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.

How to Make DIY Gingerbread House Christmas Cards – A Festive Handmade Touch for the Holidays

Add a homemade, festive touch to your holiday greetings with these adorable DIY Gingerbread House Christmas Cards! Perfect for sending warm wishes to family and friends, these greeting cards are easy to make and bring the charm of gingerbread houses to your holiday correspondence. Plus, they make for a fun, creative project to do with […]

How to Make DIY Gingerbread House Christmas Cards – A Festive Handmade Touch for the Holidays Read More »

DIY Festive Painted Candles with Wax Candle Pens: Christmas Trees & Bows

Add a handmade touch to your holiday décor with festive painted candles! Using wax candle pens, you can easily create beautiful designs like Christmas trees and bows, perfect for adding a warm, personalized glow to your celebrations. Whether you’re crafting for your own home or as a gift, this quick and easy project is ideal

DIY Festive Painted Candles with Wax Candle Pens: Christmas Trees & Bows Read More »

DIY Gingerbread House Christmas Gift Bags – Festive Christmas Craft Idea

Add a festive and personal touch to your holiday gift-giving with these adorable DIY Gingerbread House Christmas Gift Bags! Perfect for small gifts or party favours, these bags are easy to make and bring the charm of gingerbread houses to your holiday wrapping. If you have larger gifts then all you have to do is

DIY Gingerbread House Christmas Gift Bags – Festive Christmas Craft Idea Read More »

Top Tips for Skiing with Kids – Making Family Ski Trips Fun and Stress-Free

Skiing with kids can be an incredible family experience, creating memories and instilling a love of the outdoors. But it can also be challenging, especially if it’s your first time hitting the slopes as a family. From managing gear to keeping little ones comfortable and entertained, planning family ski holidays requires a bit of extra

Top Tips for Skiing with Kids – Making Family Ski Trips Fun and Stress-Free Read More »

DIY Christmas Candles: How to Decorate with Napkins

Add a personal and festive touch to your holiday decor with these beautiful DIY Christmas candles! Using decorative napkins and an unexpected tool—curling tongs—you can create stunning, customized candles that make perfect gifts or charming additions to your home. We have made similar candles in previous years using tissue paper, but I prefer this version

DIY Christmas Candles: How to Decorate with Napkins Read More »

Create Your Own Winter Wonderland with a Printable Snow Globe Craft!

Are you looking for a fun, festive craft to keep your kids entertained during the winter season? Our Printable Snow Globe Cut, Color, and Stick Craft is perfect for kids who love to get creative! This activity allows them to build their very own snow globe by cutting, coloring, and sticking adorable winter-themed images into

Create Your Own Winter Wonderland with a Printable Snow Globe Craft! Read More »

Create Your Own 3D Christmas Color-In Dioramas – Snow Globe Style Printables for Festive Fun

Bring the holiday season to life with these delightful 3D Christmas color-in printable dioramas! Designed with a snow globe theme, each diorama includes a background to color, cut, and assemble, along with a matching focal element to place in front. This engaging craft activity is perfect for kids and adults alike, making it ideal for

Create Your Own 3D Christmas Color-In Dioramas – Snow Globe Style Printables for Festive Fun Read More »

Perfect Party Cocktails and Mocktails for Thanksgiving – Tips and Recipes for Batching Success

Hosting Thanksgiving or holiday parties can be a joy, especially when your drink prep is easy and stress-free. This guide shares the best tips for making cocktails ahead of time and offers batchable cocktail recipes with mocktail versions so everyone can enjoy a festive drink. Whether it’s a cosy gathering or a big family event,

Perfect Party Cocktails and Mocktails for Thanksgiving – Tips and Recipes for Batching Success Read More »