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.

DIY Paper Plate Autumn Leaf Wreaths – Fun Fall Craft for Kids

An autumn paper plate leaf wreath is the perfect fall activity or craft to make with your kids whatever their age.  Paper plates remain one of my favourite ways to make wreaths with kids due to their affordability, but also their flexibility.

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Free Printable All Things with Kindness Colouring Page

Free Printable All Things with Kindness Colouring Page

How beautiful is this All Things with Kindness Colour Page? I love the phrase All Things with Kindness, so much so I wanted it on a free printable colouring page. You see kindness costs nothing and I think that often kindness is underrated and it really shouldn’t be.

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Paper Sunflower Craft

Paper Sunflower Craft

This is such a fabulous paper sunflower craft. I love this time of year when the sunflowers all looking glorious in the garden and standing proud.  So why not take inspiration from them to make some beautiful paper sunflowers.  They look fabulous on cards or if you take a straw on the back you can have

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How to Make a Hanging Teacup Bird Feeder

How to Make a Hanging Teacup Bird Feeder

How to Make a Hanging Teacup Bird Feeder was a collaborative post with Bosik. These DIY Teacup Bird Feeders are super cute and so easy to make. They are a brilliant way to use teacups and saucers that I keep collecting from charity shops.   Nothing beats watching birds in your backyard and this hanging Teacup

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Mama’s Simple Sausage Meatballs in a Tomato Sauce

Mama’s Simple Sausage Meatballs is a paid collaborative post with Sacla.  These simple sausage meatballs in a tomato sauce are deliciously tender and will become a family favourite meal asked for again. Tender, soft, flavorful meatballs, made with sausage and just a few other basic ingredients. Easy to whip up for a weeknight, and nice

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