete with a smoky bubble on top before heading out to the bridge of the ship and then an empty holodeck. If Star Trek isn't your thing, you can also enter a museum of killers courtesy of Dexter: New Blood.
5 of the Worst Fathers In the Animal Kingdom
These dads won’t be getting any Father’s Day cards this June. In addition to getting your dad a card or new tie this Father’s Day, be sure to thank him for not trying to eat you when you were young. Devouring babies may sound savage and strange, but when it comes to certain species, kids becoming a meal for their fathers is just par for the course.
7 Television Shows Saved by Their Fans
Never doubt the power of a devoted audience: Time and again, adoring fan bases have brought television shows back from the brink of cancellation—or actual cancellation. Shows like Family Guy and Futurama were resuscitated long after cancellation by the indirect fan actions of DVD purchases and the ratings of reruns on other networks, but sometimes fans take a much more direct role in rescuing their favorite programs.
35 Celebrities Who Served in the Military
Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
Fun Cosplays from the 2024 SDCC
The last week of July, cosplayers around the globe gathered in Southern California to show off their newest looks at the 2024 San Diego Comic Con. Zeon Santos and I were lucky enough to capture the fun. Here are some of our favorite cosplay pics from the convention. It was hot at the convention this year, so I'm sure Nick Wilde had no problem selling off Pawpsicles whether or not he had the proper permits.
Looking for Action? Get Your Hands on the John Wick Pinball Machine
I'm not a killer pinball player, but I am a fan, which is why I always stop by the Stern pinball room at SDCC. This year, I was actually treated to a special press presentation of the John Wick machine and I am so glad I got to play this game. As you can see above, John Wick himself had the chance to play the game at the con, but sadly I missed that opportunity. There's so much to love on these machines if you're a fan of John Wick.
16 Funny Costumes Spotted at the 2024 San Diego Comic Con
Not everyone has the budget, time, or talent to pull off a show-stopping, screen-ready cosplay. But sometimes, a little imagination and a sense of humor are all you need to make an amazingly memorable costume. These costumes are as entertaining as they are hilarious. It’s not every day you see a pink Hello Kitty maid Stormtrooper, but if you want to stand out from the crowd, this may be the most unexpected way to do it.
16 Memorable Couples Costumes Spotted at the 2024 San Diego Comic Con
You don’t have to be in a couple to wear couple’s costumes —you just have to be two people who happen to be dressed as characters in the same fictional universe. And at the SDCC, sometimes that means just running into someone with a cosplay that matches yours. Regardless of their relationship status, these couples we photographed last weekend all look incredible together.
Walk into a Cartoon at Hulu's Animayhem Activation
Have you always wanted to walk through the Slurm factory, see enjoy a donut with the Simpson's or do an alien autopsy of Roger from American Dad? If so, you'll want to head to Hulu's Animayhem activation at this year's SDCC. There's a lot of fun to be had here, including a snack of green sprinkled donuts, refreshing Slurm, a Solar opposites stress test that gives you a relaxing squishy toy, and some incredible pins at the end. If you are in the area this weekend, stop by for some fun.
Marmals: Fully Customizable Vinyl Art Toys
Kid Robot had been selling blank vinyl toys for years, making it easy to color your own designs amd create your own one-of-a-kind creation... But unless you start adding on to the sculpture, it will always be the same shape as everyone else's. If you really want to let your inner artist shine, you'll want to check out Marmals. We spotted these at Comic Con and my son fell in love -and so did I.
Enter Your Favorite Shows at the Paramount+ Lodge
One of the great things about the San Diego Comic Con is that there is always something fun to do - even if you don't have a Comic Con badge. A perfect example is the Paramount+ Lodge, where visitors can get an inside look at the some of their favorite shows. Want to get a better feeling for your favorite Ghosts character? You can smell a perfume representative of the sitcom's different ghosts. They even send you home with a small sample.
16 Quirky Kitchen Products to Make Eating at Home a Little More Exciting
Whether it's because you’re trying to avoid take-out to save money or you just love mastering new recipes, home-cooked meals can be a great alternative to eating out at restaurants. That said, whipping up dishes all the time can also start to feel a little repetitive and unexciting. But with some useful (and quirky) gadgets and accessories in your kitchen, you'll be able to spice things up again. 1. Whale Strainer; $15 If you cook pasta regularly, you’ll know how important strainers are.
8 Famous Christmas Babies
Historians now largely agree that Jesus wasn’t actually born on December 25, but that doesn’t mean no one of historical significance was born that day. Here are the stories of eight famous people born on Christmas Day. Isaac Newton Clara Barton Muhammad Ali Jinnah Robert Ripley Jimmy Buffett Annie Lennox Shane MacGowan Isaac Newton mikroman6/GettyImages Yes, Mr. Gravity himself was born on Christmas Day in 1642.
These Super Cozy Candle-Lit Fireplaces Basically Demand a Cup of Hot Cocoa Original
These Super Cozy Candle-Lit Fireplaces Basically Demand a Cup of Hot Cocoa We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. Firelight instantly ignites a romantic atmosphere in any room, but just because you have a fireplace doesn’t mean you want to spark up a roaring fire (especially if you’re not even sure it works or when it was last cleaned).
Super Cozy Candle-Lit Fireplaces That Basically Demand a Cup of Hot Cocoa
Firelight instantly ignites a romantic atmosphere in any room, but just because you have a fireplace doesn’t mean you want to spark up a roaring fire (especially if you’re not even sure it works or when it was last cleaned). Fortunately, you can create the same cozy vibes by using candles in your fireplace. “Candles are easier to clean up and more economical to buy, and you don’t have to worry about chopping wood,” says Steve Lockwood, owner of Mountain State Fire Protection.
11 'Little Free' Ways to Help Your Community Right From Your Yard | Hunker
Almost everyone has heard of Little Free Libraries these days, and most residents of major American cities have at least one within walking distance. The benefits of increasing literacy and fostering sharing in the local community are highly appealing, which is why these neighborhood book-lending centers have exploded in popularity since Hudson, Wisconsin, resident Todd Bol built the first Little Free Library as a tribute to his mother in 2009, per Little Free Library.
11 'Little Free' Ways to Help Your Community Right From Your Yard
Almost everyone has heard of Little Free Libraries these days, and most residents of major American cities have at least one within walking distance. The benefits of increasing literacy and fostering sharing in the local community are highly appealing, which is why these neighborhood book-lending centers have exploded in popularity since Hudson, Wisconsin, resident Todd Bol built the first Little Free Library as a tribute to his mother in 2009, per Little Free Library.
25 Fun Cosplays From the 2023 SDCC
The San Diego Comic Con was a few weeks ago, and as always, the cosplayers came out to celebrate. We were there to capture the fun and here are some of the most fun costumes we saw this year. All images by Zeon Santos. This Mask cosplayer looked simply Smooookin' and he had the personality match. There were Barbie cosplayers everywhere this year, but we really loved this great cowgirl Barbie. Here's another great Barbie, who even had perfect matching nails for the cosplay.
12 Wonderfully Unique Cosplays Spotted at the 2023 SDCC
You are here: Home / Geek Stuff / 12 Wonderfully Unique Cosplays Spotted at the 2023 SDCC When you’ve gone to enough comic conventions, you notice that some characters are far more popular with cosplayers than others. After attending conventions for nearly 25 years now, my husband and I can tell you that while we still love a good Disney princess, Deadpool, Wolverine, Spock, Harley Quinn, Doctor Strange, Princess Leia, or Mario cosplay, we have literally seen dozens of them before.
8 Cosplay Trends at the 2023 Comic Con
One of the things I love about the San Diego Comic Con is that there is always something new to see and do. Every year, new movies, games, shows, memes, and nostalgia for old favorites create a tide of trends in booths, merchandise, and even cosplays. The ebbs and flows of pop culture are easy to see in the costumes seen around the convention. Here are some of the trends we spotted at this year’s Comic Con.
Creeping Thyme Lawn: How to Grow Your Own (and Why You Should) | Hunker
In This Article What is creeping thyme? Creeping thyme FAQs A creeping thyme lawn can make an excellent alternative to traditional turf if you can provide it with the right growing conditions. This plant requires plenty of sun and well-draining soil. Some varieties — not all — can hold up to foot traffic. Creeping thyme provides beautiful ground cover adorned with flowers in various colors, with minimal watering and maintenance necessary.
How to Grow Your Own (and Why You Should)
A creeping thyme lawn can make an excellent alternative to traditional turf if you can provide it with the right growing conditions. This plant requires plenty of sun and well-draining soil. Some varieties — not all — can hold up to foot traffic. Creeping thyme provides beautiful ground cover adorned with flowers in various colors, with minimal watering and maintenance necessary.
How to Attract Crows — and Why You'd Even Want to in the First Place | Hunker
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process . In This Article Why attract crows? How to attract crows Do crows eat other birds? How to get rid of crows Crows are one of the most common birds in America and have an intelligence level on par with chimpanzees, according to Audubon, which makes them fascinating to watch and interact with.
I Released Live Ladybugs for My Garden Pest Control. Here's What Happened | Hunker
In This Article What are ladybugs? Types Pests ladybugs eat I'm not a big fan of pesticides, so when I found that my roses were being decimated by an aphid infestation last year, I decided to try using ladybugs for garden pest control. As a kid, my dad and I purchased live ladybugs from a home improvement store, only to have them all fly away as soon as we released them.
How to Store Apples So You Always Get That Beautiful Bite | Hunker
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process . In This Article Can you freeze apples? Mealy, bruised, wrinkly apples are hardly attractive, but they're even worse to eat. If your fruit ends up like this more often than not, then it's time you learn how to store apples properly to keep them fresh as long as possible.
People Are Loving Co-Ownership Homes, But What Are They? | Hunker
In This Article Who can co-own a home? Highlights A co-ownership home arrangement allows multiple people to purchase property together. Buying a home with multiple owners can allow individuals to purchase a home that would otherwise be out of their price range. There are many types of co-ownership agreements, but the most common are tenancy in common and joint tenancy. Getting a mortgage for co-owned homes can be challenging, and they may be hard to sell.
How to Store Grapes So They Don't Immediately Get Soft and Squishy | Hunker
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. In This Article Can you freeze grapes? Whether you love plain old green, black, or red grapes or more distinct varieties, like muscat, cotton candy, or Concord, you can keep your fruit fresh for as long as possible if you take the time to learn how to store grapes to last longer.
How to Store Watermelon So It Is Always Crisp and Satisfying | Hunker
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. In This Article Can you freeze watermelon? Juicy red watermelon is an iconic summertime snack and an excellent way to cool down on a hot day. But if you don't know how to store watermelon properly, what should be a sweet treat could end up a depressing disappointment.
Are There Actually Plants That Repel Mosquitoes? Here’s What the Science Says | Hunker
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. In This Article Plants that repel mosquitoes sound like an absolute dream. Who wouldn't be willing to change their landscaping if it meant they could avoid using bug spray or suffering irritating and possibly disease-spreading mosquito bites? But can you really keep these pests away by just planting a few selected herbs and shrubs?
Planning a Remodel This Year? These Projects Have the Worst Return Value | Hunker
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. In This Article Swimming pool Garage upgrades Garage conversions Luxury upgrades Trendy renovations Your home is your home, and it makes sense to customize it to your own tastes and needs, but if you hope to sell in the next few years, consider the return on investment you'll get after sinking money into a home renovation.
9 Expert Tips for Cleaning Your House FAST Before Company Arrives | Hunker
You let your house go a little, planning to clean the clutter tomorrow, when suddenly, you discover that you have unexpected guests coming over in the next hour! We've all been there, and while cleaning that much mess that quickly may seem hopeless, it is possible to make your home look presentable before your visitors arrive — as long as you use your time and energy efficiently.
You May Want to Reconsider How You Store Your Soy Sauce | Hunker
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Whether it's used in a marinade, stir-fry, homemade teriyaki sauce, or egg dish or as a dipping sauce for dumplings, egg rolls, or sushi, soy sauce can add the perfect umami flavor to your favorite foods. But after you break open a new bottle, what are you supposed to do with it? Does soy sauce need to be refrigerated? Usually, it does not, but there are some exceptions depending on the variety.
The Best Native Plants for Landscaping: A State-By-State Guide
Alabama Eastern Red Columbine Butterfly Weed Crossvine American Beautyberry Atamasco Lily Alaska Columbian Monkshood Saskatoon Serviceberry Pacific Anemone Yellow Marsh Marigold Jacob's Ladder Arizona Buttonbush Desert Sand Verbena Agave Scarlet Bouvardia Arizona Mariposa Lily Arkansas Gulf Muhly Turk’s Cap Common Yarrow Southern Maidenhair Fern Leadplant Northern California (Cool and Rainy) Oneleaf Onion Van Houtte's Columbine Rose Rockcress Beach Sagebrush Small Camas Southern California...
8 Unexpected Flowers to Grow in Your Garden This Year
Of the approximately 350,000 species of vascular plants in the world, 93 percent are flowering plants. So, why are so many gardens overwhelmingly filled with the same types of flowers? Yes, roses, hydrangeas, gladiolus, mums, irises, tulips, daisies, and other common flowers have their charms, but so do rare species no one else in your neighborhood has.
17 Items That Can Make Life Easier for Kids With Sensory Processing Disorders | Hunker
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Being the parent of a neurodivergent child can be a challenge, especially when they aren't at their best because they are receiving too much or too little sensory input. Occupational therapy can help pinpoint your child's sensory needs, but how can you better accommodate them in their home environment?
The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Brass | Hunker
By Reviewed by Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. In This Article Brass cleaning polishes FAQ Brass has an elegance that never goes out of style, and its stunning luster is particularly popular right now. But one drawback of brass is tarnish, a dingy brown, pink, or bluish-green discoloration that comes from exposure to oxygen.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Jill
Contact Jill, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack