Life Changes

Wow, it's been quite some time since I've updated my blog. So much has happened in the last few months and even year that I just haven't had the time. It's a bit outdated, but hopefully I can get my blog updated and post more frequently.

The Shearin family has had some major life changes happen in the last few months. On October 23, 2019 we welcomed Remy William Shearin into the world and Dan signed paperwork to take a new job in Kansas City. What a day that was!

We spent November deep in the trenches adjusting to a newborn and 2nd child, as well as making decisions for our upcoming move. Dan started work in KC in December leaving me with the kids in Indy. On my maternity leave I began the process of selling our house, hiring contractors to fix and make changes where necessary. The holidays flew by and next thing you know the movers arrived early January. We packed up our home and I drove with the kids to meet Dan in KC. 

It's honestly been a whirlwind and adventure to say the least. We have now been in KC a little over a week and so far things are going well. I'm happy to put the single mom life behind me and to be reunited with Dan. I love our little family of four and am excited to get settled in Kansas City.

We are currently renting a house in a great location. We are just 2-3 blocks from restaurants, bars, Starbucks, grocery stores, gyms, and parks.We have great neighbors and a block full of kids!

Dan is enjoying his new job and I am still working for my company remotely. Roman and Remy are adjusting to their new schools and daycares.

My goal is to start updating my blog a little more often as a way to keep in touch with our Indiana family and friends. Stay tuned!

Fresh Corn Salad

I love a cold corn salad in the summer! I've made this twice in the last week, once for our family and a second time for a get-together. It's delicious and very easy to make.

Fresh Corn Salad
Ingredients:
6-8 ears of corn
1/2-1 pint of cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2-1 English cucumber (quartered and sliced)
2-3 T Feta Cheese
1T fresh chopped basil
2 T Italian dressing
1 T Lime juice
Salt and Pepper to taste

(adjust amounts to your tastes and number of people you're serving)

Directions:
Shuck ears of corn. Boil a large pot of water. Once boiling, add corn for 2-3 minutes. Don't overcook! You still want it crunchy. Chop the rest of the ingredients. Cut the corn off the cob once it has cooled and add to the remaining ingredients. Chill and serve.

You can eat this by itself, or on top of greens with grilled chicken for a full meal. I also added it to Israeli couscous and took it for lunch a few days.

New Arrivals

I'm obsessing over J.Crew's newest arrivals. Unfortunately, not many of my favorites would fit my growing belly but there are still so many fun summer styles! I love the halter necks and rainbow colors. If you haven't been to J.Crew lately, check them out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Shearin #2

 

 

 We are expecting Baby Shearin  #2 October 30, 2019! We have slowly been telling friends and family over the last several weeks. The Easter bunny brought Roman the good news. He was a bit more interested in his jelly beans at the time, but is super excited now! I am currently 15 weeks along and had a rough first trimester. So much nausea! I feel much better as of this week. We did not find out the sex with Roman and plan to do the same with this baby. Boy or Girl, we will be happy either way!

Friday Favorites

I'm getting really excited about the warm weather! Fall and Spring are my favorite shopping seasons. I particularly love spring, as my birthday is this month and that usually means I have more shopping money! Below are some cute new items that I've been checking out.

 

 

 

 Topshop bags! The rope bag also comes in pink. Both can be found at Nordstrom

I'm really into the headband comeback. I like the knotted ones that aren't too wide.

J.Crew, H&M, H&M

Last summer I was really into cropped jumpsuits and I'm just as excited about them

for this year as well. I love this pink floral from J.Crew and the animal print from Revolve.

I've been looking for some new sneakers and these are my top contenders.

Veja from Madewell and Adidas from J.Crew

It's a bit early for swimsuit purchases for me, but I'm in love with this color block one from Nordstrom. It's over $400, so I'll probably try to find something similar at a better price point. I also love this leopard one from Abercrombie and bright color block with tie from JCrew.

Prosciutto and Pea salad

This is one of my favorite salads to make! Last week, Dan mentioned that it was also his favorite salad and asked if I could make extra for him to take for lunch. I'd call that a win!

Prosciutto and Pea salad
Serves 2 large portions, 4 small

Ingredients:
4 pieces of prosciutto
2 large handfuls of arugula or spinach
1/2 shallot (can use red onion)
1/2 cup peas
sprinkle of parmesan cheese
*I usually eyeball this recipe, so amounts may be slightly off.

Dressing ingredients:
1/3 Olive Oil
One Lemon juiced
1 tsp Dijon Mustard

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place prosciutto on baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes until crispy. Tear into pieces. Combine prosciutto, greens, chopped shallot, peas, and parmesan cheese. Toss with salad dressing. You will have plenty of dressing leftover.

Enjoy!

Snowman Cupcakes

These are the best chocolate cupcakes I've ever made. I've actually made them 3 times and am considering making a cake out of the same recipe. I just need an occasion. These cupcakes start out with a cake mix but with some special add- ins, they are so delicious and rich! 

 

I will preface this to say that this particular combination of cake, frosting and excess sprinkles might be a sugar overload for some. 

 

To make the cake, frosting and decorate the cupcakes does take time. If you want the snowman look but short on time, I would suggest just using a cake mix and pre-made frosting.

 

Snowman Cupcakes 

Cupcake Ingredients:
Original Recipe

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder preferably dark cocoa powder
• 1 cup water or cooled coffee (I used coffee
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips, optional.
• 1 cup sour cream

Directions:

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line cupcake pans with cupcake liners. This recipe made 30 cupcakes for me.

 

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, sugar, cocoa and flour. Mix to combine. Add in water, eggs, vanilla extract, mini chocolate chips if using, and sour cream to the dry ingredients and mix well using an electric mixer. Mix for approximately two minutes.

 

Scoop cupcake batter into cupcake liners. Batter should fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 of the way full. Place cupcakes in oven to bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on cooling racks.

 

Once cooled completely, frost and decorate.

 Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4 Tbsp butter, softened
• 4 Tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (clear is best for a truly white frosting)

 Directions:

Combine ingredients. Beat with mixer. Add additional milk if frosting is too thick.

 

Snowman Ingredients:

• (snow) Sparkling white sprinkles, I used Wilton brand.
• (eyes) Chocolate chips
• (carrot nose) Orange M&M’s or Reece’s Pieces
• (mouth) Mini chocolate chips