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.

Ways to Celebrate Mabon – The Autumn Equinox

As the air turns crisp and the harvest season unfolds, Mabon—also known as the Autumn Equinox—is a perfect moment to pause, give thanks, and honour the natural rhythm of balance. In 2025, Mabon arrives on Monday, 22 September at 18:20 GMT (19:20 BST) in the UK. This moment—when light and dark stand in perfect equilibrium—is […]

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Free 20 Pages of Autumn Quotes Colouring Pages

There’s something magical about autumn – the crisp air, the golden leaves, and the cosy evenings with a warm drink in hand. To help you slow down and savour the season, I’ve created a free 20-page Autumn Quotes Colouring Book (or free printable fall coloring pages for my friends across the pond) filled with inspirational

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September Could-Do List: Family Activities

September is all about the start of autumn, new routines, and making the most of seasonal change. This Could-Do List is filled with fun, flexible ideas to keep the whole family inspired — no pressure, just possibilities. From quirky celebration days to cultural festivals and autumn adventures, here are some brilliant ways to make memories

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Chaos Cakes with Halloween Colours: Let the Kids Unleash the Chaos!

The latest baking trend shaking up 2025 isn’t about pristine fondant or slick buttercream — it’s about embracing the mess. In Pinterest’s 2025 trends forecast, chaos cakes are all about over-the-top, joyful decoration where “more is more” and rules are there to be broken. This year, we’re giving the trend a spooky seasonal twist — Halloween

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Count and Colour Pumpkins Worksheets – Fun Halloween Math Activity for Kids

If you’re looking for a simple, engaging, and screen-free activity to enjoy with your little ones this Autumn or Halloween season, then you’ll love our Count and Colour Pumpkins Worksheets! Perfect for preschoolers and early years learners, this printable combines early maths skills with creativity, making it a brilliant hands-on way to celebrate autumn. Why

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DIY Halloween Painted Candles – Simple & Stylish Spooky Decor

Halloween décor doesn’t have to mean buying bags of plastic pumpkins and endless cobweb spray. Sometimes the simplest touches are the most effective—and right now, hand-painted candles are everywhere on TikTok and Pinterest. These DIY Halloween candles are chic, cosy, and just the right mix of spooky and stylish for your autumn home. Whether you’re

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Exploring the Pumpkin Life Cycle – A Free Printable for Curious Kids

As the weather turns cooler and pumpkin patches burst into color, children naturally wonder how a single seed transforms into a bright orange jack‑o’‑lantern. Learning about the pumpkin life cycle combines science, vocabulary and creative thinking in a way that even very young learners can enjoy. To make this exploration easy, we have a **free

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The Ultimate Pumpkin Craft and Activity Hub for Families

Autumn is the season of crisp leaves, cosy jumpers, and of course — pumpkins! Whether you’re carving them, crafting with them, or baking pumpkin-shaped treats, there’s no shortage of family fun to be had with this iconic autumn symbol. This pumpkin hub brings together all of our favourite pumpkin crafts, printables, and activities for kids

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