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.

Family Festival Essentials

Ultimate Family Packing List for Festivals | Be Prepared for Fun

We love festivals and used to regularly go to them BC (before children) and then started visiting them again with the kids.  I love that my boys are a little older at 11 and 12 and can now stay up and really enjoy the whole festival vibe.  However, it is a little (make that a […]

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20 Fun & Creative Boat Crafts for Kids

20 Fun & Creative Boat Crafts for Kids | DIY Nautical Projects

I have fond memories of making boats as a child.  I remember designing them, creating them and testing them out on the boating lake near where we lived.  I want to my children to have fond memories too with these fun and creative boat crafts for kids.

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How to make a Fairy House

How to Make a Toadstool House | Fun DIY Craft Project

I have such fond memories of Noddy and friends. In fact, I think it was my first introduction into the fantastic world of Enid Blyton. I remember my Grandad reading me the stories and telling me that he read the stories to my Dad when he was a little boy.  It is hard to believe

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Ways to save on home improvement projects

Ways to Save on Home Improvement Projects | Budget-Friendly Renovation Tip

Have you been dreaming of beautiful, wide-open spaces, filled with light and beauty? We all do, from time to time, but have you been tempted to take the plunge, grab the sledgehammer and make your dream a reality? For many, home improvement is a fun project to tackle head-on, and for others, it’s a hassle

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Disney crafts are a great way to get ready for a Disney vacation, plan a Disney-themed party or create a gift for a Disney lover.

20 Cute and Easy Disney Inspired Crafts | Fun DIY Projects for Fans

Grab your scissors, grab your glue! We have 20 fabulous and simple Disney inspired crafts for you to make.  If your kids adore Disney movies like mine do, they’re going to love these.   We have a huge selection of Disney Inspired crafts today from  Frozen, Planes, Nemo and more!

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