Category Archive

Life

We launched as Offbeat Home in 2011, but it has become clear that the site is about much more. In 2013, we relaunched as Offbeat Home & Life, with an expanded focus on Relationships, Budget & Career, Travel, and Style. This is the category for the non-home/rest of life stuff!

How to turn your bathroom cupboard into a cat box

Behind that door is a cat box. This bathroom cupboard didn’t have any shelves inside. So I put a piece of carpet down, added a cat door and the cat box is inside!

A paean to city living

Our cities are home to endless activity, people of all stripes, and our friendly (or creepoid) neighborhood weirdos.

Let us city dwellers sing a paean — a song of praise or triumph — for our cities. Let us stand together and celebrate our homes.

Add more than 20 Home-related accounts to your Twitter

Tweeple! Tweeps! Twitterers! If you’re looking for curated people for you to follow, look no further! Here’s my list of home-related Twitter accounts the Homies might find value in, including the Empire crew, helpful tip-givers, and a cat who photographs his life.

Dorm living’s lessons for the rest of your life — from a former Resident Assistant

I’ve been a Resident Assistant and an apartment manager, so I know the ins and outs. I’ll help you make the most of your time in dorms and avoid pitfalls.

How can I brighten up my red hair without frying it?

I’ve gotten sick of killing my hair with dye, but I still want to brighten it up. I need to learn a less frizz-forming way to kick up my red head.

Foolproof food platters for easy hosting of drop-in guests

I’m one of those annoying friends that you can drop in on anytime and I can “throw together” a meal or snack that looks like I have a chef hiding in the pantry. I don’t, but I do have a few sneaky tips up my sleeve for faking the elegant grazing that is platters — and five themed ideas for matching tasty meats and cheeses perfectly.

Hosting lessons I’ve learned from seven years of throwing an annual party

After our wedding in 2004, Andreas and I decided that camping with our friends in the forest of my mom’s property was so much fun that we wanted to do it every single year. I’ve learned MUCH!

How black-and-white stag movies changed a tomboy’s feelings on sensuality

While I’m super secure in my gender identity, I came out of growing up an only child/daddy’s girl as an irrepressible tomboy. I may have grown my hair long and learned to walk in heels, but I’ve never known quite what to do with…sexiness? Sensuality? I don’t do that.