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.

Upcycling Your Christingle: Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Oranges

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Printables, Christmas traditions, thrifty Christmas / By

Upcycling Your Christingle is a paid collaborative post with The Children’s Society. After celebrating the meaningful Christingle service or having your own at home, you may find yourself wondering what to do with those leftover oranges. Instead of throwing them away, why not upcycle them into something useful, beautiful, or delicious? Whether you’re organizing group

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DIY Simple Cardboard Christmas Trees – Sustainable and Festive Craft

childrens craft, Christmas Crafts, christmas decorations, thrifty Christmas / By

Christmas is the perfect time for creativity and crafting, and what better way to celebrate than with an upcycling project? These DIY cardboard Christmas trees are a fun, eco-friendly way to reuse old cardboard boxes while adding a festive touch to your home. Whether you’re crafting with kids or just looking for a simple way

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10 Essential Things to Do Before Booking Your First Family Ski Holiday

Holidays abroad, travelling with kids / By

Planning your first family ski holiday is an exciting adventure, but it can feel overwhelming if you’re new to skiing. Before booking, take some time to prepare and ensure you make the right choices for a fun and stress-free experience. Here’s a checklist of 10 essential things to do before you lock in those holiday

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Top 10 Family Cruises for 2025: Best Vacations for All Ages

Holidays abroad, travelling with kids / By

Are you planning a family vacation for 2025? There’s no better way to create lasting memories than on a cruise designed with families in mind. From thrilling water slides and adventure zones to relaxing pools and gourmet dining, family cruises offer something for everyone—whether you are travelling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents. There are so

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How to Make a Stunning Dried Orange Slice Wreath

Christmas Crafts, christmas decorations, crafts, Nature crafts / By

Bring a touch of natural beauty and festive charm to your home with this DIY dried orange slice wreath. Perfect for Christmas or seasonal decor, this craft is simple, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly. Not only does it look stunning, but it also adds a subtle, citrusy aroma to your space. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or

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10 fun Christmas Games for Teenagers and Adults

celebrations, Christmas, Christmas traditions / By

Looking for ways to keep your teens entertained this holiday season? Here’s a list of fun, engaging Christmas games perfect for getting teenagers off their screens and involved in family gatherings, or a cozy night in with friends. These games are guaranteed to get everyone laughing and into the festive spirit! We love Christmas and

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