Category Archive

Families

Our sister site Offbeat Mama launched in 2009, became Offbeat Families in 2012, and was merged into Offbeat Home & Life in 2015. This archive contains all the posts ever published on those sites! We believe that while children change your life forever, being around kids doesn’t necessitate abandoning your identity. We believe in supporting and inspiring parents and caregivers who are moving beyond mainstream visions of parenting. We welcome anyone who’s interested in families, whether you’re pre-parental, in the process of becoming a parent, or choosing to live childfree.

Snakey maternity photos

“I had a 2 hour photo shoot done yesterday at my apartment. As soon as the photographer walked in and saw my snakes he was all about taking pictures with them.”

Yes, I am a feminist housewife

I am a feminist. I believe firmly that a woman’s “place” is wherever she wants and needs to be. (I wish very much that we lived in a world where that were possible for all women). I also believe that happy (reasonably) well-adjusted parents make happy, (reasonably) well adjusted children, regardless of whether those parents work outside or inside of the home. So why is it that I find it so difficult to answer the question: “What do you do for a living?” I find it equally distressing to respond to the ever present: “So, when are you going back to work?”

How to pick a middle name your kid will WANT to share

Last December, my husband and I welcomed into this world our first born son: Lincoln. Lincoln Danger. Yep.

The “safe” zone wasn’t so safe

I recently miscarried a child that I wanted very, very much. I went to the doctor last Wednesday and the doctor told me she couldn’t find a heartbeat, and the baby looked a little “under-developed.” About three weeks under-developed to be exact.

How to make mama salve

I wanted to make an all-purpose salve that would work for moisturizing and soothing both my skin and the babe’s, and wanted to come up with a recipe that would theoretically work on everything from my (soon-to-be) cracked nipples to his little bum.

DIY photo books make the most awesome gifts

Photographer Leah Muse (who some of you may remember from OBB, or her awesome Royal Tenebaums nursery) recently put together a wonderful book for her partner’s birthday. She had a friend take photos of her and her daughter all over Austin, TX. Each photo featured them holding signs about what makes the birthday boy so […]

How to make a light-up robot costume for $15

I made this costume from duct tape, parts of old electronic equipment, LED Christmas lights, and dimmer switches. It was comfortable and safe, it stood up to lots of abuse and monkey-like toddler behavior, and it only cost me about 15 bucks to make. Here’s how I did it…

Aww, a cute fetal skeleton!

Thanks to Viva La Vida Photography for submitting this wonderful shot to the Offbeat Mama photo pool!