People from the peanut gallery – folks who’ve never really succeeded at much in their lives asked – is Ronda ready to retire? Scratch that. They weren’t asking; they were telling her it was time to retire.

It’s over for Ronda! the media screamed.

She was distracted. Hollywood got to her. Fame. She’s not humble enough! they pointed out. That must have been it.

Some were rooting for her comeback. Others couldn’t wait to see her downfall again. Admittedly after a couple glasses of wine, I got the sinking feeling that the hype surrounding her #FeartheReturn campaign was maybe just that – hype.

Nunes had an unmatched intensity about her.

I said out loud, “She won’t even look at her!” I knew in that moment – the woman who dubbed herself the lioness was unstoppable. Not because of her skill or technique – although I’m sure that had something to do with it – it was her visible confidence.

Penetrating.

Every moment of the 48 second knockout was exhillarating. Watching men fight? Gruesome. And quite frankly, boring. Watching women? Fascinating.

Women aren’t supposed to knock each other out, but Ronda Rousey made fighting a woman feel empowering. It may be a strange word to use, but something about women now having a seat at the UFC table is empowering.

We really can be and do anything. Ronda proved that by dominating a male sport.

And now everybody is telling her to piss off. Oh I get how this works – when women lose, we’re told it’s over – you’re washed up, and no good to the world anymore.

We knew you’d fail. You loser!

What kind of message are we sending to ourselves? What kind of stereotypes are we perpetuating when we revel in her loss?

You can say that you would have done better. I doubt it.

It was Ronda’s demeanor – her attitude about her ability, the belief that she was the best – that got her to where she is today.

You may have wished she was more gracious. More lady like maybe? You call it sportsmanship. I call it a double standard.

And her loss? Sucks.

But Ronda Rousey is more than just her sporting accomplishments. Her so-called cocky attitude reminds me of some of the greatest male athletes we see today. Her powerful posture is what makes her great. It’s what some call a lack of humility, but I disagree.

Thanks to Ronda – we as women – can give ourselves permission to walk with undeniable confidence, unapologetic about our own success. Because I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of playing small. Tired of dimming my light to make others feel comfortable.

Ronda broke barriers, shook up stereotypes – making physical strength beautiful and acceptable. She made being supremely self-assured OKAY.

So before you hate on her – before you dismiss her career, think about this:

“Before Ronda Rousey, there was no limelight for women’s MMA. Women fought in the shadows of the UFC. She is a pioneer who has paved the way for millions of women to follow their dreams and deserves our respect.” – Jiu-Jitsu Times

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The post What’s next for Ronda Rousey? Just stop with the stupid questions. appeared first on HER Magazine ™.

When she’s not working as a Pharmacist, she’s charging steadily toward her dreams of building a brand to positively impact an industry misunderstood.

“Pharmacists are medication experts so there is definitely an emphasis on medicine, but for me that’s just one aspect of a person’s well-being,” says Dr. Vand. 

There is nothing ordinary about this Doctor. The new age pharmacist can be found snap chatting healthy recipes, posting tips on Twitter and helpful advice on Instagram

Despite her undeniable beauty, Mona is a down to earth L.A. woman who loves talking to people – online and offline.

“My goal is to educate patients on as many lifestyle and diet modifications as possible, in hopes of preventing the need for medication at all.”

Why pharmacy school if she is so passionate about holistic health? Dr. Vand says as a teen she always loved science. She chose her career path while in high school, and enrolled in a six-year doctorate program at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

“I told myself I could always change majors, but it turns out, I loved it!”

Since becoming a pharmacist and moving to the City of Angels, Dr. Vand was inspired to take on a more holistic and modern approach to health care. Her goal is to help patients understand the connection between pharmaceutical science and overall wellness.

The Modern Pharmacist incorporates every aspect of her patient’s life into the health plans she creates for them.

Here are just some of the lifestyle updates she suggests:

• Meditation and Yoga in place of antianxiety and antidepressant medications
• A Plant based diet in place of blood pressure and cholesterol drugs
• Natural health and beauty remedies in place of chemical-bases treatment.

She also recommends natural beauty remedies like rose water ice cubes (yum, don’t eat them!) as a toner and coconut oil for nourishing your skin and hair.

Something else she’s unconventional about? Dr. Vand is a big believer in a plant-based diet. Mona is a Vegan.

“The key is to see how you feel after you eat certain foods. For example, if you have to take a Lactaid in order to tolerate dairy, or you feel sluggish after eating a lot of meat, your body is telling you something! It’s important to stop forcing things just because they taste good momentarily.”

Despite her passion for holistic health, Dr. Vand still believes there is a time and place for medication. She says in some cases antibiotics or medication are still the first-line of defense, and as a pharmacist sorting out antibiotics, pain medication and pills are still a part of her job.

Mona still stands by her mantra that changing your lifestyle will almost always be your first step to health and wellness.

For busy, on-the-go women Dr. Vand says staying healthy starts with three simple tactics:

• Smart Snacking
• Work Out in the morning (it’s proven to boost your mood)
• Stay Hydrated (water will keep you energized throughout the day)

“Always on the go equals grabbing unhealthy food because it’s easy and quick. The key is to always carry a few healthy snacks with you so you never starve,” says Mona. 

Dr. Vand regularly shares recipes, natural beauty treatments and other helpful tips on social media and her website

The post The Pharmacist Challenging the Status Quo appeared first on HER Magazine ™.

Mrs. Redford is a New Yorker at heart but behind her tough exterior is a gentle, loving wife and mother but make no mistake, this woman is on a mission and she doesn’t sugar coat anything, not even the answers to our questions. That’s why we think you’ll like her just as much as we do.

You’ve had an incredible journey in the film industry, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. How are the two different?

Amy: When you are acting you have a singular responsibility to inhabit the world of one character. To understand, embrace and adopt all the elements that come with that territory both good and ugly. When you are directing you have to inhabit the world of the whole story. To orchestrate the pieces so that each have integrity, but work in concert. All this while not looking panicked. You are also at the helm and you set the tone. This is true for number one on the call sheet as well. I love directing because it is about getting everyone to reach their full potential. To embrace the fact that each department sees the world of the story through their own lens. It’s deeply satisfying to me to see not only actors have a breakthrough but the other collaborators as well.

What pressures have you faced as a woman working in Hollywood?

Amy: Probably not succumbing to that question. My goal is to stop ghettoizing ourselves as women with either grandeur or pity. It’s not a good situation for women in Hollywood, Yet look around and you’ll see the ground is breaking with our footsteps. I have certainly struggled with allowing for my vulnerabilities to be part of the overall package. I have decided to look at my sensitivities as an asset instead of hiding them in a superficial show of “strength”. Ground Seven has a focus on diversity and strong women’s roles in front and behind the camera  and the Mission is “re-defining normal”. We want to elevate new leaders in entertainment and profile under explored landscapes. Maria Bello and Clare Munn who founded the company have broken ground in both entertainment and business strategy. I hope that is the way forward. Creating financial viability around female led business models. We cross pollinate between Production, branded content and Marketing. Mostly constructed from our collective do’s and don’t’s in the industry.

Your father Robert Redford is the mastermind behind The Sundance Film Festival. What makes the festival unique and a gateway for aspiring film directors and actors?

Amy: I think the Genesis of it being right here in the Tucked away mountains of Utah at the Sundance Resort. The film festival’s agenda was born out of the idea that Hollywood needed some genetic diversity in content and creators. But the institute was responsible for helping those new creators get a seat at the table with the summer labs. For me it starts there, with people who might once have felt that they didn’t belong learning how to find their unique voice. MIchelle Satter  has gracefully and quietly helped to change the direction of many many people’s lives in her nurturing of new voices. Philip Himburg has done it in theatre, (my first love), and John Cooper and the programming team gives them a platform. It’s a very exciting eco system.

How do you plan to continue the Redford legacy, now with the Sundance Mountain Resort?

Amy: To keep it authentic to its birth, but courageous in its evolution. We are blessed by not only the most beautiful mountain hugging us, but by the people who live and work there. Sundance exists in a space that is extraordinary, simplicity delivered elegantly and with a sense of humor. My brother, sister and I have worked very hard to make it possible for these things to exist in the future life of Sundance. Through my Dad, we share the same values about the importance of preservation and longevity. I feel very lucky to have them to collaborate with. We are also blessed with an incredible team in Management.

You’re also a director and producer. Are women the minority in these roles? Are they being taken more seriously in the 21st century?

Amy: Yes, they are definitely taken more seriously, leaned on, asked for help and advice, and have delivered strategically and conceptually. Now lets get them paid.

What has been the most challenging role you’ve faced and why?

Amy: It’s a really boring answer because it’s so predictable. Motherhood. My goodness every time I think I have the answer I’m humbled. I have three girls and my husband and I are seeing the world through their eyes. It has also been my lighthouse. I had a heartbreak over a project recently and I was explaining it to my seven year old, and she grabbed my face and said “MOM! NEVER GIVE UP.” I owe that to her, and my other two.

In a world where there is a lot of competition, especially in acting, what advice do you have for young women about how we treat each other in today’s world where women are more than ever trying to make their mark?

Amy: Make mistakes and own them. Find your complimentary collaborators, not just the ones that you agree with. The ones that see things differently and can provide push back and perspective. Learn as much as you can about reading budgets and the legal terms of your industry. We are often pat on the head and told not to worry about the technical stuff. That knowledge is not only the key to the kingdom, but also what protects your vision. Take care of yourself spiritually, emotionally and physically. We tend to absorb a lot from those around us, so it’s important to find balance. Try to do what you love. It offsets the long hours, the undesirables, and the lack of gratitude.

The post Robert Redford’s Daughter Dishes on becoming Legendary appeared first on HER Magazine ™.

“Nicoise is known for its delectable ingredients, like anchovies. We think it’s something everyone should try at least once in their lives.”

How did Jessica Kinni and Rebecca Raskind embark on the unusual journey of finding the best Nicoise in Beverly Hills?

“We were surprised after we ate an unsavory dish at a prestigious restaurant. Our bad experience got us excited about documenting our fun journey to finding the ULTIMATE salad nicoise in LA. It began with passion and is now becoming a popular blog on Instagram.”

A History Lesson on La Nicoise

Nicoise is French. The salad originated in Nice, nestled just 15 miles away from the Italian border. Claims on where and how nicoise was born is up for debate but the story began in 1533 with a French woman. Catherine de’ Medici married the man who would one day become the king of France, Henry II. Rumor has it that Catherine was ‘afraid’ she would waste away with French cooking.

Legend has it that she imported a brigade of Italian cooks and her pastry chef to create a new kind of French cuisine.

No one really knows how much truth there is to the story, but the fantasy certainly is a fun way to think about how the savory dish which includes green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, eggs, olives, tuna and onions – was created.

Nicoise’s claim to fame is Anchovies.

“We would love to end up in Nice one day enjoying the perfect Nicoise on the Cote D’Azur.”

While working hard on their dreams, the boss women are delighting in their adventures in Los Angeles.

“We won’t know if we’ve found the best Nicoise Salad until we try them all.”

The Hollywood ladies have embarked on something they are passionate which is how most businesses begin. An idea. A inspiration. A passion desired to be shared with the world. With so many people day dreaming about someday doing ‘this’ or ‘that’, Jessica and Rebecca have some words of wisdom to encourage women who have a great idea but just don’t know how to take the next step.

“Our advice is, just start. Start simple, and do something for your passion project every day even if it’s something small. We made a plan for what we wanted to do and started small with our Instagram account. We wanted to test it out in a simple format without incurring much of an expense.”

Every day they dedicate concentrated time to their passionate project. They say that makes all the difference in building their business.

“We make sure to do something for Ooh La Nicoise every day and dedicate any weekend we both have available to shooting. Also, we made sure to create something that was positive and we could be proud of.”

The post Turning Passion into a Popular Blog: how two L.A. Women are doing it appeared first on HER Magazine ™.