Jen Walshaw | Mum In The Madhouse

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Author name: Jen Walshaw

Mum-in-charge Jen Walshaw runs the UK’s top parenting blog Mum in the Madhouse, and she describes herself as a “fat, feisty and over 50” Northerner. Based in North Yorkshire, she’s mum to young adults and a big believer that family life is messy, creative and fun. In 2009 a double mastectomy gave her the nudge to start blogging; with two boys under three she needed an outlet and a digital scrapbook to capture their chaos.Jen’s posts are a mix of crafts, kid‑friendly recipes and honest parenting, peppered with northern humour. She’s happiest when up to her elbows in tea, fabric and pizza dough – sewing and making homemade gifts – before sneaking off to write about it. As a proud Northerner she warns PRs that a “quick pop down to London” isn’t quick at all. Her blog has earned her a stack of accolades, including the Cision #1 Mummy Blogger title in 2024  and consistently topping Vuelio and Tots100 parenting‑blog charts. Whether she’s advocating for diversity and body neutrality or sharing tales of parenting teens, Jen keeps things chatty, real and refreshingly down‑to‑earth.

Holiday Snack Plates – Festive, Eco-Friendly Snack Boards for Christmas Gatherings

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When the festive season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like a beautifully arranged holiday snack board to bring people together. Whether you’re hosting a cosy family get-together, planning a Christmas Eve movie night, or entertaining friends between parties, a seasonal platter is the perfect way to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. […]

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3 Free Gingerbread House Folding Christmas Cards to Colour

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If your children love colouring and Christmas crafts, then they are going to adore these free Gingerbread House Folding Christmas Cards! These printable cards fold out to look just like a cosy gingerbread cottage — decorated with candy canes, lollipops and icing snow. They make a wonderful handmade card to gift to family, friends, teachers

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Could Do December – Family Fun, Crafts & Cosy Christmas Ideas

Christmas Crafts, Christmas Printables, Christmas traditions, Free Printables, Winter, Winter / By

December is a month wrapped in light, warmth and a touch of magic. The year draws to a close, nights arrive early and the air smells of pine, spices and possibility. It’s the season for slowing down, coming together and finding joy in both the little things and long-held traditions. This could-do list isn’t about

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Free Bible Nativity Colouring Pages – 5 Festive Christian Colouring Sheets for Kids

Christmas, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Printables, crafts, Free Printables / By

There’s something truly magical about sitting down with a box of crayons (or felt tips if you’re brave!) and colouring together during the run-up to Christmas. Whether you’re learning about the Nativity story at school, Sunday school, or at home around the kitchen table, colouring pages can help bring those meaningful moments to life in

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Disguise an Elf – Fun Christmas Cut and Paste Craft for Kids

Christmas, Christmas Crafts, christmas decorations, Christmas Printables, crafts, Winter, Winter / By

If your children love our Disguise a Gingerbread Man activities, then they are going to be so excited about this brand new Christmas version — Disguise an Elf! This free printable craft invites your kids to help an elf go undercover by dressing them up in fun and festive disguises. It’s a brilliant activity that

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Free St Nicholas Day Colouring Pages for Kids

Christmas Crafts, Christmas Printables, Free Printables / By

If your children love Christmas colouring, then they will really enjoy this sweet set of Free St Nicholas Day Colouring Pages! These printable colouring sheets are perfect for learning about the tradition of St Nicholas, practising fine motor skills and joining in with early December celebrations in a simple, meaningful way. These pages are ideal

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Festive Chaos Cake Roundup – Creative Christmas Cake Ideas for All the Family

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The best part of the holidays? The glorious chaos that comes from kids covered in sprinkles, icing sugar clouds in the kitchen, and cakes that may not win a bake-off but definitely win hearts. 🎄 This year, we’re embracing the perfectly imperfect joy of Christmas Chaos Cakes — fun, creative bakes that celebrate flavour, family

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