I have received so many requests from our readers to get tickets for Andrew Lloyd Webbers Bad Cinderella. We have a block of tickets reserved for March 14th at 8 pm. They are $140. Email Me to save your spot!!

In the exceptionally beautiful kingdom of Belleville, the fields are idyllic, the prince is charming, and the townsfolk are ravishing. Only one stubborn peasant stands in the way of absolute perfection: Cinderella. To the flawless residents and royals of Belleville, this damsel IS the distress.

From ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER comes “a big, colorful, fun fairy tale rewrite” (The New York Times), featuring an original story and book by Oscar^®-winning writer EMERALD FENNELL (Promising Young Woman, “Killing Eve”) and lyrics by Tony Award^® winner DAVID ZIPPEL (City of Angels). Choreographed by JOANN M. HUNTER (School of Rock) and directed by LAURENCE CONNOR (Les Misérables, School of Rock).

Shopping for a leather jacket is as simple as a click of a button or a swipe of a credit card. However, finding a quality leather jacket made from high-grade material is challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look for.

When buying a leather jacket, there are several things that distinguish a real leather jacket from a fake one. 

Quality Leather 

Finding a premium leather jacket starts with the material. The quality of the grain is the best way to determine the quality of the leather. 

Leather has four grades of grain or quality. The grain quality simply means how tight the collagen bundles are. For example, the tighter the collagen bundles, the higher the quality is.

There are four basic types of grain quality in leather.

• Full-grain – Full-grain is the highest quality of leather and has a smooth, luxurious surface with few flaws.
• Top-grain – Top-grain leather is slightly thinner than full-grain leather as a layer was stripped away by sanding. However, the material is still durable.
• Genuine leather –  Genuine leather does not make it authentic and the name can be misleading. It does not mean the leather itself is genuine. Genuine leather is the “leftovers” or the “scraps”. Suede is a good example of genuine leather. 
• Corrective- or bonded-grain – This type of leather grain is the lowest of quality and is the lowest quality of leather.

The quality of leather can be determined by looking and feeling the material. If it looks and feels cheap, the chances are it is.

What is Italian Leather?

Simply put, Italian leather is leather that is made in Italy. Also, the method in which the leather is made makes it Italian leather. For example, many tanneries in Italy, or a place where animal hide is tanned, use a method called vegetable tanning.

This technique uses natural ingredients, such as organic vegetable oils, and ingredients found from plants, trees, and fruits to tan or create leather.

What is Pleather?

Pleather or faux leather is a textile that mimics leather, but is not actually made from animal material. Pleather is made of synthetic materials such as plastic.

To differentiate pleather from leather, simply look at and feel the material. Pleather is typically more flimsy as compared to leather which is thicker because it’s made from real animal hide.

Whether you’re looking to buy a smart women’s motorcycle jacket or a slick men’s leather jacket, you can find a quality leather jacket in any category for a reasonable price. Just ensure you investigate the grain quality first.

This tomato pie makes an incredible dinner for a chilly night. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and 4 tangy types of cheese is perfection. It is a huge hit around here and on constant rotation. Bon Appetit!!

Ingredients

• 3-4 tomatoes, cut in half horizontally, squeezed to remove the excess juice and roughly chopped to yield approximately 3 cups of chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (9-inch) pie shell, store-bought
• 1/2 cup yellow or red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup basil, sliced
• 2 cups cheese, grated, combining sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, gruyere, and mozzarella
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 –Combine the salt and the tomatoes.

Step 3 –Place the tomatoes in a colander over a bowl to drain while you pre-bake the pie crust.

Step 4 –Pre-bake the pie crust according to package directions.

Step 5 –Squeeze as much moisture out of the tomatoes as possible using paper towels, a clean dish towel, or a potato ricer.

Step 6 –Sprinkle the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust shell with the onion.

Step 7 –Spread the drained, chopped tomatoes over the onions.

Step 8 –Sprinkle the sliced basil over the tomatoes.

Step 9 –In a medium bowl, mix the grated cheese, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and pepper.

Step 10 –Spread the cheese mixture over the tomatoes.

Step 11 –Bake until the cheese is browned and bubbly, about 35-45 minutes.

Step 12 –Serve hot.

When I needed a headshot for some professional projects, I knew right away who I was going to ask to take them, Melissa of Melissa McCann Photography. Melissa is so wonderful, and warm and really got the look I was going for. She immediately put me at ease and began to work her magic. The results were incredible. In just a few short days, my photos arrived in my inbox and they were fabulous. More than I had hoped for. I have included all of the info on the headshot sessions as well as some of my favorite images from Melissa’s past sessions. All contact info is linked below!

$390 (PLUS TAX)

30 -45 minute session  (in studio or on location)

2-3 different looks if desired

an online gallery of a minimum of 15 images for viewing

2 full-resolution professionally edited images for download – various crops available

quick turnaround – generally within 48 hours

additional images are available for $95 each (plus tax)

You can contact Melissa HERE or BOOK YOUR SESSION ONLINE.

Melissa also wrote a great article on why you should invest in professional headshots. Click to read the article.

About Melissa

Portrait Photographer

In my 17 years as a photographer, I’ve learned time and time again that photos are important; they have the power to connect people through the stories they tell and bring you right back to a treasured moment. I’ve come to know that how those photographs are captured matters—and that I’m skilled at putting people at ease in a photoshoot and making sure that they have fun. 

I’ve made portraits for hundreds of people, which means I know how to create an environment where you can be yourself—silly, moody, serious, emotional, playful—and I document who you are in that once-in-a-lifetime moment so you never forget it. 

I love this week’s book club choice, The President Wears Pink by Mandana Vetto. It makes the best Valentine’s Day gift for all the girls in your life. I love the message and I think you will too…

“Sometimes it’s hard to see so many presidents that don’t look like me.”

Beginning with a simple but powerful observation, this delightful children’s book is a call to action. It empowers and affirms the boundless potential in girls everywhere while celebrating a powerful color.

At once an inspiring testament to the strength, intellect, and passion that girls of all ages bring to our communities, The President Wears Pink also provides a timeless reminder that true power and leadership are at their best when wrapped in kindness and inclusivity.

For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.