*I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Millennial Central for Kirin. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
Hey Everyone!
On my way to Bali last year, I got a chance to visit Japan, a place that has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Had my friends and I gone just a few weeks earlier, we would have had a chance to celebrate cherry blossom season, one of the most exciting and beautiful times to be there. Cherry Blossoms (or Sakura) generally bloom in different parts of Japan from late March to mid April and they don’t stay around for very long. Full bloom is usually reached within 1 week. Since I missed the celebration last year and had no travel plans to visit this year, I thought it would be fun to have a little celebration of my own at home. After having invited a friend over for a light lunch earlier last week, I thought it would be a nice surprise to make it a Japanese themed event. What better way to celebrate cherry blossom season than with Japanese decor, delicious sushi and of course Kirin Ichiban?!
Although I’m a bit of a light weight when it comes to drinking alcohol, I have always enjoyed a good beer. Kirin, one of Japan’s oldest breweries (dating back to 1888), is a 100-percent malt, first-press beer that has an amazing taste, smooth finish and clean aftertaste. I completely understand when people say they don’t like the bitterness of beer. That’s why I enjoyed drinking Kirin. It’s not bitter at all and it actually enhances the flavor of your food. I swear Kirin Light was made just for me because it pairs well with some of my favorite, healthy Asian dishes, and it’s only 95 calories! And speaking of great Asian dishes, Kirin has partnered with celebrity chef, Candice Kumai, to bring Japanese-style beer to the growing Asian cuisine movement! If you’d like to get access to great tasting Asian recipes, then stay tuned to the Kirin USA Facebook Page. Throughout the year, Kumai will be sharing some of her special recipes there.
I’m obviously not a celebrity chef like Candice Kumai, so for my lunch, I decided to try a very simple Avocado Maki Sushi. You should have seen me fumbling around in the kitchen trying to roll sushi…so glad I wasn’t caught on video. LOL! It took me FOREVER, but the outcome was very nice…if I do say so myself.
Check it out:
*Thanks to Katy Thurow for coming over ahead of time to take pictures for me!
I know it’s bad etiquette in Japan to pour your own glass of beer, but I just had to enjoy one (or two) before my friend got there 🙂 Our little celebration turned out to be very nice! Maybe when I celebrate cherry blossom season again, it will be in Japan. I know this, with only 95 calories per serving, I’ll be sure to celebrate with Kirin!
How will you celebrate cherry blossom season? Will it be with Kirin beers?
*All opinions in this post are 100% mine. Please remember to drink responsibly.
Until next time!
Melanie Smith says
Great post! I love all the decor and your styling. Adorable 🙂
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Thank you! You know how stressed out I was about this right? Lol!
Julia Nicholson says
This is adorable! I love the decor and your laid-back look! The sushi looks delish 🙂
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Hi Julia! Thanks so much! It took me FOREVER to make that sushi! LOL!
Shannon says
Your outfit is so beautiful! I love how you have styled your hair! Have you seen the wisteria tunnel in Japan? http://www.tourismontheedge.com/places/asia/a-colorful-walk-wisteria-tunnel-at-kawachi-fuji-gardens-japan.html
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Hi Shannon! That has to be one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen! Thanks so much for sharing!
MARIA simon says
YOU HAVE AN AMAZING STYLE AND SUCH BEAUTIFUL PICS AND POST THANKS!!
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Hi Maria! Thank you! And thanks so much for visiting my blog!