Jen Walshaw | Mum In The Madhouse

2026 Colouring Calendar!

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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.

Travelling at Christmas – Tips to help Santa Find your family

This post about traveling at Christmas – Tips to help Santa find your family is in partnership with HomaAway.  I have always fancied going away somewhere for Christmas, but every time I have mentioned it in the past the boys have always been reluctant.  Finally this year I found out why…..

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Great Craft kits for Boys

Great Craft Kits for Boys | Fun and Creative DIY Projects

I am a huge lover of creative pursuits and getting boys involved in crafts and arts.  In today’s digital age I think that being creative is even more important, but do acknowledge that sometimes it can be hard to engage your children. I have lots of arts and craft materials at home but love great craft kits.

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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