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.

5 Tips for Starting a Food Business While Balancing Family Life

Starting a food business can be an exciting and rewarding journey, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges—especially when you’re balancing work with family life. Whether you’re looking to launch a small bakery from home, a meal prep service, or a food truck, careful planning can help you create a thriving business

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Celebrating the Spring Equinox as a Family: Fun & Meaningful Ways to Welcome the Season

The Spring Equinox, also known as Ostara, is a time of balance, renewal, and the return of longer days. It marks the official start of spring, a season full of growth, new beginnings, and fresh energy. Celebrating this special time as a family can be a wonderful way to connect with nature, create meaningful traditions,

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Free Printable Spring Quotes for Kids to Colour

Spring is a time of renewal, new beginnings, and blossoming flowers—the perfect season to inspire creativity in kids! Our free printable Spring Quotes colouring pages bring the promise of spring to life with uplifting messages, playful designs, and plenty of room for imagination. As the saying goes, “Spring is a reminder of how beautiful change

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Sell or Trade? Why Selling Your Car Could Be the Smarter Choice for Busy Parents

When you’re a parent, life is a constant balancing act—juggling school runs, work, playdates, and everything in between. If you’re thinking about upgrading your family car, you’re probably wondering whether to sell it privately or trade it in at the dealership. While trading in can seem like the easiest option, selling your car yourself could

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No Plus-One, No Problem: How Single Parents Stay Financially Strong in the UK

Being a single parent comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to managing finances. With only one income, it’s essential to build a solid financial foundation to ensure both your and your child’s future security. The good news? With the right strategies, you can take control of your financial well-being, reduce stress, and create

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Ohuhu Art Supplies Review – Affordable Quality for Creative Minds

When it comes to art supplies, finding high-quality products at a budget-friendly price can feel like a challenge. But Ohuhu has changed the game! 🎨✨ Whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or a seasoned artist, Ohuhu markers and art products offer excellent value without compromising on performance. As someone who loves cost-effective, reliable supplies, I’ve

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The Brilliant Benefits of Rechargeable Lamps – Lighting Freedom Anywhere You Need It

The Brilliant Benefits of Rechargeable Lamps – Lighting Freedom Anywhere You Need It is a collaborative post with Pagazzi who provided the lights for this post. Everyone knows that you must never use the BIG light, but as a crafter and sewist, I need to have light, especially during the dark winter nights, so when

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The Smart Mom’s Guide to Lowering Gas Costs

As a mom, I know how important it is to make every dollar count while managing a household. The rising cost of living, especially fuel prices, can put a serious dent in the family budget. With so many daily errands—school drop-offs, grocery runs, extracurricular activities, and work commutes—it’s crucial to find ways to cut down

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DIY Painted Flower Pots – A Kid-Friendly Craft Perfect for Mother’s Day!

Looking for a heartfelt, handmade gift for Mother’s Day? These painted flower pots are a fun and easy craft for kids that result in a beautiful, personalised present. With just a few simple materials, little hands can create something special that any mum, grandma, or loved one will cherish! 🌸🎨 What You’ll Need: How to

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