Jen Walshaw | Mum In The Madhouse

2026 Colouring Calendar!

Subscribe and receive our 2026 Kids Colouring Calendar for Free
Get the 13 Page Calendar by subscribing below.

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.

2025 Floral Colouring Calendar | Free Printable and Creative Design

I have been sat for the last couple of hours colouring in this beautiful 2025 floral colouring calendar. I love having a year to view the calendar on my desk and this one is perfect as I can colour it in when I am on the phone! Plus who doesn’t like flowers?

2025 Floral Colouring Calendar | Free Printable and Creative Design Read More »

This DIY tie dye gift wrap is such a simple, fun process art activity. Make unique gift wrap with this fab tutorial. A great kids craft.

How to Make DIY Tie Dye Gift Wrap | Creative and Colorful Wrapping Ideas

This DIY tie dye gift wrap is such a simple, fun process art activity. I have always wanted to have a go at tye dye.  The closest we have got is our fabric dying with sharpies when the boys were younger.  I am a big fan of unique and kid-made gift wrap, so this was

How to Make DIY Tie Dye Gift Wrap | Creative and Colorful Wrapping Ideas Read More »

DIY Vanilla Peppermint Lip Scrub

DIY Vanilla Peppermint Lip Scrub | Refreshing and Nourishing Recipe

Do you suffer from cracked or dry lips?  I am very lucky that apart from cold sores I don’t, but the husbeast and Maxi both do.  This DIY vanilla peppermint lip scrub is perfect for both of them and also is a great gift too. It not only is great for exfoliation and removing dead

DIY Vanilla Peppermint Lip Scrub | Refreshing and Nourishing Recipe Read More »

Simple Stop Motion for Kids

Simple Stop-Motion for Kids – Make Your First Mini-Movie

This post for simple stop motion for kids is in partnership with Sainsbury’s.  Stop-motion is movie magic you can make at home. With a phone or tablet, a few toys, and a free stop-motion app, kids can turn tiny movements into a real animation. I always thought that stop motion videos would take a lot

Simple Stop-Motion for Kids – Make Your First Mini-Movie Read More »

Christmas Wrapping Ideas for Brown Paper

Christmas Wrapping Ideas for Brown Paper | Creative and Eco-Friendly Tips

I want to share our Christmas Wrapping ideas for this year. I love wrapping Christmas presents with brown paper. Brown kraft paper is always something that I have a roll off so is perfect for emergency gift wrapping.  I have to say that this was inspired by Heather from Growing Spaces Fun Christmas Gift Wrap

Christmas Wrapping Ideas for Brown Paper | Creative and Eco-Friendly Tips Read More »