Date Night In: Sushi

Before having kids, I was obsessed with sushi and we ate it at least once a week. Then I got pregnant with our first child and I was totally repulsed by the thought of it, which was fine because I couldn’t really eat it anyway. But, the feel lasted, and lasted, and lasted. It has only be in the last year (almost 6 years later) that I’ve gotten the sushi bug back. Phew. So, now that I’m back on the sushi wagon, I’ve been wanting to start making some at home and I think it would be a perfect date night in. Jim’s not one to help out in the kitchen but I can totally imagine him getting his precise engineer self on while rolling up some yummy new rolls. Here’s what I’m thinking…

1. I’m not a huge fan of sake but I do love me some Japanese beer.

2. Sushi – duh, you need sushi for a sushi date night. Salmon rolls are my faves.

3. Since I’ve never made sushi before, this beautifully photographed and basic sushi cookbook will be perfect to help guide us through the process.

4. Aren’t these chopsticks and stands awesome? I love the little fish and the colors. Perfection.

5. I love this marble serving tray from CB2. Our sushi rolls will look beautiful on it!

6. A bamboo rolling mat is so inexpensive and easy to find at your grocery store or kitchen supply store. It doesn’t need to be fancy.

 

Cherry Blossom Celebration

One of the greatest things about spring in Washington DC is the arrival of the cherry blossoms. There’s nothing like strolling along the Tidal Basin and taking in the natural beauty of thousands of cherry trees blooming in unison.

And since we’re always looking for a reason to party at AFL, here are some simple party ideas for you to celebrate spring and these beautiful little blossoms. Fete on!

1. Paper flowers are so easy to make and have a great visual impact. Here’s a quick tutorial how to do it or you could purchase some precut ones like these by Martha Stewart.

2. I love how the pink cherry blossoms look displayed in blue mason jars. So simple, yet stunning.

3. Using wrapping paper is one of my favorite party decoration tricks. It’s relatively inexpensive and can be used in a lot of ways: table runner, placemats, name cards, food cards, flags for drink stirrers, etc. Plus, this Japanese paper from Paper Source is gorgeous.

4. Since the cherry blossom trees were a gift from Japan in 1912, it’s only fitting to serve some Japanese food. Doesn’t that dragon roll look delicious?

5. This pretty pink cocktail with sake and cherry vodka looks so good. It is definitely on my “to do” cocktail list.

6. Don’t these macarons by Kinfolk look amazing? I’ve never made macarons but I might have to give these a try!