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.

Washi Decorated Toilet Roll Bracelets or Cuffs

Washi Decorated Toilet Roll Bracelets or Cuffs

Simple crafts are often the best and I love doing things that are easily replicated and fun for kids to make and these washi decorated toilet roll bracelets are the perfect kids craft.  I can never get enough of toilet roll crafts, such a versatile everyday material and something that we would throw away.

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Cotton Pad Calla Lily Craft

Cotton Pad Calla Lily Craft

This simple cotton pad and q-tip Calla lily craft is a great kids craft is brought to you by Flowers for Everyone.   I am a big fan of flowers and love to have them in my house and this week the boys bought me a bunch of Calla lilies for the office, which inspired these

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Fabulous DIY Fairy Gardens and Houses | Creative Outdoor Fun

There is something magical about fairy gardens.  To have your own little world with fairies, plants, moss, doors furniture and a little bit of pixie dust.  As an adult, I have a huge love for fairy gardens and I know that they enchant most children too.  They are also a great way to encourage children to

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