About Alicia Lewis Murray

Welcome to Balancing Motherhood!

I’m Alicia, the busy mom behind the scenes, here to make your life in the kitchen easier, more delicious, and a whole lot less stressful. As the owner and editor of BalancingMotherhood.com, I’ve dedicated myself to helping families like yours create simple, tasty meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Trust Me?

I’ve personally created and perfected over 1,000 original recipes, so I know exactly what it takes to make a dish that’s both easy to prepare and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. My top 5 recipes have each been made nearly one million times by home cooks just like you! I spend hours researching, testing, and refining each recipe to ensure they’re not only delicious but also foolproof. My focus is on simplicity, using accessible ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and making sure each recipe is family-friendly and approachable for beginners.

Rigorous Recipe Testing for Foolproof Results

I take recipe testing seriously because I know how frustrating it can be to try a recipe that just doesn’t turn out right. Every recipe on Balancing Motherhood goes through a thorough research and testing process to ensure it works perfectly in your kitchen. I experiment with ingredient substitutions, tweak cooking techniques, and test different preparation methods until I’m confident that each recipe is reliable, easy to follow, and packed with flavor. My goal is to give you the confidence to cook at home, knowing that the recipes you find here will work every single time.

How It All Started

My love for food started early. My first job as a teen was working in a restaurant on a tourist island in Florida, where I was surrounded by delicious food and customers willing to wait two hours for a table. The energy of the restaurant industry was contagious, and I quickly learned how food can bring people together. My family has been in the restaurant business for decades, so being around chefs, bakers, and great food is just a way of life.

One of my earliest food memories was when my mother would bring home leftover bakery cakes that were going to be thrown out. I remember savoring each bite, amazed at the flavors and textures. That early exposure to professional baking planted the seed for my love of desserts, and eventually, my passion for recipe development.

Years later, the summer before my baby’s first birthday, I decided I wanted to make his birthday cake from scratch. I don’t know if it was the new mom hormones, or just an innate desire to please, but I wanted this cake to be memorable. I took a 4-week cake decorating class where I learned the basics of buttercream icing, decorating, and piping techniques. The training room didn’t have a sink, so we had to bring a container filled with water and paper towels to clean our utensils during class—it was hard-core! I started making birthday cakes for my kids every year. Sharing these cakes is what started this website.

Woman in green shirt and jeans sits on a kitchen counter, holding an ice cream cone. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and a tile backsplash.

A Blend of Creativity and Expertise

Before diving into the food blogging world, I built a career in breaking news, digital content strategy, and social media management. I worked for major media outlets NBC and Tribune Publishing with a focus on digital media and television. My journalism background ensures that every recipe is written clearly and concisely, making it easy for you to follow along. Plus, with a background in photography and design, you can trust that every dish will look just as good as it tastes!

Staying Ahead of the Curve

I’m not just passionate about food; I’m committed to continuous learning. I attend the Tastemaker Conference annually to stay on top of the latest trends and techniques, and I co-host a yearly food blogger mastermind retreat where I collaborate with some of the best in the industry. Being part of a large food blogging network means I’m constantly exchanging ideas and bringing fresh, innovative recipes to the table.

Real Life, Real Solutions

As a mom who earned an MBA while juggling young kids and a demanding job, I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing family life with meal planning. That’s why my recipes are designed to fit into your busy schedule — quick, easy, and always delicious.

About Alicia

My family and I live in the mountains of North Carolina, but I’m a Floridian at heart – having spent 40 years in SW and Central Florida. I married with two active teenagers. We love to travel when we can coordinate our busy schedules.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find recipes here that are perfect for every skill level. From comforting classics to budget-friendly meals, I’m here to help you make cooking at home simple and enjoyable.

Thank you for stopping by — I’m so glad you’re here! Let’s make something delicious together.

Stay Connected: Join over 800,000 followers across all my social platforms to keep up with the latest recipes, tips, and kitchen hacks. Let’s make mealtime the best part of your day!

Pinterest: pinterest.com/thebalancingmom

Facebook: facebook.com/BalancingMotherhood

Twitter: twitter.com/thebalancingmom

Instagram: instagram.com/thebalancingmom

Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@thebalancingmom

Professional Bio and Education

I’ve worked full-time in every format of professional news and entertainment journalism: magazine, newspaper, television, and radio. You can find my professional bio on LinkedIn and Muck Rack.

Education