Author: stlmaryland

Halfway Through Summer… and Life Had Other Plans

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When summer break began on June 15, I had all these grand ideas of what I was going to accomplish.

I pictured spending my days exploring small towns around Maryland, relaxing at the beach, discovering new gluten-free restaurants, and writing plenty of new blog posts. I even imagined tackling a few projects around the house while enjoying a slower pace before the school year started again.

Instead… life had other plans.

Most of my summer has been filled with doctor appointments, dentist appointments, and making sure my kids got to all of theirs as well. Between scheduling, driving, waiting rooms, and follow-up visits, the weeks have flown by much faster than I expected.

On top of that, I’ve been staying busy with my Master’s program classes. As many of you know, I’m currently working toward my Master of Education in Elementary and Special Education. The coursework has definitely kept me on my toes! While I absolutely love learning and know this degree will help me become a better educator, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous about balancing graduate school once I’m back working full-time as a paraprofessional come August.

Some days, I find myself wondering how I’m going to fit everything in.

Then there are the days where I simply have no energy.

Have you ever looked at your calendar and realized you finally have a free day, but instead of wanting to go out and do something fun, all you want to do is stay home and recharge? That’s pretty much where I’ve been this summer. I keep telling myself I want to explore more of Maryland and Delaware, spend a day at the beach, and discover hidden gems to share with all of you but lately, my body has been telling me to slow down.

Maybe that’s exactly what I needed.

Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to make every moment productive that we forget rest is productive too.

The good news is summer isn’t over just yet.

Tomorrow, I’m hoping to head over to Chesapeake City for the delayed Fourth of July fireworks. The original fireworks were canceled because of the rain, so I’m excited that we’ll still have a chance to enjoy the celebration. It’s one of those simple summer traditions that I’m looking forward to sharing with my kids.

At the end of the month, family will be flying into Washington, D.C., and we’ll be spending a few days together exploring our nation’s capital. I’m really looking forward to playing tourist, making memories, and hopefully sharing some fun places to visit—along with any gluten-free finds we discover along the way.

I’m also hoping we can make it to the Cecil County Fair this year. Last summer, we had just moved to Maryland, and our days were spent unpacking boxes, settling into our new home, and learning our way around a brand-new state. This year feels different. We’re starting to feel like locals, and I’m excited to experience more of the traditions that make Cecil County such a special place to live.

And yes… I’m still determined to squeeze in at least one beach day before the school year begins. Living this close to the Delaware & Maryland beaches is still something I’m getting used to, and it feels like a summer tradition I can’t let slip away.

So while this summer may not have looked the way I imagined, I’m reminding myself that life doesn’t always have to be packed with adventures to be meaningful. Sometimes growth happens quietly in online-classrooms, in waiting rooms, in family conversations, and in the moments when we simply take time to breathe.

Thank you for sticking around, even during my quieter season of blogging. I appreciate every one of you who continues to read, follow along, and support Small Town Living in Maryland.

Here’s to making the most of the second half of summer. I can’t wait to share more adventures with you soon!

My End-of-Summer Bucket List

  • Spend a day at a Delaware beach.
  • Watch the Chesapeake City fireworks.
  • Explore Washington, D.C. with family.
  • Visit the Cecil County Fair.
  • Find a few more amazing gluten-free restaurants.
  • Take a spontaneous road trip to a Maryland small town.

What about you? Has your summer gone as planned, or has life taken you in a different direction? I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to in the comments!

Happy 4th of July!

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Today marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a milestone often called America’s semiquincentennial. It’s a day to reflect on freedom, history, and the ongoing story of this country, while also enjoying time with family, friends, and community.

Screenshot

One year ago yesterday….

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One year ago yesterday, the kids and I arrived in Maryland with a lot of hope, a little uncertainty, and a whole new chapter ahead of us.

It’s hard to believe an entire year has already flown by. They say time flies when you’re having fun and apparently when you’re busy building a new life, too!

I originally posted this video six months ago, and somehow we’ve already reached the one-year mark. Along the way, we’ve made memories, found new favorite places, and grown in ways I never imagined.

My heart is full of gratitude for this journey and all the blessings this past year has brought. Here’s to one year in Maryland and many more adventures still to come. 💜

– M

Starting My Summer Garden in Maryland (Inside My Garage with a Greenhouse)

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After nine months of living in Elkton, I’m starting to settle in. One of the things I was most excited about this year was starting a garden.

For my birthday, my dad and brother gave me a small portable greenhouse. I set it up in the garage with a heater and grow lights so I could get a head start on my seedlings while the weather is still unpredictable outside.

Right now, my little greenhouse is full of tiny sprouts and seed trays. It’s still early in the season, but something is exciting about watching the first green shoots appear and knowing they’ll eventually make their way into the garden this summer.

A Budget-Friendly Seed Starting Hack

When I started prepping seeds for my summer garden here in Elkton, I quickly realized how expensive all the seed-starting supplies can get, especially since I left all of my gardening supplies and original greenhouse back in Lake Tahoe. And starting over, all my supplies costs have been adding up, so those plastic seedling trays with humidity domes add up fast!

Instead of buying the traditional trays, I found a much cheaper solution hack. I bought disposable aluminum baking sheet pans with lids from Walmart instead. They work surprisingly well as mini greenhouses and cost only a fraction of what the plastic seed trays do.

Inside the pans, I’m using a soil blocker tool that creates four 2-inch soil cubes at a time. It’s actually a really cool little tool. Instead of plastic cells, the seedlings grow directly in the compact soil cubes, which makes transplanting much easier later.

The aluminum pans hold the cubes perfectly, and the clear lids help keep moisture in while the seedlings are getting started. It’s a simple setup, but it’s working great so far in my small garage greenhouse.

My Small Garage Greenhouse Setup

The little greenhouse itself is set up right in the garage with a heater and grow lights to keep everything warm and give the seedlings the light they need.

Even though it’s a small setup, it’s working surprisingly well. The grow lights keep the seedlings from getting leggy, and the heater helps maintain a steady temperature during the colder nights.

It’s not fancy, but sometimes the simplest setups work just fine.

Looking Ahead to Summer

If all goes well, these tiny seedlings will eventually be transplanted out into the garden once the warmer weather finally settles in here in Maryland.

Right now, they may only be little green sprouts, but with a bit of patience, they’ll hopefully turn into a full summer garden.

For now, I’ll just keep checking on them each day and watching them grow. Living here in Elkton has been a bit of an adjustment after spending so many years out west in the Sierra Mountains. The climate is VERY different, the growing season is longer, and I’m still learning what grows best here in Maryland.

Starting seeds this year feels a little like starting over in more ways than one. I’m rebuilding my gardening supplies, figuring out the local seasons, and slowly learning how gardening works in this part of the country.

For now, my small garage greenhouse is a good place to begin. Watching these tiny seedlings grow is a reminder that new beginnings often start small.

Support the Journey – If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time go to: coff.ee/smalltownmichele

Restaurant Review: Eggspectation in Newark, DE

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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3 out of 5)

A little over a month ago, I had one of those simple but sweet mornings, brunch with my boys at Eggspectation.

If you know me, you know I’m always on the lookout for good gluten-free options. Eating out gluten-free can be hit or miss, so when a restaurant offers multiple options, I go in hopeful (and maybe just a little extra excited).

The Atmosphere & Service

First, the vibe. Eggspectation has a fun, upbeat atmosphere. It’s lively without being overwhelming — the kind of place where you can relax, talk, and actually enjoy your time together. The service was genuinely great. Friendly, attentive, and welcoming — which always makes a difference.

What We Loved

The gluten-free French toast was a standout. Soft on the inside, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor without feeling heavy.

The Avocado Toast Eggs Benedict was another win. Rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care. It’s always encouraging when gluten-free options feel intentional and not like an afterthought.

The Honest Moment

Now for the real talk.

The gluten-free pancakes were not good.

I really wanted them to be. Gluten-free pancakes are tricky, and I always try to give them grace — but the texture and flavor just didn’t hit the mark. That’s definitely something we’ll skip next time.

And that one dish is what brings my overall rating to 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Would We Go Back?

Yes, we would.

When a restaurant gets the atmosphere right, delivers strong service, and offers several solid gluten-free options, it’s worth another visit. We’ll just be ordering differently next time.

Because in the end, brunch isn’t just about perfect pancakes.

It’s about sitting across from my boys, sharing food, laughing at the table, and enjoying a slow morning together.

And that part? That was still five stars.

Beef Wellington, 2,700 Miles Apart

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Christmas was already in motion when the universe decided to have a little fun with me.

I was in my kitchen making Beef Wellington when I called my brother to wish him a Merry Christmas. Mid-conversation, he casually mentioned that he was also making Beef Wellington for himself and our dad. We were 2,700 miles apart, yet somehow preparing the exact same meal at the exact same time. I couldn’t help but laugh. It felt like one of those quiet, unmistakable reminders that distance doesn’t really matter when hearts – and minds – are still connected.

This year’s Beef Wellington felt especially meaningful, not just because of that moment, but because it represented persistence, patience, and finally getting it right.

The Gluten-Free Redemption

I followed the Food Network recipe for Individual Beef Wellingtons as my guide. While I didn’t follow it exactly, it was the foundation I mimicked and adapted to fit my needs, especially gluten-free ones.

In the past, gluten-free puff pastry had been my downfall. The last time I tried making Beef Wellington with a gluten-free option, the pastry tasted terrible and honestly ruined the dish. It was dense, off-flavored, and disappointing after so much effort. I went into this attempt cautiously, hopeful but guarded.

This time, I used DUFOUR gluten-free puff pastry, and it was absolute perfection. Flaky, buttery, and everything puff pastry should be. It completely redeemed the dish and erased every bad memory of failed gluten-free attempts. I was beyond happy with the outcome, and even better, the kids loved the entire Christmas feast. Watching them enjoy it made all the effort worth it.

The Great Pâté Hunt

Then there was the pâté...

I never imagined that finding liver pâté would be the hardest part of my Christmas menu. I searched high and low – multiple grocery stores, multiple days – wasting far more time than I care to admit. It felt absurd that such a classic ingredient was so hard to track down.

Finally, I reached out to my cousin and his fiancée for suggestions. Without hesitation, Jen said, “Janssen’s Market in Greenville, DE.”

At that point, pâté was the very last thing on my list. I got in the car and drove 30 minutes, hoping they truly had what I needed because I didn’t have the energy for another dead end.

They had it!

The liver pâté from Janssen’s Market was exactly what I had been searching for, and it tied the entire dish together. Rich, smooth, and balanced, it elevated the Beef Wellington and brought everything into harmony. Janssen’s didn’t just finish my shopping list; they saved my sanity and my Christmas dinner.

Worth Every Mile

That Christmas meal ended up being more than just food. It was a connection across distance, a redemption story for gluten-free cooking, and a reminder that sometimes the last ingredient, the hardest one to find, is what makes everything complete.

Pure magic on a plate, worth every mile driven, and a Christmas dinner I won’t forget anytime soon.

Review: SouthHouse (Philadelphia, PA)

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A Gluten-Free Friendly Stop in South Philly

⭐ Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

After picking my daughter up from the airport, we made a much-needed dinner stop at SouthHouse in Philadelphia, and I’m really glad we did.

SouthHouse describes itself as a neighborhood dive-style sports bar, and that vibe comes through right away: casual, welcoming, and perfect for comfort food after a long day. What stood out to me most, though, was how thoughtfully they accommodate gluten-free diners.

Gluten-Free Options That Matter

We ordered cheesesteaks and burgers, and I truly appreciated that SouthHouse offers:

  • Gluten-free buns for their smashburgers
  • Gluten-free hoagie rolls for cheesesteaks
  • A dedicated fryer, which is huge if you’re gluten-free

Knowing that cross-contamination was taken seriously made the experience much more relaxed and enjoyable.

The Real Standout: Fries & Tater Tots

While the sandwiches were solid and filling, the real stars of the night were the fries and tater tots. Perfectly cooked, well-seasoned, and fried in that dedicated fryer – they absolutely delivered. Portions were generous, too; we all ended up taking leftovers home.

If I’m being completely honest, I’d go back just for their app menu. Those fries and tots alone are worth the visit.

Service & Food Notes

Although the restaurant was not very crowded, the service was slow. We did take some time deciding what to order since we had so many gluten-free choices available – something that doesn’t happen often, but even factoring that in, the wait felt longer than expected.

The cheesesteak was a bit dry and definitely needed more Cheese Whiz. In hindsight, I should have asked for extra Whiz, as the portion provided wasn’t quite enough to balance the meat and roll.

Final Thoughts

SouthHouse earns 3 stars from me. While the sandwiches didn’t fully stand out and the service lagged, the gluten-free options, dedicated fryer, and standout fries and tater tots make this a place I’d still return to, especially for appetizers. For anyone eating gluten-free in South Philly, it remains a solid option, just not a must-visit.

SouthHouse
2535 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
📞 267-314-5937
📧 southhousephilly@gmail.com

🔗 Learn more: https://southhousephilly.com/

Restaurant Review: P.S. & Company (Philadelphia, PA)

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

While in Philadelphia, I stopped by P.S. & Co. after a recommendation from Felim (@feedmefey), specifically to try their cinnamon rolls. Since I was already in the city that morning, it felt like the perfect opportunity to see if they lived up to the hype.

They absolutely did.

P.S. & Co. is a renowned organic, vegan, and gluten-free bakery and café in Philadelphia, and the care they put into their food is immediately noticeable. The cinnamon rolls were outstanding – soft, rich, and perfectly spiced with just the right balance of sweetness. The texture was spot on and satisfying with every bite. Even without being heated at the restaurant, the flavor held beautifully, which speaks to the quality and freshness of the pastry.

Because I had a 45-minute drive back to Maryland, I chose to take them home boxed rather than warmed. Reheating them myself was simple, and they tasted just as indulgent once warmed. The cinnamon flavor came through without being overpowering, and the icing was smooth and generous without overwhelming the roll.

What made the experience even better was the personal touch. The owner, Andrea Kyan, was at the counter helping me with my order, and she was incredibly friendly and genuinely enthusiastic. Her warmth and passion for what she does made the visit feel welcoming and memorable.

These cinnamon rolls also traveled surprisingly well, something not all pastries can claim. They held their structure and flavor beautifully and made for a perfect weekend treat at home. They were a hit with my kids.

If you’re in Philadelphia and looking for a cinnamon roll that delivers on flavor, quality, and experience, especially within the organic, vegan, and gluten-free space, P.S. & Co. is absolutely worth a visit.

P.S. & Co.
1706 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

https://psandco.com/

📞 + 1.215.985.1706
✉️ info@psandco.com

A Day in New York City With My Kids

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The kids and I took a 2.5-hour drive into New York City for our first visit together. Even though the round-trip was five hours total, every minute was worth it. My kids had been to NYC once before, about six or seven years ago with their father.

I grew up visiting my east coast family who lived just 12 miles from the city, and I honestly couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been there. Yet somehow, I never had the chance to go with my kids, until now.

We spent the day exploring the city by hopping on and off the tour buses, letting them guide us through the energy and chaos of NYC. Times Square was our first stop since that is where I garaged my car. It was bright, loud, and everything you expect it to be. From there, we made our way to the Empire State Building, standing beneath it and just taking in the scale of it all. We spent a great deal of time at the Empire State Building. It was way more commercialized than I remember it was back 30+ years ago. Due to this, it took a lot longer to get to the overlook on the 86th floor.

Later, we visited the World Trade Center Pools. The shift from the noise of the city to the stillness of that space hit me deeply. Watching my kids take it in so quietly… it’s a moment I won’t forget. We ended our time by wandering through the WTC Mall before making our way back to Times Square for dinner and then starting the drive home.

It was a long day, but it was filled with memories that I will hold close. Seeing New York City through my kids’ eyes made the whole experience feel new, magical, and worth every mile.

Support the Journey – If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time go to: coff.ee/smalltownmichele

Review: Seacrets: Jamaica USA – Ocean City, Maryland

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Ocean City Memories & Seacrets for Dinner

The kids and I drove two hours to Ocean City, Maryland, a beach town that holds a special place in my heart. I lived here in the late 1990s during an internship at a local advertising business, so returning felt nostalgic – it felt like I was returning home. We arrived around 3 PM on a slightly gloomy day. Since it’s off-season, the town was peaceful and uncrowded, though many shops were closed. My kids loved seeing where I used to live.

We kicked off our visit with a barefoot walk along the beach, hunting for seashells, then warmed up at Java Beach Cafe • Bakery. I enjoyed my usual hot chai latte (it’s my go-to wherever I go). The Ocean City Boardwalk is impressively long, about 30 blocks, but with night falling, we only made it to around 10th Street before turning back.

For dinner, we went to Seacrets, which I hadn’t visited in nearly three decades. The food was outstanding, and the menu clearly marked gluten-free options. Since I’m allergic to chicken, I swapped the Cobb Salad’s chicken for shrimp, and it was massive and delicious. I ate almost the entire salad, except for two halves of a hard-boiled egg that my daughter cheekily stole!

We’ll definitely return, especially since my older son wasn’t with us. He would have loved it just as much.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars for: food, quality, and service. It was a bit pricey, but the quality is well worth it.

Seacrets
117 49th St
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 524-4900
seacrets.com