What is the Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival?

Before you get confused and say, “But there’s been LA Food & Wine events before,” the Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival is not the same thing. This is its first year in LA! This festival celebrates the diverse food and art scene in LA. It highlights various culinary talent, art installations, wine and beverages. Some of the headliner chefs this year included Antonia Lofaso, Duff Goldman, Jet Tila, Stephanie Izard, Adam Richman, Geoffrey Zakarian, Andrew Zimmern, and many more!

LAWFF took place this year in March in conjunction with Frieze Week Los Angeles, which is an international art fair focusing on contemporary art. So not only did we enjoy delicious food and meet renowned chefs, but we saw some fun art collaborations and danced to the DJ sets.

What to expect at LAWFF?

Lots of delicious food and drinks and a fantastic time! Tickets to LAWFF are all-inclusive, so you can grab as many bites and drinks to your heart’s delight! However, I have to warn you to pace yourself. I felt stuffed before I made it to all the chefs’ tables.

Because the LA Wine & Food Festival took place in a tent, I was a little apprehensive before going. I imagined it being small, crowded, and with long lines everywhere. Surprisingly, it was the opposite! The event was very well-organized, and the setup made great use of the space. Although there were quite a few people, it never felt too crowded. There were hardly any lines for food unless a chef was prepping a new batch of food. I could definitely tell the event planners and the chefs came prepared. A couple places ran out of food, but for the most part, chefs made enough to keep it flowing the entire night.

There were some lines for the cocktails and wine, since people were either introducing the brand or making the drink to order. However, it was still very much manageable.

Highlights of the Wine & Food

Some of my favorite moments of the event were meeting Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and Chef Adam Richman! I grew up watching The Food Network, so getting to meet these celebrity chefs in person was awesome. They were friendly, warm and funny! Chef Zakarian made Tuna Tonnato with Cripsy Capers, Pickled Shallots, and herbs. So fresh and tasty! Chef Adam Richman made pulled pork egg rolls with sweet & spicy peanut dipping sauce. Crispy on the outside with juicy pulled pork inside – just the way I like it!

I also enjoyed the Dungeness Crab Leek Fonduta from Chef Ben Ford (you can’t go wrong with Dungeness crab!), smoked salmon cannoli from Donna’s EP, tuna tartare taro taco from STK Steakhouse, spicy rigatoni from Ospi Venice, Massachusetts bay scallop with kaluga caviar from Saltie Girl LA, and so much more.

For drinks, Icelandic Glacial provided sparkling water. Tastemade mixed cocktails featuring Una Vodka, Henebery Whiskey, and Kohana Rum. Various wine brands attended as well, like J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Paper Plane Wines, and Mizel Wines.

I highly recommend going to the Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival next year if you love good food and wine! You’ll taste top-notch bites and sips, catch some art, maybe meet celebrity chefs, and have a great time!

To see some video highlights, check out my IG video recap here. For more info, visit the LAWFF site here.

Would you go to this wine and food festival? Let me know in the comments!

The post Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival (LAWFF) 2024 Recap appeared first on Chat with Cat.

With the Charming Taste of Europe, I learned about green kiwis from Kavala, Greece.  The Charming Taste of Europe campaign, co-funded by the European Union aims to raise awareness of select European wines and fresh fruits. This campaign project specifically highlights wine from Italy and France and cherries and green kiwis from Greece. You can read more about my experience with juicy Greek cherries here!

*Thank you to the Charming Taste of Europe for sponsoring this post.

What are green kiwis?

Green kiwis are oval-shaped fruit with a fuzzy brown skin. On the inside, they have green, tangy flesh and small black seeds. The fruit is juicy, tangy and slightly sweet. The tiny seeds inside give you a nice little crunch when you’re eating kiwis. Rich in Vitamin C, kiwis hold more Vitamin C than an orange! It’s different from the related gold kiwi, which has a smooth skin with a golden, yellow hue inside. The golden kiwi tastes sweeter than its green kiwi cousin.

Greece produces a significant amount of kiwis. In fact, they are ranked 5^th in global kiwi production and 3^rd in kiwi export after New Zealand and Italy.

Where is Kavala?

Kavala, sometimes known as the eastern entryway to Macedonia, is a city in Northern Greece. It lies between the rivers Nestos and Strymonas and hugs the northern coast of the Aegean Sea. It’s about a 9 hour drive from Athens or 2 hour drive from Thessaloniki. Upon entering the city, you’ll notice crystal clear blue water and a panoramic view of a colorful, coastal town built upon the hills. It’s reminiscent of other European coastal cities, although this one is much less touristy. Because of the proximity to the ocean, you’ll find lots of fresh seafood in this city!

What makes Kavala great for green kiwis?

The location and the weather make Kavala a great place to grow green kiwis. The Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers along with Kavala’s soil composition allow the kiwis to thrive. In addition, the irrigation networks contribute to the growth of these kiwis and other crops.

Where are the kiwis produced and processed?

The kiwis are cultivated at the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Kavala (Kavala COOP). Founded in 1927, it now has 500 members. These members include producers from Kavala, Thassos, and Nestos.  This COOP cultivates various crops, including green kiwis, asparagus, and olives.

I had a chance to visit the processing facility in Haidefto, Kavala. I learned that they have 10 hectares of land dedicated to growing kiwis. Each season, they produce anywhere from 9000 to 12000 tons of kiwis. The usual harvesting season starts October to November, and the COOP then sends the kiwis out from October to March. Sadly, because of the timing of the season, I did not get to see any fresh kiwis. However, I visited the kiwi fields and saw the kiwi trees starting to flower.

There, I learned that male kiwi trees only produce flowers for nectar. Honeybees then pollinate female trees with the male nectar! Thus, only female kiwi trees produce the kiwifruit. However, you need both for kiwis to grow!  

Once workers hand-harvest these kiwis, they send the kiwis to the processing facility for calibration and storage. After the harvest, the Kavala COOP sends the kiwis out to various parts of the world including other European countries, India, Canada, and the United States.

How do you enjoy kiwis?

Like most fruit, green kiwis are delicious cold and on its own! I like to chill it in the fridge, cut it in half and eat it with a spoon. However, for some, it may be a little sour, so they like to pair it with other ingredients. They are great in salads, yogurts, fruit tarts, smoothies, and more. I like it as a topping with Greek yogurt and drizzled with a bit of sweet honey to balance out the tart taste.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy green kiwis? Let me know in the comments or send me a message on my Instagram @chatwithcat!

The post Green Kiwis from Kavala, Greece appeared first on Chat with Cat.

However, thanks to the Charming Taste of Europe, I learned all about Greek cherries. The Charming Taste of Europe campaign aims to raise awareness of select European wines and fresh fruits. This campaign project specifically highlights wine from Italy and France and cherries and kiwis from Greece.

*Thank you to the European Union and the Charming Taste of Europe for sponsoring this post.

What are Greek cherries?

You might be thinking, “What are Greek cherries exactly?” First, if you’ve never had a cherry, it is a small, round stone-fruit that contains a hard pit in the middle. There are many different varieties of cherries, each with a different taste. Most cherries are dark red to bright red, although some varieties are yellow. The tastes range from sweet to tart, with many falling in the middle as both sweet and tart.  

The Greek cherries produced in Greece are known for their deep red color and juicy flesh. The main cherry variety in Greece is the Burlat, but over the recent years, more cherry varieties have been introduced.

Where are the Greek cherries?

The majority of cherries in Greece are produced in Northern Greece, with most of the production in Central Macedonia. Pieria, Pella, and Imathia are some of the main region growing cherries s in Macedonia. Did you know that Greece is ranked 10^th in the world for cherry production?

On this trip, I visited The Agriculture Cooperative (A.C) of Rachi Pierias, “O AGIOS LOUKAS.” Rachi is a village in Pieria, and home to one of the biggest and highest producing cooperatives in Greece. The A.C of Rachi Pierias was founded in 1978, and today it includes 250 members. In addition to Greek cherries, they also cultivate apricots and apples. The cherry orchard alone now spans 200 hectares. That is equivalent to 2 million square meters!  

The Cooperative cultivates various types of cherries, including Burlat, Grace Star, Lapins, Sweet Aryanna, and Ferrovia. They market their cherries under the brand name “Cherries from Rachi Olympus.” Their policy? Show full respect to the producer, consumer, and environment.

How are the cherries harvested?

Every year, new Greek cherry trees are planted in the cherry fields. These cherries grow in the spring and generally ripen by late May to early June for harvesting. When the cherries are ripe, farmers and workers will pick each cherry by hand!

We visited one of the family-owned fields and watched the family cheerfully picking cherries under the sun. During the cherry harvesting season, they start their morning around 6 AM and pick cherries all day until the late afternoon. We picked a few alongside them and sampled the Greek cherries. The cherries were plump, juicy, and more sweet than tart.

It was a hot day, and the cherries were such a refreshing treat! As we left to head back to the production center, the sweet family gifted us cherries to take home!

How are the cherries packed?

Back at the warehouse, Caliope, our guide, described the process of preparing the cherries for export. When the cherries arrive onsite, workers first label and then refrigerate them in the hydrocooler to keep the cherries fresh. Then, the cherries are submerged in 2-3° C water to prevent cracks in the cherries. A calibrating machine with cameras then calibrates and separates the cherries by size. Following that, workers inspect each cherry to remove any bad ones. Finally, the cherries are boxed and kept in a cold room per strict guidelines until they’re picked up or shipped.

Unfortunately, this year the Greek cherries ripened (and will ripen) later than usual due to weather conditions, so we did not see the sorting and packaging in action.

Once the cherries are boxed and ready to go, they are sold locally and exported to various countries around Europe and Asia. The A.C of of Rachi Pierias is hoping to also expand to the United States and Canada in the future.

How should you eat Greek cherries?

Cherries can be eaten in a variety of ways! My favorite way to enjoy a sweet, cold cherry straight from the refrigerator. Make sure to rinse the cherry and remove the inedible pit before eating. If stored properly, fresh cherries can last in the fridge for 5-7 days. If left out, the cherries will typically last a couple of days at most.

You can also add cherries as toppings to various things like salads, entrees, and even ice cream sundaes and floats!

Other people cook them into sauces, make them into preserves or bake them into desserts like cherry pie or cherry tarts.

The Greeks eat something called spoon sweets, which are sweet preserves served in a spoon. They usually serve these spoon sweets to guests by the teaspoon with coffee, tea, or water as a sign of hospitality. Most of them are made from fruits, including sweet and sour cherries. It’s a great way to use your Greek cherries!

Did you know that Greece produces so many cherries? And what’s your favorite way to enjoy cherries? Tell me in the comments below or DM me on my Instagram @chatwithcat!

The post Greek Cherries – A Delicious Taste of Pieria appeared first on Chat with Cat.

Small business – Little Berry Fairy
Offers: Chocolate covered strawberries and breakable hearts

This LA small business makes beautiful chocolate and event sweets, including gorgeous marbled strawberries with custom messages. Other items include breakable hearts and cakesicles that have been trending during the pandemic, but what sets Little Berry Fairy’s treats apart is her attention to detail. Every set she makes is quite lovely and/or adorable, and each box feels like a lavish gift. Check out her page here for her 2-tiered Mother’s Day gift box or glam box!

Small business – Ganchic
Offers: Grazing boxes with kimbap quinoa rolls

Another small business near Arts District, Ganchic takes the traditional kimbap (Korean rice rolls) and turns it into a cleaner, lighter, and more artful version. These rolls are made out of quinoa instead of rice and with clean, whole ingredients. No preservatives or artificial additives. Besides daily rolls, Christina creates these gorgeous grazing boxes with fresh florals, and you can opt to substitute some rolls for farmer market berries and vegetables. She’s currently taking limited orders for her “Super Mom” set, which is one you don’t want to miss!

Small business – Eats Lucy Wang
Offers: Burnt Basque Cheesecake

Next on the list is LA small business, Eats Lucy Wang in the heart of Ktown. Lucy recently started baking up burnt basque cheesecakes in various flavors like coffee, matcha, and ube, and they are delicious. Light, fluffy, and infused with subtle flavors, these cheesecakes make for some great post-dinner desserts. Check out this post to order a Mother’s Day Gift box with 3 sets of flavors.

Small business – MM Creamery
Offers: Tofu Cheesecake

MM Creamery in the SGV region has yet another take on the classic cheesecake. MM Creamery also makes various sweets including wedding treats, but their tofu cheesecakes steal the show. The original tofu flower cheesecake with ginger syrup reminds me of the classic tofu pudding I grew up eating. Besides the classic, MM Creamery also experiments with various other Asian flavors, like black sesame, pandan coconut and currently Sakura lychee. They rotate flavors, so make sure to try it when you see it on the menu! They are also offering various Mommy x Me + cookies curated dessert set to make and bake with the family.

Small business – Foodologie
Offers: Cookes, Brownies, Ice Cream

Last but not least, Foodologie is an LA small business in Long Beach that offers cookies, brownies, and ice cream. The wonderfully chewy cookies (salted toffee cooking, chocolate chip, churrodoodle) and ube brownies are such a treat. Deciding which one to get can be hard, so my advice is to try it all! Trust me, you won’t regret it! Because she often sells out quickly, you’ll want to place your orders on her site here as soon as you can.

The post LA small businesses with treats for Mother’s Day appeared first on Chat with Cat.

This past weekend, the Japanese Food Expo 2021 gave me a chance to experience Japanese food and culture from home! I had hoped to visit Japan this year to see their cherry blossoms, but travel plans have been on hold. So for now, I’ll fill that void with ramen and matcha from the Japanese Food Expo.  

Traditionally, the Japanese Food Culture Association (JFCA) hosts the Japanese Food Expo each year to showcase various Japanese premium foods and beverages. The goal of the exhibition is to share the simplicity and beauty of the Japanese food that has nurtured Japanese civilization for centuries. Attending the expo is a fantastic way to learn more about the Japanese culture while sampling delicious eats and drinks!

Due to this year’s circumstances, JFCA hosted the Japanese Food Expo 2021 virtually for the first time on Mar 6th, 2021. Although an online event doesn’t quite compare to the live event, I liked that I could attend from the comforts of home. No parking to scour for or crowds to battle. This expo was also quite informative! This year, it focused on three prefectures of Japan: Aichi, Shizuoka, and Fukushima. JFCA even sent me a gift box of some of the goodies to try along with the show!

Japanese Food Expo 2021 Prefecture Highlights

Aichi Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture is part of the Central region of Honshū, Japan’s main island. It is most known for its healthy food, particularly those requiring fermentation. Perhaps one of the most famous examples is Hatcho Miso. The Japanese make this miso by fermenting steamed soybeans and salt in wooden casks over several years. This process results in a dark and boldly-flavored miso often used in broths and sauces. During the expo, host Alice sprinkled the Hatcho miso powder on ice cream. She also mixed it with mayonnaise to create a vegetable dip. One-start Michelin Chef Masanori Nagano created cute miso onigiri in a live demo as well. For experimental purposes, I will definitely need to try the miso powder with ice cream!

Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture is also part of the Central region of Honshū, and it actually borders Aichi Prefecture. It runs along the Pacific Ocean coast and is home to Mount Fuji, so you can only imagine how beautiful the land is there! With its bountiful land, tea is this prefecture’s most famous product. As such, the people there harvest and produce many premium green teas, matcha, and hojicha teas. Host Midori showed us how to make some easy and delicious-looking iced hojicha latte and iced matcha latte.

Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima Prefecture is part of the Northeast region of Honshū. It’s also located along the Pacific Ocean coast and is part of The Diamond Route. The Diamond Route, named for the shape of the route, is a tourist route that connects Fukushima, Tochigi, and Ibaraki prefectures. They boast of “sparkling treasures” in food, sights, history and more in the heart of Japan. One of the cities, Kitakata, is known for its ramen. This year, the expo highlighted kitakata ramen noodle from Igarashi Seimen. Chef Andy Matsuda, founder of Sushi Chef Institute, made a bowl of ramen with chicken and egg. I received these instant kitakata ramen noodles in my Japanese Food Expo 2021 gift box, and I loved them! These ramen noodles were so easy to prepare, and I loved the taste of the broth. I enjoyed the texture of the noodles too! They’re thicker than traditional ramen noodles and have a nice wavy, chewy texture.

Learning about these prefectures and their specialty foods from the Japanese Food Expo 2021 made me appreciate these foods more. The next time I visit Japan, I definitely want to visit these prefectures as well as The Diamond Route to experience the food and culture firsthand! But for now, I’m glad to know these products are now available in the United States. If I can’t go there, I can bring a taste of it home!

I’m hoping next year’s Japanese Food Expo will be a live exhibition, and I’m looking forward to learning and sampling more of the Japanese culture then!

If you missed the expo, you can watch the Japanese Food Expo 2021 here. Let me know which of these Japanese foods you would love to try!

The post A Japanese Food Expo 2021 Recap appeared first on Chat with Cat.

Every year as the new year approaches, my soul gets quiet as I think about all that has happened over the 12 months. Time feels like an eternity but when you look back at the year, it always seems to fly, doesn’t it?

One year ago, as I reflected on 2019, I wrote, “Here’s to a new year of keeping my heart open to everything and attached to nothing fleeting. .”

⁣⁣Little did I know how much 2020 would challenge me to do that.

This past year of 2020 was one that will live on in the history books. The year of the Coronavirus-19 pandemic, the year we lost so many loved ones, the year many businesses shut down, the year George Floyd was senselessly murdered and caught on video, the year Black Lives Matter stirred a nationwide movement, the year Tik Tok gained steam and turned half the population into dance machines, the year people started working from home, and the year schools went virtual. It was a year of challenge, heartbreak, growth, community, loss, death, unity, and so much more.

I don’t think I could ever sum it up in words nor have I fully digested it, but reflecting on the year 2020 has helped me to make more sense of it. I know that as we start this new year 2021, we go into it with much of the same circumstances. Yet there’s a new sense of hope, a determination to do better, be better. So I will share with you 5 lessons I personally learned this year that I will carry with me into the new year.

5 lessons I learned through
reflecting on the year 2020

1. Nothing lasts forever.

⁣⁣If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that nothing under the sun lasts forever. Just like in Ecclesiastes. The good times, the bad times, they both come and they go.

⁣⁣So when times are good, cherish them. Make the most of the moment and the people, focus on the present, and be all there.

⁣⁣And when the times are bad, stay grounded. Remember that this too, won’t last. Hold on to hope, and also be all there. Because it’s often in the bad times that you’re challenged beyond what you think you are capable of, and you grow the most. 

2. You have the power to change.

You can’t change your past, but you can certainly change your trajectory and future. Sure, there are circumstances beyond your control. Like what you were born into and pretty much all of 2020. But you have the power to adapt, the power to create, the power to choose what you do next.

Don’t waste that opportunity and gift.

3. It’s okay to slow down.

We live in a hustle culture where being busy is a badge of honor. We measure success by the number of accomplishments achieved. The dollars in our bank accounts. Or the amount of wealth and things we accomplish.

But what if we have it wrong? What if this go-go-go mentality is making us miss out on the joys of life? This year has forced so many of us to slow down and take a step back. To reconnect with our families. To stay home. To sit with our own thoughts. To pick up a new hobby. To read a book.

It’s been amazing to see all the passion, clarity, and joy that has been born out of this season.

Challenge yourself to slow down every once in a while. To focus on what’s truly important, to be present with the people you’re with, to enjoy the little things, to not let life pass you by while you hustle and work.

4. Mindset matters.

What you think and say to yourself matters.

I used to talk down to myself and set limits for myself, but this did so much damage. Over the years, I started to truly believe the things I thought and inevitably played into the role I believed. It’s been a wild ride of undoing, but I’m learning that what we feel, we attract.

So believe in yourself, and believe there is good out there for you. Do good, feel good, and attract good.

5. It takes a community.

I’m an introvert by nature, but I recognize the value of community. Despite the weight of the year, I saw so many triumphs that happened because of people coming together. When I had my own rough patches, the encouragement from the community kept me going. Even on a larger scale, the places where people came together for the good of all have seen the most success with kicking the virus.

Lean on your community. Be there for your community. Care about people and foster relationships because when everything else is hitting the fan, they will help carry you through it.

Have you been reflecting on the year 2020? What lessons are you taking with you into 2021?

The post Reflecting on the year 2020 – My biggest lessons appeared first on Chat with Cat.

How do you rest, reset, and reframe your mindset during a pandemic?

I originally drafted this post in late March, but thanks to my knack for starting things and not finishing them, this post never made it to the blog. I started this entry to help us navigate the unpredictable, confusing times of the novel Coronavirus. But as I got caught up with other things, I kept thinking that the pandemic would be over soon.

But the days turned into weeks.

The weeks turned into months.

And now a whole year has practically flown by.

Virtual hangouts are the new norm. Takeout dinners are common occurrences. Masks are part of your essential attire. Gym time now means working out in our rooms. Vacations abroad seem but a distant memory.

Even though it’s been almost a year, many of us are still adjusting. While some of you have established routines (kudos to you!), others are still trying to figure it out. Maybe you’re expecting things to return back to normal soon, so you haven’t quite committed to a new routine. Or perhaps you just don’t know where to start. Or you’re one of the many with your anxiety at an all-time high, and you don’t know how to turn if off.

If that’s you, the first thing I want to tell you is: you are not alone. You are not alone, and you don’t have to struggle alone.

The second is this: your feelings are valid, so don’t take on more of a burden by feeling guilty. As humans, we have tendencies to seek control and security. When those are taken from us, we may naturally feel negative emotions, thoughts, and energies. And that’s okay.

It’s okay to feel those things, but can I encourage you NOT to stay there?

Having those feelings and thoughts are valid, but staying in them and letting those hold you back from enjoying the present moment doesn’t serve you. Instead, use this time to rest, reset, and reframe your mindset. Below, I’ll share some actionable tips that have helped me most during this time.

Rest, reset, reframe your mindset

1. Spend 10 minutes each morning to clear your mind.

When you wake up, instead of reaching for your phone, spend some quiet time to frame your positive mindset for the day. These early hours are the best as your body and mind are the most refreshed. Use this time before your to-do lists and worries fill your mind. Whether it’s praying, meditating, journaling, or something else, dedicate ten minutes without any distractions to allow yourself to process and ground your thoughts. Set your intentions for the day, and clear your mind of negative thoughts that do not serve you. Focus on the good ones that will fuel you throughout the day.

2. Write down one thing you are thankful for every day.

It doesn’t have to be profound. It can be anything! Your bed. The avocado toast for breakfast. A random act of kindness. The internet connection. Your family that sometimes drives you nuts but will always have your back. Eyes to see the beauty in the world. A heart that beats for you.

Write down your thoughts of gratitude or type it somewhere and add to this list daily. On the difficult days, you can look back on it and be reminded of how much you have to be thankful for. Learning to be grateful will help to rewire your brain and reframe your mindset to seek the positive.

3. Set positive affirmations for yourself.

Write out 1-3 positive affirmations each week and keep it somewhere you can see it easily every day. For example, one can be – “I am capable of handling whatever comes my way.” See the image for one of my weekly affirmation sets.

Repeat your affirmations to yourself every day, as often as you need. Focusing on positive affirmations will, as you guessed, also help to reframe your mindset! It will train you to practice positive thinking, which is good for both mental health and your success.

4. Move your body.

Stretch, walk, exercise, workout. Not being able to go out creates an even bigger chance to veg out at home. You may be sitting for long hours without moving, which is NOT healthy for your body. So get up and move! Exercising has been shown to release endorphins which boost your mood. It can help you to feel and think better, so dedicate some time to exercise. Also take small stretch breaks throughout the day!

5. Clear the clutter.

One of the small but effective actions you can take is to make clean space. If your desk or room is cluttered, it may subconsciously clutter your mind. Or your setting might be a reflection of how you feel. Either way, a mess will likely give you a sense of unease. You might have a nagging thought that you need to declutter but you keep pushing it aside because you’re “busy.” That will only stress yo out, so take the time to clean it up, throw away things you don’t need, store the things you’ll use at a later time. It’ll help set your mind at ease, restore order, and get you in the right mindset to focus on other tasks.

6. Get dressed.

Whether you’re taking classes online or working from home, it’s important to establish a routine. This includes getting dressed. Wear an outfit each day as if you’re going to school or work (but maybe something a wee bit more comfortable). It might not seem like a big deal, but being dressed properly helps to differentiate between your “office” and “home” settings and gets you into the mindset that you’re ready to work.

7. Create a schedule.

Create a schedule daily schedule and a bigger picture weekly schedule, and STICK TO IT. Schedule in your work, breaks, meals, time to check and respond to E-mail, etc. Having a schedule will help you to prioritize and get things done. Instead of getting distracted by your social media 50 times a day and not finishing your work, commit to you schedule to complete your necessary tasks.

And if social media gives you anxiety, learn to turn it off and leave it out of the schedule. Or if you must, limit the amount of time you spend on it!

8. Surround yourself with people who empower and encourage you.

It’s 2020, and no one needs extra negativity. Create boundaries with others, and learn to tune out or remove yourself from toxic environments. Find people who encourage you and bring you a peace of mind instead. Community is more important than ever, and even if you’re an introvert like me, you’ll find that having a supportive friend or two is essential to navigating these times.

9. Sleep early and establish a good sleeping pattern.

I don’t know if you can relate, but over the past few years, I’ve developed a habit of sleeping REALLY late. Sometimes 2 AM, sometimes later. Sometimes I have to wake up super early, but I’ll still sleep late because my body surprisingly functions with little sleep. But just because I can, does that mean I should? No. Your body needs an adequate amount of sleep to function at its optimal state. And that means 7-9 hours a night. Not too little, not too much because oversleeping can also make you tired. After implementing better sleep pattern myself, I can tell you that it makes a world of difference. My mind is more focused, my body more energized, and I feel better able to tackle the world.

Have you tried any of these?

What are some changes you’ve made to help you navigate these times? I’d love to hear from you!

The post Rest, reset, and reframe your mindset in the midst of chaos appeared first on Chat with Cat.

It’s no surprise that it can be overwhelming. According to this year’s National Matching Services report, there were 4768 applicants that matched to 2283 pharmacy residency programs. That’s a lot of residency programs to choose from!

So how do you choose which pharmacy residency programs to send an application to? You can’t apply to all of them because it would be too time-consuming and expensive. It would also be a waste of time if the specific program isn’t even something that interests you! Instead, you need to take some time to think about what you want and if the program matches your need. To match to a post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency, both you and the residency site need to fit each other. That’s why it’s called “the match!”

Questions to ask before you choose a pharmacy residency program

What worked well for me was to make a list of questions that addressed the points important to me. Below are some of the questions you can consider before you choose a pharmacy residency to apply to:

1. Accreditation

Do you care if the residency program is accredited? Not all pharmacy residencies are accredited, and this should be the first thing you consider. ASHP has a process that grants accreditation to certain practice sites that meet their requirements and standards. I would highly recommend a program that’s accredited because –

• Your training will meet a certain standard. In order for a site to be accredited, it must pass an official process through document review, site survey, review and evaluation by the Commission on Credentialing. Since ASHP pushes for pharmacy students to apply to residency programs, it wants to ensure the program adheres to the principles and philosophy of their standards.
  
• Your residency director & coordinator will invest in you. If they are going through all the effort of getting their site accredited, that shows they are willing to put work and time into the program. If they’re trying to build a reputable program, then they will inevitably make an effort to make your training worthwhile.
  
• It looks better on your resume. Simply put, most employers looking for a residency-trained candidate will put more weight in an accredited residency program than a non-accredited program.

If the program isn’t accredited, do your homework and figure out why. Make sure that reason isn’t a red flag.

2. Program Curriculum

Not all residency programs are created equal. Many PGY1 sites make their general curriculum for the year available online. Look for what rotations you’ll float through to see if it matches your interests. For example, a lot of Kaisers focus more heavily on ambulatory care or outpatient services, while other hospitals may focus primarily on inpatient care. Then there are other programs that have a good mix. Also, within those settings, what departments will you see? Are you interested in oncology ambulatory care? Or acute care in the emergency department? Make sure the program offers what you’re looking for!

3. Patient Population

Is the patient population and demographics important to you? Do you want to see a wide range of patients or a subset population? For example, when I rotated through the VA hospital during my APPEs, I mostly only saw older, male patients. It makes sense since the hospital serves veterans. If you want to work with pediatrics or pregnant women, or even a diverse young adult population, then the VA likely is not your ideal site.

4. Staffing Requirements

A lot of programs have some sort of staffing requirement. Of the programs that I looked at, they ranged from staffing a few times a year to staffing every weekend! Why does this matter? Because of the time commitment! Are you able to set aside all the time and energy required of the program? If you have children or other personal responsibilities, would you be able to commit the weekends in addition to the weekdays to your pharmacy residency? Some programs give you weekdays off when you have to work weekends, others ask you to work in addition to the weekdays. On the flip side, staffing gives you greater experience and prepares you to work once you finish residency. So think about what you prefer and what’s more important to you.

5. Work Environment

A huge component of work is the people you work with and the environment. If you get a chance to visit the site, go! Observe how the staff work together. Are they friendly? Professional? Do they work well as a team? Try to talk to current residents or staff and see how they like it there. Picture yourself in that environment and ask yourself if you would enjoy working with the people there!

6. The Residency Class

The size and quality of the residency class is also something to consider. How many residents does the site take? Do you want to work with just one other resident? Or do you want a larger group of residents to potentially hang out with, vent to, and give tips and insights about upcoming rotations?

7. Location

The location also matters! Are you willing to go out-of-state or do you want to stay local? Where will you live? How will you commute to your site? Does the weather matter? I looked at one out-of-state program because I really liked what the site offered, but the location and weather was not ideal for me. As a true Californian who treasures the sun, I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed moving to a state where it rained constantly. And mood can definitely affect work. Also, is it important for you to have friends and family nearby?

8. Job Prospect

Completing a residency program makes you competitive and better trained to staff wherever you go. However, do you want to stay on at your residency site and work there full-time? If so, take a look and see if the site hires their own residents. Many sites do, because they spent a whole year training them. If they have a tendency to keep their residents, then you likely will be considered for hire at your own site at the end of the year.

You’ve asked the questions. Now where do you find the answers to help you choose a pharmacy residency program?

1. Online

• Browse the ASHP website for accredited programs. They provide a list of all the current programs that received accreditation, and from there you can browse them based on your location and category preference.
• Go to the specific pharmacy residency site. There, they offer a brief overview of their curriculum and expectations. Oftentimes there are a list of frequently asked questions so read through them to understand what they offer.

2. ASHP and CSHP Residency Showcases

If you can attend a residency showcase, I highly recommend it! There you will learn more about the program and be able to talk face to face with residents and program directors & coordinators. However, for Fall 2020, it is all virtual. From what I’ve heard, you can ask a program 1 question, then you’ll have to go to the back of the “virtual line.” It doesn’t sound like you’ll be able to talk to many programs depending on how many people are interested, so make sure you narrow down the programs that really interest you!

3. Local School Showcases

Some schools also host their own residency showcases and invite local residency programs to attend. Usually these occur earlier in the year, prior to CSHP and ASHP mid-year. I believe most of the local ones are already done for the year, but if you’re applying next year or in future years, keep an eye out for them in September!

4. Current and Past Residents

One of the best sources to find out more about the residency beyond the general information is by talking to current and past residents. I mentioned earlier that it helps to talk to current staff to gauge the work environment. Likewise, talking to the residents will reveal more about whether they’re enjoying the program or not. This was one of the major factors that helped me further narrow down my options and choose a pharmacy residency program that was right for me.

5. Open Houses

A lot of programs also offer open houses. Again, this is a great way to learn more about the site and work environment. Reading about the residency site online is one thing, but seeing it in person is another. You’ll get to see what your site looks like, where the pharmacy residents work, how the pharmacy staff work. Do the staff look like they enjoy their work? Do they look stressed? Be observant!

The greatest takeaway is this: figure out what you want and hope for to get out of the program and make sure the program is able to match those desires. I hope these questions and insights guide you to figure out how to better choose a residency program fit for you. Let me know if this helps and/or if you have any other questions! And if you’ve been through the process, what are some other things future candidates can consider?

The post How to Choose a Pharmacy Residency Program to Apply to appeared first on Chat with Cat.

The truth is, there is no right or wrong answer. A pharmacy residency program may be the perfect stepping stone for some, but for others, it may be less than ideal. There are pros and cons to both sides, but long story short, YOU have to decide what is best for you.

As an inpatient clinical pharmacist, I applied to and completed an inpatient pharmacy residency as a PGY1 (post-graduate year one). Some people go on to pursue a second year of residency, but for me, one was enough. Some of my peers chose to complete a fellowship instead. Others went directly into working as a full-time pharmacist. If I went back in time, would I pursue a residency again? Absolutely! Below, I’ll highlight some of the top pros and cons of a PGY1 residency from my own experiences.

The Pros

1. You get an extra year of hands-on learning. Remember when you started clinical rotations? Being on-site is a completely different experience than learning in a classroom. When you choose to do a residency, it is as if you are on rotations, except you are now licensed with more liberties. You get to make decisions, verify orders, check medications, adjust patients’ medication regimens, and sign your life away. You also get to interact with other health professionals and build your communication skills. As a pharmacy resident though, you have preceptors to help guide and teach you as you transition into your new pharmacist role. They share their insights, experiences, clinical pearls, and look over your work to make sure it is clinically sound. It’s basically like learning to ride a bike with training wheels.
   
2. You have time to explore different specialties to discover what you enjoy. Perhaps you have a particular interest in a certain topic like cardiology, infectious diseases, or pediatrics during school, but you never had the opportunity to complete a rotation in that specialty. Or maybe you completed a rotation, but now you want more of it! Depending on which residency site you match at, you may have the option to rotate through those particular departments and even ones you never considered. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your passion in the emergency room!
   
3. You open up the door for job opportunities. A lot of sites hire their own residents once they complete their PGY1. The hospital or site basically spent a year training you already, so who would be more perfect than you to get hired for the position? And if there are no open job positions at the time, your residency director and coordinator may put in a good word for you elsewhere. Job positions these days are harder to come by, and with a year of pharmacy residency under your belt, you make yourself more competitive. With that said, make sure you take your pharmacy residency seriously, show up, and do your best!

The Cons

1. You have to deal with the stress of applying to, interviewing, and matching with a residency program. It is a lot of work, and for many people, interviews are nerve-wracking! One interview is stressful enough, but imagine having to do it 8-10 times! or however many places you choose to apply. You also have to work it out with your 4th year rotation preceptors and possibly make up missed time on the weekends or after hours.
   
2. You will need to devote a lot of time and energy to your residency program. It’s not like you can just clock out and leave when your scheduled shift or time is over. A lot of preceptors expect you to stay and learn, especially if there are interesting cases. If there are disease states you don’t know or drug info questions you can’t answer, be prepared to spend the night researching and learning. On top of that, you have residency projects, journal clubs, presentations, and likely a whole laundry list of things to do before your program ends! It’s not necessarily a bad thing since you learn A LOT, but it may be hard if you have to juggle other priorities like family, kids, etc.
   
3. The pay is low. You’ve probably heard it before, and I’m here to confirm it. You don’t make a lot of money as a resident even though you have a doctorate degree. To be transparent, I actually made LESS per hour as a resident than my last year as an intern! And I get it, pharmacy school is expensive, and you have debts racking up, so you’re ready to work. On the flip side, you’ve already invested 4 whole years, what’s another year to further your learning and expertise?

Reasons to Pursue a Pharmacy Residency

Ultimately, you have to decide if pharmacy residency is right for you. Do you have the time and energy to complete the program? Can you sustain yourself or your family on another year of low income? Are you doing it because you feel like you have to? Or do you actually WANT to? Do you feel like you have more to learn? Of all the reasons to apply for a pharmacy residency, the best one is to learn and gain experience.

Don’t do it because you feel like you HAVE to or because everyone else is doing it. Don’t do it because you feel like this is the only way to get an inpatient position. (It certainly gives you an advantage, but pharmacists without residency experiences still get hired). It can actually hurt you if you match but aren’t mentally invested. Pharmacy is a small world! If you give the impression that you’re undedicated or lazy, you may hurt your chances of finding a job.

You might feel like you have learned enough, and you’re ready to work full-time. Maybe there isn’t a residency program that specifically matches your needs and interests. Or you might just feel like your time is better spent elsewhere, and that is totally okay! It’s a year-long commitment, so make sure it’s a decision you won’t regret.

If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment, email me, or find me on social media!

The post Pharmacy residency: Should you pursue a PGY1? appeared first on Chat with Cat.

The thing is, as I get older, I start to dread each birthday a little more because I’m not where I wanted to be. The young me envisioned a happy, settled life by now. A life figured out, a family in the works, and a future secure. No more identity questions and no more life-changing uncertainties.

Funny how life works, because it never seems to go as planned.

The milestones and life goals I set for myself sit untouched.

• My own dream house? -Unchecked.
• Husband? Unchecked.
• Kids? Unchecked.
• My own business? Unchecked.

A whole list with nothing checked off and nothing to show for. All the worst nightmares of a planner, a type A, a perfectionist. (All which describe me, by the way.)

Yet what’s even more ironic is that the present me is surprisingly content. Perhaps the goals I set for myself weren’t truly the things I needed to make me happy. Instead, I now feel excited by all the possibilities of the things to come. I am excited for the opportunity to create, to carve my own path, and to find out more of who I am and who I want to be. If you ask me if I would have been ready to marry and raise kids a few years ago, my answer would be a big fat NO. I had so much character development to work on and dreams to pursue.

Growing older doesn’t mean you have everything figured out because we likely will NEVER have everything figured out. Life throws curveballs and obstacles like this 2020 pandemic, and we learn to adapt. It’s a part of the growing journey, and we will never stop learning as long as we allow ourselves to keep our minds and hearts open.

So if you’re feeling discouraged with where you’re at right now, take it from me – you are right where you need to be. Learn to love the process, the challenges, and the daily tasks that shape you and bring you closer to where you want to be.

So cheers to another year of learning, growing, and living!

The post A Year in Reflection appeared first on Chat with Cat.