Category Archive

People

“Homeowner”, “renter” or “squatter” – whatever the label, these occupants take the Offbeat wherever they go.

Facing the challenge of having epilepsy and being a parent

Epilepsy and pregnancy are two situations that don’t easily go hand-in-hand. Ashley has been diagnosed with epilepsy for seven years, and recently gave birth to her son, Xavier.

I toilet trained my baby from day 1

I read about how some parents go diaper free, and teach their babies to use the potty. I was more than skeptical, but then…

DIY Gross out: How to make a horror-tastic intestine wreath

If you want your house to display an original decoration, perfect for Halloween (or anytime of the year if you and/or the kids are horror fans), try making an intestine wreath.

Using acupuncture and herbs to treat morning sickness

As an informed and offbeat consumer, you may want to consider alternative approaches to treating morning sickness. Acupuncture has been used safely and effectively by pregnant women for thousands of years, long before anything resembling Western medical science existed. It is all natural, with no drugs or potentially harmful side effects to threaten your health or that of your baby.

It’s hard rebelling against liberal, tolerant parents

I remember being a 21-year-old party girl in San Francisco, and my dad asking me very straight-forwardly about my recreational substance consumption, and me answering him very honestly. (It was, uh, A LOT at the time.)

My father looked thoughtful for a second and then said, “That’s a pretty heroic dosage of toxins. I hope you’re prioritizing sleep and eating well, too.”

I thought to myself, “…!! Fuck, there’s no way to get a rise outta this guy.” And stopped trying.

Offbeat kids books about sex and bodies

Sex education for children is definitely a hot button issue, but one that can empower children to claim ownership of their bodies AND teach them the various functions those bodies can have. Here are a few books that can help guide your young ones through their own periods of curiosity and confusion.

How to turn an old onesie into a baby doll

Have lots of too-small baby clothes or forgotten blankets? Victoria Brooke has a DIY solution for you!

Theo’s water birth video

Erika sent us a link to this video, shot by Hailey of You Can’t Be Serious Photography in Brisbane, Australia. Warning: tissues are a must. Also, there are scenes that have breasts & breastfeeding, but the video is otherwise discrete. Theo’s Birth video from hailey bartholomew on Vimeo.