August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More August 13, 2018 This German castle is what fantasy dreams are made of I know y'all love some good fantasy real estate. So while this isn't something you can buy (not that most of it is!), it IS something we all can ogle with glee. If you happen to find yourself in Wierschem, Germany add Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz) to your list to step right back in time. Read More 1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More More Recent Posts > Recent Home August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More 1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More August 6, 2018 Wait, DON'T smash the patriarchy — its pieces are seeds Recently I've become really uncomfortable with the term "smashing the patriarchy." Not in the comfort-zone-pushing way, but in the misaligned-self-betrayal way. So I've stopped using it. Because you know who runs around smashing shit? The patriarchy. If we look seriously at the situation, I think we find that to "smash" the patriarchy is to recreate it. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More August 1, 2018 I bought a home, now what? Top to-do list advice for homebuyers Way back in the day, we posed the question, what do you need to do first when you buy and move into a new home? There were SO many great comments from homeowners who learned things the hard way that I had to cull them into one big lessons-learned list. Here is the big list of new homeowner tasks and advice for homebuyers. Note: not everything in this list will apply to you and your home and you may disagree with some of them. If so, let us know in the comments! Read More More Home > Recent Life August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More August 13, 2018 This German castle is what fantasy dreams are made of I know y'all love some good fantasy real estate. So while this isn't something you can buy (not that most of it is!), it IS something we all can ogle with glee. If you happen to find yourself in Wierschem, Germany add Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz) to your list to step right back in time. Read More 1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More More Recent Posts > Recent Home August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More 1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More August 6, 2018 Wait, DON'T smash the patriarchy — its pieces are seeds Recently I've become really uncomfortable with the term "smashing the patriarchy." Not in the comfort-zone-pushing way, but in the misaligned-self-betrayal way. So I've stopped using it. Because you know who runs around smashing shit? The patriarchy. If we look seriously at the situation, I think we find that to "smash" the patriarchy is to recreate it. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More August 1, 2018 I bought a home, now what? Top to-do list advice for homebuyers Way back in the day, we posed the question, what do you need to do first when you buy and move into a new home? There were SO many great comments from homeowners who learned things the hard way that I had to cull them into one big lessons-learned list. Here is the big list of new homeowner tasks and advice for homebuyers. Note: not everything in this list will apply to you and your home and you may disagree with some of them. If so, let us know in the comments! Read More More Home > Recent Life August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More August 13, 2018 This German castle is what fantasy dreams are made of I know y'all love some good fantasy real estate. So while this isn't something you can buy (not that most of it is!), it IS something we all can ogle with glee. If you happen to find yourself in Wierschem, Germany add Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz) to your list to step right back in time. Read More 1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More More Recent Posts > Recent Home August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More 1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More August 6, 2018 Wait, DON'T smash the patriarchy — its pieces are seeds Recently I've become really uncomfortable with the term "smashing the patriarchy." Not in the comfort-zone-pushing way, but in the misaligned-self-betrayal way. So I've stopped using it. Because you know who runs around smashing shit? The patriarchy. If we look seriously at the situation, I think we find that to "smash" the patriarchy is to recreate it. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More August 1, 2018 I bought a home, now what? Top to-do list advice for homebuyers Way back in the day, we posed the question, what do you need to do first when you buy and move into a new home? There were SO many great comments from homeowners who learned things the hard way that I had to cull them into one big lessons-learned list. Here is the big list of new homeowner tasks and advice for homebuyers. Note: not everything in this list will apply to you and your home and you may disagree with some of them. If so, let us know in the comments! Read More More Home > Recent Life August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 13, 2018 This German castle is what fantasy dreams are made of I know y'all love some good fantasy real estate. So while this isn't something you can buy (not that most of it is!), it IS something we all can ogle with glee. If you happen to find yourself in Wierschem, Germany add Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz) to your list to step right back in time. Read More 1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More More Recent Posts > Recent Home August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More 1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More August 6, 2018 Wait, DON'T smash the patriarchy — its pieces are seeds Recently I've become really uncomfortable with the term "smashing the patriarchy." Not in the comfort-zone-pushing way, but in the misaligned-self-betrayal way. So I've stopped using it. Because you know who runs around smashing shit? The patriarchy. If we look seriously at the situation, I think we find that to "smash" the patriarchy is to recreate it. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More August 1, 2018 I bought a home, now what? Top to-do list advice for homebuyers Way back in the day, we posed the question, what do you need to do first when you buy and move into a new home? There were SO many great comments from homeowners who learned things the hard way that I had to cull them into one big lessons-learned list. Here is the big list of new homeowner tasks and advice for homebuyers. Note: not everything in this list will apply to you and your home and you may disagree with some of them. If so, let us know in the comments! Read More More Home > Recent Life August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More More Recent Posts > Recent Home August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More 1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More August 6, 2018 Wait, DON'T smash the patriarchy — its pieces are seeds Recently I've become really uncomfortable with the term "smashing the patriarchy." Not in the comfort-zone-pushing way, but in the misaligned-self-betrayal way. So I've stopped using it. Because you know who runs around smashing shit? The patriarchy. If we look seriously at the situation, I think we find that to "smash" the patriarchy is to recreate it. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More August 1, 2018 I bought a home, now what? Top to-do list advice for homebuyers Way back in the day, we posed the question, what do you need to do first when you buy and move into a new home? There were SO many great comments from homeowners who learned things the hard way that I had to cull them into one big lessons-learned list. Here is the big list of new homeowner tasks and advice for homebuyers. Note: not everything in this list will apply to you and your home and you may disagree with some of them. If so, let us know in the comments! Read More More Home > Recent Life August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More 1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More August 6, 2018 Wait, DON'T smash the patriarchy — its pieces are seeds Recently I've become really uncomfortable with the term "smashing the patriarchy." Not in the comfort-zone-pushing way, but in the misaligned-self-betrayal way. So I've stopped using it. Because you know who runs around smashing shit? The patriarchy. If we look seriously at the situation, I think we find that to "smash" the patriarchy is to recreate it. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More August 1, 2018 I bought a home, now what? Top to-do list advice for homebuyers Way back in the day, we posed the question, what do you need to do first when you buy and move into a new home? There were SO many great comments from homeowners who learned things the hard way that I had to cull them into one big lessons-learned list. Here is the big list of new homeowner tasks and advice for homebuyers. Note: not everything in this list will apply to you and your home and you may disagree with some of them. If so, let us know in the comments! Read More More Home > Recent Life August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
1.3k 33 Comments August 10, 2018 I can move anywhere! Where should I move that's affordable and full of nature? Any advice or resources for choosing a place to live for another Californian being priced out of her area? I feel like I’m ready for a change of scenery. I need a place with an affordable cost of living, and I’d really prefer a place that has lots of trees and hiking options, and isn’t filled with Trump supporters. Does such a place exist? Read More August 6, 2018 Wait, DON'T smash the patriarchy — its pieces are seeds Recently I've become really uncomfortable with the term "smashing the patriarchy." Not in the comfort-zone-pushing way, but in the misaligned-self-betrayal way. So I've stopped using it. Because you know who runs around smashing shit? The patriarchy. If we look seriously at the situation, I think we find that to "smash" the patriarchy is to recreate it. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More August 1, 2018 I bought a home, now what? Top to-do list advice for homebuyers Way back in the day, we posed the question, what do you need to do first when you buy and move into a new home? There were SO many great comments from homeowners who learned things the hard way that I had to cull them into one big lessons-learned list. Here is the big list of new homeowner tasks and advice for homebuyers. Note: not everything in this list will apply to you and your home and you may disagree with some of them. If so, let us know in the comments! Read More More Home > Recent Life August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 6, 2018 Wait, DON'T smash the patriarchy — its pieces are seeds Recently I've become really uncomfortable with the term "smashing the patriarchy." Not in the comfort-zone-pushing way, but in the misaligned-self-betrayal way. So I've stopped using it. Because you know who runs around smashing shit? The patriarchy. If we look seriously at the situation, I think we find that to "smash" the patriarchy is to recreate it. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More August 1, 2018 I bought a home, now what? Top to-do list advice for homebuyers Way back in the day, we posed the question, what do you need to do first when you buy and move into a new home? There were SO many great comments from homeowners who learned things the hard way that I had to cull them into one big lessons-learned list. Here is the big list of new homeowner tasks and advice for homebuyers. Note: not everything in this list will apply to you and your home and you may disagree with some of them. If so, let us know in the comments! Read More More Home > Recent Life August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More August 1, 2018 I bought a home, now what? Top to-do list advice for homebuyers Way back in the day, we posed the question, what do you need to do first when you buy and move into a new home? There were SO many great comments from homeowners who learned things the hard way that I had to cull them into one big lessons-learned list. Here is the big list of new homeowner tasks and advice for homebuyers. Note: not everything in this list will apply to you and your home and you may disagree with some of them. If so, let us know in the comments! Read More More Home > Recent Life August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 1, 2018 I bought a home, now what? Top to-do list advice for homebuyers Way back in the day, we posed the question, what do you need to do first when you buy and move into a new home? There were SO many great comments from homeowners who learned things the hard way that I had to cull them into one big lessons-learned list. Here is the big list of new homeowner tasks and advice for homebuyers. Note: not everything in this list will apply to you and your home and you may disagree with some of them. If so, let us know in the comments! Read More More Home > Recent Life August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 20, 2018 Diversity is SO IN: this video perfectly captures why we can't view diversity as a "trend" It's so true that diversity and inclusion are big ol' buzzwords in media lately. Recently, between movies like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, we're seeing teeny tiny snippets of slightly more inclusive media. I mean, it's always been a thing: add in a token person of color or woman to your news anchor team, superhero squad, voting ballots, or 20-something sitcom friends. But now audiences are asking for more — more inclusion, more marginalized groups represented in politics and communities, and more realistic portrayals of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, etc. Read More August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 2, 2018 Reader-tested laundry tips for sparkling clean and not-stanky clothes Back in the day we put out the call to help us with some laundry tips to make our lives and clothes better (and specifically for those discolored pit stains!). Y'all delivered as you always do. I pulled out some of the best laundry advice that you gave us to see if we could crowdsource the best methods to keep our clothing sparkling and less stanky. Read More July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
July 30, 2018 Crowdfunding for feminist creators: tips for funding your labor of love Feminist creators — especially female-identifying creators, non-binary creators, and people of color — have historically faced discrimination in almost every industry, including comics, games, music, technology, and film. In the world of female entrepreneurship, only two to six percent of venture capital funding is allocated to women. However, crowdfunding provides a way for creators and entrepreneurs to push back against the gatekeepers of these industries and access fans directly in a way that was never possible before. Read More July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
July 26, 2018 When it comes to harassment and abuse, are internal investigations enough? In the cases of Catfish's Nev Schulman and AMC's Chris Hardwick, each men got "justice" via internal investigations from their respective large media companies. It seems that this is enough for a lot of people to accept their innocence after being accused of sexual harassment. But is justice from a self-serving legal team in a huge company REALLY justice? Read More 1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
1.8k 22 Comments July 23, 2018 A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now I was introduced to a new Netflix series “Insatiable," which presents a fat teen bullied by her high school classmates who gets clocked in the face and loses a bunch of weight due to her jaw being wired shut over the summer. She comes back after losing a lot of weight, now perceived as "hot," and exacts revenge on her bullying classmates. Read More More Life > Recent Food May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
May 16, 2018 Is ugly produce your path to food budget bliss? We all know there's a big problem with food waste. So if you're not the type to fuss too much about picking the perfect apple in the stack at the grocery store, a new food delivery service might be the solution for you AND for the environment. You may have already seen friends posting on social media about a company called Imperfect Produce, a CSA-style program that delivers just slightly bruised or weird-looking veggies to you. They're still tasty, but just not quite as pretty as you may be used to. Read More 1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
1.2k 10 Comments April 13, 2018 Your microbiome and you! How to feed it a healthy diet Three years ago, I decided I needed to re-haul my diet. I was slowly gaining weight, no matter how much I exercised. I had a host of health issues, including eczema, vitamin deficiencies, and food sensitivities. I had lots of chronic pain, and caught every single cold and flu that came home from school with my kids. It got to a point where I began to wonder what was wrong with me. Why was my body fighting against me? That's when I got interested in feeding my microbiome. WAIT! HOLD ON A MINUTE… WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? Read More 1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
1.1k April 9, 2018 19 super easy meal ideas from readers' go-to recipe files Back in the summer, we featured a call-out to readers for their favorite super-easy lunches and dinners and you delivered. You gave us a ton of awesome lunch and dinner ideas! Let's face it, we're also tired after work, amirite? I've divided them into categories: grains and stuff, easy pastas, salads and greens, and sandwiches and toasts. There are a lot of super easy meal ideas to be had here… Read More March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
March 14, 2018 Let's get spicy: reader-favorite cooking spices & flavor staples Way back in the day we called upon our Offbeat Homies to pony up their favorite garlic and onion alternatives for those of us who can't eat them. Sad, I know, but there ARE a ton of delish cooking spices that slay when it comes to amping up flavor in recipes. I decided to cull a bunch of those helpful reader comments into a roundup of reader favorite spices that will take your cooking game up a few notches. Read More February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
February 26, 2018 Disney: Magical gluten-free vegetarian land? Yep, here's how! My husband, Tom, and I recently vacationed in Orlando, Florida and went to Disney World! Pause for magical reaction. I am a gluten-free vegetarian (Tom is also a vegetarian, but can eat the wheat), so you KNOW it's tough to eat and travel. There was a lot of internet advice that mentioned dining as a gluten-free vegetarian in Disney is so easy, and Disney is so accommodating. I was dubious, but guess what — The internet can be right sometimes! Here are just some of the vegetarian and gluten-free Disney yummies I got to enjoy on the trip… Read More More Food > Recent People August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 15, 2018 Figuring out why I'm so uncomfortable with my partner's self pleasure My partner masturbates without my knowing and for some reason it really bothers me. My reaction surprised me and I had to dig into it to understand why. We have had a lot of conversations about how I struggle with the fact that he masturbates. Thankfully he is typically able to be open-minded and not take it personally. He knows that it's my issue, and he knows that I know it's my issue and that I'm not trying to control him. Here's how I'm parsing my feelings… Read More July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
July 25, 2018 The realness of early pregnancy and loss My pregnancy was real. Really brief. Really scary. Really exciting. Really surprising. Really sad. Really hopeful. Really exhausting. There were three emotional weeks between the moment I saw two lines on a pregnancy test in my bathroom at 4am and the moment an ultrasound confirmed we'd lost it. This wasn't our first pregnancy, but it was our first since knowing the pain of losing one. We were scared and sad from the start that we might lose it, yet we were hopeful this might finally be our time… Read More July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
July 24, 2018 My same-sex marriage is as real as yours no matter what happens With all the movement towards marriage equality in Australia (and now speculation in the US again), I thought it was time to talk about and maybe even open a discussion about gay marriage. Luckily for me and my wife, it is recognized in America post-Obergefell v. Hodges. I have mentioned my upbringing as a late-bloomer in the South, and the fact that I was raised to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Little did I realize, when hearing these things, that I would find myself deeply in love and married to a woman when I grew up. Falling in love with someone of the same sex really puts a dent in those childhood teachings… Read More July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
July 18, 2018 I'm pregnant and in a metal band: how do I protect baby's hearing? I'm an audio engineer and an electric violinist for a metal band, and just found out that I'm pregnant. It's early days, but do I need to cancel gigs after a certain point? As an engineer, I experience up to 105db at work, but generally staying under 90db. As a musician, though, I'm onstage next to drum kits and loud amps, including my own, for an average set of 50 minutes. Is there anything I can do to keep them safe without cancelling gigs? Read More July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
July 16, 2018 These photos of moms & babes nursing in protest of family separation will inspire you For the past two Saturdays, a group of mamas and babies have gathered outside of the ICE detention center in Portland, OR to breast/bottle feed their babies in protest of the Trump administration policies that have separated roughly 2,000 children from their parents. They were invited to hold the line during the nationwide Families Belong Together march on June 30th and decided to make it a weekly event until meaningful change happens in regards to ICE… Read More More People > Recent Pets July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
July 31, 2018 My cat medication hack (that I stole from dog owners!) My cat has diabetes and has to be given food and a shot every 12 hours. It's a pretty smooth process unless I can't be around at that 12-hour time and have to do a big schedule adjustment. Or worse, I'm on a 5:30am and 5:30pm schedule where I'm giving a sleepy shot and forget to write it down. Either way, I needed a solution that let me keep track of the fact that I gave her the shot. I stole this idea from a dog owner… Read More 3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
3.9k 12 Comments May 25, 2018 I tried out a space-age automatic cleaning kitty litter box to see if it was worth the hype I own two kitties who love to crap. All the time. I recently got the chance to try out a product I'd been eyeballing FOREVER: a Litter-Robot! Yep, one of those fancy-pants automated litter box cleaning machines. Plus it's the really nice kind that isn't cheap and it shows. I decided to give it a whirl to see if a robo-litter box from the future was the better way I was seeking. Read More May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
May 21, 2018 This Instagram of dogs eating gently is your new relaxation happy place You haven't reached the end of the internet until you've seen this relaxing Instagram account where sweet and mild-mannered pooches eat treats, noms, and fuds gently… oh so gently. They're so sweet and so relaxing and ZZzzzzzz… For fans of cute-ass puppies (and maybe ASMR for some of y'all?), this feed of gently scarfing dogs will be your new happy place. Get away from the news, from work, from your whole damned stressful life for five minutes while you remember that dogs are too good for this world… Read More 1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
1.6k 25 Comments April 11, 2018 My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? In Australia, our big supermarkets are about to switch to being plastic bag free. I'm all for this, but I regularly use the bags to dispose of icky kitty litter and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to more environmentally friendly (and hopefully cheap) options? Read More 1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
1.1k January 10, 2018 I tried a a pet camera to spy on my kitties and it was comedy gold I was able to get my hands on a fancy-pants pet camera (Thanks, Ariel!) that had wifi, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, a phone app, notifications, and even a treat dispenser! But this wasn't just a webcam — this was supposed to be a state-of-the-art surveillance swat team of a camera that also allows me to taunt coo at my kitties while rewarding them for chilling out in front of the camera. Here's how my pet camera trial went down… Read More More Pets > Recent Do It Yourself August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 17, 2018 How to carve an everlasting jack-o-lantern (from a foam pumpkin!) I've loved holiday-specific crafts my entire life: gingerbread house building, Easter egg dying, and most especially, pumpkin carving. I moved to Louisiana seven years ago. The first few years I was down here I'd carve a real pumpkin, and due to humidity it would be moldy in three days or less no matter what I did to try to preserve it. That's when I discovered foam pumpkin carving! Read More July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
July 13, 2018 How to waterproof canvas shoes the easy way If you've got a pair of canvas shoes that you really love, you probably want them to last. I just nabbed this pair of rainbow shoes from Target recently and they're already showing some wear. Sadface. There are a couple of really easy ways to waterproof canvas shoes to keep them more resistant to rain and the elements: beeswax and my preferred way, Scotchguard. Here are both methods to try on your fave pair… Read More May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
May 4, 2018 May the Fourth be with these spinning BB-8 heels (with a tutorial!) It's that time of the galactic year again: May the Fourth be with you! Sure, you're probably already inundated with merch from the new Star Wars rebooted universe, but this DIY tutorial HAD to be shared. Why? Because it's for spinning BB-8 heels. Seriously, the heels are BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and they SPIN. Read More April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
April 26, 2018 Your walls and floors will never be the same once they meet these funky & fun wall stencils Wallpaper is making a comeback big time, wall decals are hot, but my favorite way to make a surface my own is with stencils. You can use any paint color combinations you want, layer stencils on top of other stencils, and have total control over the placement of the imagery. Win! Have you investigated the sheer amount of wall stencils you can nab online? Use 'em on the walls, on the floor (for a faux tile look or in place of a carpet!), or on a big piece of wood or canvas as artwork. Here are a few of my fave funky and chic wall stencils to try out on your big blank walls and floors… Read More April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
April 23, 2018 Where can I find more subversive and offbeat stickers for scrapbooking? "I’m starting to get into scrapbooking, and am wondering if there is any place or website that has offbeat stickers and designs? Some of the stickers sold for scrapbooking are too sweet for my taste." Great question! If you've been searching "scrapbook stickers" and only seeing happy-sappy and precious ones, that's no surprise. There are a lot of cooler and more offbeat stickers out there, you just have to dig a little outside of the scrapbook market. Here are are some of my favorite sites to find more unique, subversive, and offbeat stickers to illustrate your adventures… Read More More Do It Yourself > Recent Shopping 1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
1.0k August 8, 2018 This flora and fauna jewelry will bring out the quirky forest nymph in you I love me a whimsical animal-shaped ring. Or animal-shaped necklace. Or animal-shaped… anything, now that I think about it! I stumbled upon GOOD AFTER NINE recently and couldn't stop clicking around and taking note of ALL of their animal rings and flora and fauna jewelry in general. Read More August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
August 3, 2018 When snacks are life: gifts for anyone obsessed with food (like we are!) Are you ready for second breakfast? Elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? When it comes to food, we're all Hobbits. And for those of us with noms on the mind most of the time, these food-themed gifts are key. From donut socks and cupcake lip balm to ice cream phone cases and all things bacon, start bookmarking gift ideas for a foodie pal or yourself. The best part? They're all calorie-free! Read More July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
July 27, 2018 These vintage-style home finds are nostalgic gold for our #aesthetic If your hashtag aesthetic includes retro and vintage-style home finds that hark back to the '40s, '60s, '80s, then you're on the right post. From mid-century modern furniture to retro '80s geeks chic to old skool patches to cat eye sunnies, there's a throwback decade in here for you. Let's go shopping to fill our homes and hearts with nostalgic stuff for gifts or for us… Read More July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
July 19, 2018 Elevate your #shelfie game with these rad shelves & shelf decor I love perusing the #shelfie tag on Instagram. It's always full of color-coordinated books and interesting trinkets and lighting. So if you're like me and want to up your #shelfie game, these shelves and the decor to go with them are for you. From weird and wild vases to rockin' candles to nerdy bookends, let's go shopping for some new decor to store all your stuff… Read More July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping > Crazy cat ladies How we made our DIY wall-mounted cat tree The happiest dog ever, a studio cat, and a gecko: Adorable photos of your offbeat pets! New home, old cat smell, HALP! A soothing laundry room makeover — guys, it's like a SPA in here! My area is going plastic bag free. How do I dispose of this cat poop? OMG! Shark pet bed combines my two favorite things Lifehacks for living alone Dangers at home, Jayne Cobb, and moving supplies in this week's reader photos Read More > Body Image A fat suit, really? Netflix's new show Insatiable is not what we need right now Read More I am gender fluid and losing weight. How will I feel about my body after? Read More Get your daily self love by following these body positive Instagram accounts Read More I am curvy and that's beautiful: my (ongoing) journey toward body positivity Read More Read More » > Offbeat Families Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids Why having our family living in 730 square feet is our ideal scenario How we're re-building a life without children Who's watching the baby? What happens if you move to another country while pregnant? Baby wearing is hard — but putting her down is harder Rewind to autumn with this Canadian engagement-meets-family-meets-maternity session How will my grandchildren shock me? Read More > Smart & Sexy Married and celibate: Adjusting my relationship expectations in a sexless marriage How big is your backseat?: Sex after moving back with your parents Eavesdropping: one of the many joys of city living Thoughts on deciding whether or not to tell your kids you're a sex worker Not having enough sex? Here's how to have the sex talk you've been dreading with your partner 3 things you can start doing today to keep your relationship fresh My dirty little secret What is sex like during various stages of pregnancy? Read More > We're everywhere! Follow us on social media. Offbeat Home archives READ NOW Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Offbeat Empire. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited. Illustrations by Ursula X. Young Contact us Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Monetized by SkimLinks
July 17, 2018 Illuminate your next garden party with these glowing summer party lights UK readers: this one's for you! We've partnered with a seriously fun company that sells every kind of light you can imagine — from lighted bottle coolers to cool patio lights to sleek and modern lighting for your home. We decided to highlight a few of our favorites for a roundup of summer party lights for your summer BBQs and chic evening soirees indoors or outdoors. Here are some to peruse… Read More More Shopping >