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If you’ve ever felt like your days are full but your heart longs for more peace, more purpose, and more joy—you’re in the right place. I’m a wife and mom of five, learning to simplify life at home so that the things that truly matter have room to flourish.

 

Around here, we talk about homemaking rhythms, faith-filled motherhood, simple meals, and little shifts that make home feel lighter and life feel more joyful. Not because I have it all figured out (far from it!), but because I believe we don’t have to do this alone.

 

Think of this as your cozy corner of the internet—a place to exhale, grab some encouragement, and walk away with practical tools you can use right away. My hope is that when you leave here, you’ll feel inspired, equipped, and reminded that joy is possible in every season.

                           with joy,

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. So grateful that for your support of our family by purchasing through our links!

Light & Fluffy Banana Walnut Cake – An Easy Recipe for Thanksgiving


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This Banana Walnut Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion, and it’s especially perfect for Thanksgiving! Quick to make in under 40 minutes, this cake comes out light, moist, and filled with rich banana flavor and crunchy walnuts. Topped with a smooth and cream cheese buttercream frosting, it’s a simple Southern dessert with a twist that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds and thirds- haha. Whether you're making it for a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, this cake will add a delightful, comforting finish to any meal.



Cake Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup sour cream

1 cup mashed ripe bananas

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (reserve 1/8 cup finally crushed for crumble topping)


Frosting Ingredients:

2 oz cream cheese

1/8 cup butter, softened

1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 TBSP heavy cream

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Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9” round pans.

  2. In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt and stir into the batter. Finally, mix in the mashed banana and nuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pans.

  3. Bake for 18-25 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  4. Meanwhile, mix all ingredients for frosting until whipped to desired texture.

  5. Allow layers to cool completely before frosting with the buttercream cheese frosting. Top with remaining walnut crumble.




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And... in case you missed it... we just launched our first ever virtual cookbook.


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The Living Cookbook

A Virtual Recipe Collection

From my table to yours — recipes for gathering, comfort, and joy.

 

What if mealtime wasn’t just another box to check?

 

What if it became the anchor of your day — a moment to slow down, gather close, and savor something that warms your heart as much as your home?

 

That’s exactly why I created The Living Cookbook — a growing digital collection of tried-and-true, family-loved recipes for every season of life.


🥄 What Makes It “Living”?

Unlike a printed cookbook that sits on a shelf gathering dust, this one grows with you.

👩‍🍳 New recipes added monthly — so you’re never stuck in a dinner rut📝 Virtual format — view it anywhere, anytime👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Family-tested favorites — approved by real moms and hungry kids📅 Seasonal dishes — perfect for holidays, Sunday suppers, and every night in between

 

Whether you’re meal planning for a busy week, prepping for a family get-together, or just trying to get dinner on the table without a meltdown — this cookbook has you covered.


💡 Perfect For:

Moms who want less stress and more joy in the kitchen

Families who value gathering around the table

Anyone craving comfort food with purpose

People who love simple, southern-inspired meals made from pantry staples


📚 What’s Inside:

✔️ Slow Cooker Staples✔️ Holiday Traditions✔️ 30-Minute Weeknight Meals✔️ Crowd-Pleasing Dishes✔️ Homemade Breads + Treats✔️ Family Favorites✔️ And so much more...

And since this is a living collection, you’ll always have something fresh and seasonal to look forward to.

 

----

I created this to inspire you, equip you, and empower you to create moments of connection and comfort — no matter the season.

 

Peek Inside:

Here are some of the recipes you'll find inside-

Berry Compote

Rum Peach French Toast

Sausage Breakfast Gravy

Cinnamon Sugar Bread

Apple Walnut Bread

Apple Fritter Donuts

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Creamy Tuna Casserole

Crack Chicken Soup

Chicken Parm

Homemade Marinara

Nashville Hot Chicken

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Simply Seasoned Roasted Chicken

Roasted Chicken Ciabatta Melt

Thyme Lemon Roasted Chicken

Mexican Salsa

Pineapple Mango Salsa

Cranberry Cream Cheese Ball

Sloppy Joes

Fall off the Bone Pork Ribs

Perfect Tempura

Panko Crusted Chicken Bites

Chicken Tostadas

Bang Bang Chicken

Chicken and Biscuit Pot Pie

Cajun Shrimp Carbonara

Shredded Beef Enchiladas

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Greek Pasta SaladBaked Beans

Chili Dogs

Whipped Cream

Lemon Blueberry Bars

No Bake Eclair

Chocolate Ganache

Pecan Pie

Peach Cobbler

Banana Walnut Cake

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sugar Cookies

Molasses Cookies

Oatmeal Crème Pies

Love Bugs


Please note: Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final. This is a pre-launch offer, and the price reflects the ongoing additions and updates.

 

Ready to Make Meal Planning Easier?

Grab your copy here of my virtual cookbook today and start enjoying simple, southern recipes that your whole family will love.



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Thank you for sharing a few moments of your day with me.


I hope you leave here feeling a little lighter, a little more inspired, and reminded that joy is always worth making room for. Whether we’re swapping recipes, chatting about motherhood, or dreaming up ways to make our homes more peaceful, I’m so grateful to be walking this journey with you.


If today’s post encouraged you, here are a few ways we can keep the conversation going:

  • 📬 Get my blog updates — never miss a new post, recipe, or seasonal idea.

  • 🌿 Join the Joyful Life Community — a free space for connection, encouragement, and practical tips for every season.

  • 📸 Follow along on Instagram or Facebook for behind-the-scenes life, daily inspiration, and my latest projects.

  • 📌 Find me on Pinterest for endless homemaking, seasonal, and family activity ideas.

  • 🎙 Listen to the Podcast or 🎥 watch on YouTube for deeper conversations and stories we can share together.

  • 💛 Shop my favorite finds & discounts — from home essentials to seasonal must-haves, I’ve gathered them in one place for you (some are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — thank you for supporting my family and this space!).


No matter where we meet next, I’ll be there with a cup of coffee in hand and a heart full of joy for the season you’re in.


With Joy and gratitude,



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I'm Lauren Alonso!

I’m a southern mama of 5. I believe stories are worth telling and joy can be found in any season no matter how bitter or how sweet. I'm a podcaster, blogger, and entrepreneur who loves doing life together! 

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