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.

Ice Painting for Preschoolers: A Fun and Engaging Sensory Craft

Ice painting is a simple yet exciting activity that preschoolers and older toddlers will love! It combines art with sensory play, making it the perfect hands-on project for little ones. This particular activity involves painting ice worms, which adds an extra element of fun as children get to interact with the chilly, slippery surface while

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DIY Brass Bow Candle Pin or Tree Ornament – with a Free Printable Template

Bring a touch of timeless elegance to your holiday décor with this DIY Brass Bow Candle Pin or Tree Ornament, inspired by Matilda Goad & Co. This cute DIY project fulfils my DIY bow candle dreams and is the perfect accompaniment to the taper candles that I painted with bows! Using upcycled tomato puree tubes

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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

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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

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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

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