Gluten Free

On June 16, my summer vacation officially began.

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At the time, August felt forever away.

I had plans. I had places I wanted to go. I had things I wanted to do. And in my last blog post on July 10, I even made myself an end-of-summer bucket list.

Now it’s August 19, and somehow more than two months have passed.

Work starts again on August 25, the kids head back to school on August 31, and I’m sitting here wondering the same thing I wonder every year:

Where did summer go?

My Free Time Became Very Precious

This summer looked a little different than I imagined because graduate school has consumed a lot of my time.

Most days, if I wasn’t working on an assignment, reading, researching or writing something for school, I was thinking about the next thing I needed to do for school.

Going back to school as an adult sounded like a great idea.

And it is.

But WOW.

It’s a lot.

That’s also why the free time I did have this summer became precious.

I rested.

I relaxed.

I slept in.

I stayed up as late as I wanted.

Some days, I didn’t feel guilty about doing absolutely nothing.

After working all school year and then spending so much of my summer concentrating on graduate school, I think I needed that.

Remember That Summer Bucket List?

Back in July, this was 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.

At first glance, I didn’t do very well checking things off my list.

But the more I started thinking about what we actually did this summer, the more I realized I was looking at it all wrong.

No, I didn’t take a spontaneous road trip to a Maryland small town.

But the kids and I DID explore a new-to-us place in Maryland, and my brother and I took a completely spontaneous nighttime road trip to Philadelphia.

I’m calling that close enough.

Because Apparently a Cheesesteak Is a Reason for a Road Trip

My brother flew in from California to visit, and one night he wanted an authentic Philly cheesesteak.

So we drove to Philadelphia.

At night.

For a cheesesteak.

Specifically, Pat’s.

I couldn’t eat there because it isn’t a good option for my gluten and chicken allergies, so basically I drove to Philadelphia and watched my brother eat a cheesesteak.

If that isn’t sibling love, I don’t know what is.

It wasn’t the spontaneous Maryland road trip I had put on my bucket list, but honestly, this was better. It wasn’t planned. We just decided to go.

Those are sometimes the best memories.

We Made It to D.C., Too

A couple of weeks ago, the boys and I spent the night in Washington, D.C. with family visiting from Nevada.

This one actually WAS on my list.

After living on the West Coast for so many years, I still think it’s pretty amazing that Washington, D.C. is close enough that we can pack up, drive there and spend the night exploring with family.

Living here has opened up an entirely different part of the country for us to explore, and I’m still getting used to having so many places within driving distance.

We Explored a Little Closer to Home, Too

The kids and I also visited Turkey Point Lighthouse in North East, Maryland.

It was nothing extravagant. We took the walk out to the lighthouse, enjoyed being outside and spent some time together.

But sometimes the simple outings end up sticking with you.

There was something about the waterfront that reminded me of Lake Tahoe.

Of course, the two places aren’t the same, but something about looking out over the water gave me that familiar feeling for a moment.

Lake Tahoe was home for a very long time, and it’s a place I still miss deeply.

Moving across the country has been an adventure, but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss the life and places I left behind. Sometimes it’s the smallest thing – a view, the water, a walk – that brings those feelings rushing back.

Maybe that’s part of what Small Town Living in Maryland is really about for me.

I’m discovering my new home while still carrying pieces of my old home with me.

And Turkey Point was one of those places where the two unexpectedly came together.

And Then There Was the Food…

If there was ONE bucket-list item I absolutely accomplished this summer, it was finding more gluten-free restaurants.

I said I wanted to find a few.

Apparently, I took that challenge very seriously.

We tried:

  • Wolf’s Superior Sandwiches in Aston, Pennsylvania
  • Outback Steakhouse in Middletown, Delaware
  • The Grill at The Wharf in Washington, D.C.
  • Maman in Washington, D.C.
  • Tatte Bakery & Café in Washington, D.C.
  • Potstickers Asian Grill & Sushi in Newark, Delaware
  • Casa Kahlo Mexican in Newark, Delaware
  • Limestone BBQ and Bourbon in Wilmington, Delaware
  • AMALFI Pizza-Restaurant in Newark, Delaware
  • Not Your Average Joe’s in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania

Ten restaurants.

So maybe I didn’t make it to the Delaware beach, the Chesapeake City fireworks or the Cecil County Fair.

But between Turkey Point, Washington, D.C., a spontaneous cheesesteak run to Philadelphia and ten different restaurants, I’m starting to think I didn’t do so badly after all.

So maybe I didn’t make it to the beach, the fireworks or the fair, but I definitely understood the assignment when it came to food.

I’ve shared a lot of these places on social media, but that’s also made me realize how much I’ve neglected my blog.

I’m constantly making Reels, taking pictures, sharing gluten-free finds and posting about restaurants on Instagram and Facebook.

Meanwhile, my last blog post was July 10.

Oops.

And Today Hit Me a Little Differently

Today, my oldest son had his senior pictures taken.

Senior pictures.

I don’t know how that’s even possible.

It feels like I blinked and somehow went from taking him to Pre-K to watching him get ready to start 12th grade.

When your kids are little, everyone tells you how fast it goes.

You hear it over and over.

“Enjoy it. It goes by so fast.”

At the time, it doesn’t feel fast.

You’re packing lunches, helping with homework, driving everyone everywhere, dealing with school projects and trying to make it through the week.

And then suddenly you’re sitting there on senior picture day wondering how you got here.

Pre-K to 12th grade.

Just like that.

And Now Summer Is Ending

My summer vacation started June 16.

It’s August 19.

For more than two months, I’ve had the luxury of sleeping in, staying up as late as I wanted and having days where I didn’t have to be anywhere first thing in the morning.

That ends very soon.

I go back to work August 25.

The kids go back to school August 31.

And then we’re back to alarms, schedules, lunches, homework, work and everything else that comes with the school year.

Except this year I’m adding graduate school into that mix.

I’m not entirely sure how I’m going to balance all of it yet.

But I’ll figure it out.

Maybe I Didn’t Need to Check Every Box

Looking back at my bucket list, I could focus on the four things I didn’t do.

But I don’t really feel disappointed about them.

I rested.

I spent time with my kids.

I spent time with family I don’t get to see very often.

I took a completely spontaneous nighttime trip to Philadelphia with my brother for a cheesesteak I couldn’t even eat.

I explored D.C.

I tried a ridiculous number of restaurants.

I slept in.

I stayed up late.

And I gave myself permission to enjoy having nowhere to be some mornings.

Maybe that was exactly what I needed this summer.

The Delaware beach will still be there.

Maryland’s small towns aren’t going anywhere.

There will be another Cecil County Fair.

And hopefully there will be another summer of Chesapeake City fireworks.

But I’m never going to get this summer back.

The summer before my oldest son’s senior year.

And when I look at it that way, I think I spent it pretty well.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a few more days of sleeping in before that alarm clock becomes part of my life again.

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!

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

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

November is Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month 🌾✨

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Did you know November is Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month? For my family, this month is more than just awareness; it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come on our gluten-free journey.

My children and I were diagnosed with gluten allergies back in August 2013, and we’ve been living gluten-free ever since. At first, it felt overwhelming, reading every label, asking endless questions at restaurants, and trying to recreate all our favorite meals without gluten. But over time, it became second nature. We discovered new foods, learned how to cook differently, and realized that a gluten-free lifestyle can still be full of flavor and joy.

Living gluten-free isn’t a trend for us; it’s a necessity. It’s how we stay healthy, energized, and balanced. However, I also know how challenging it can be, especially for families just starting out. That’s why Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month is so important – to spread education, understanding, and support for those who are navigating this lifestyle for the first time.

Here are a few ways you can get involved this month:
🍞 Try a new gluten-free recipe via my blog — you might be surprised how good gluten-free recipes can be!
🍕 Support restaurants that offer safe, gluten-free options.
🛒 Read ingredient labels carefully — gluten can hide in sauces, snacks, and even vitamins.
💬 Share your story — your experience might help someone else who’s struggling.

Being gluten-free isn’t about what we’ve had to give up, it’s about what we’ve gained: better health, awareness, and the appreciation for the foods that truly nourish us. 🌿

From Garden to InstantPot: My Two-Day Pepper Dehydrating Journey

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I picked a batch of jalapeño, habanero, and cayenne peppers from my garden and decided to dehydrate them in my Instant Pot so they wouldn’t go to waste. 🌶️ It was my first time trying it with whole peppers, and I was curious to see how it would turn out.

The Instant Pot automatically sets the dehydrator to 125º for 7 hours, so I loaded all the peppers in together and let it run. When the timer finally beeped, the cayenne peppers were perfectly dried — crisp and ready to store. But the jalapeños and habaneros were still soft and far from done.

So, I reset the dehydrator and ran another cycle. And then another. It ended up taking two long days before the jalapeños and habaneros finally reached that perfect dry snap. The whole house smelled amazing — smoky, spicy, and earthy all at once.

It was definitely a slow process, but totally worth the patience. Now I’ve got a container of homegrown heat ready to crush or grind whenever I want to add some fire to my cooking. Nothing beats preserving your own peppers straight from the garden. 🔥

Review: Gluten Free Dining at Klondike Kate’s (Newark, Delaware)

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars for:

  • Food Quality: Excellent overall, with standout dishes like the Sweet Bourbon Salmon and the Margherita Pizza. Minor notes (slightly salty bisque, slightly overcooked broccoli) don’t detract from the overall experience.
  • Gluten Free Awareness: Outstanding – Jaime McCardell, the GM, ensures the kitchen takes every precaution for gluten free diners.
  • Service: Attentive, knowledgeable, and welcoming from start to finish.
  • Atmosphere & Value: Generous portions, inviting environment, and fair pricing.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit Klondike Kate’s, a Newark landmark located right on Main Street in Downtown Newark, Delaware. I was invited to review their gluten-free offerings, so I brought Alex and Evan along to join me for lunch. We were excited to see what this iconic spot had to offer – and we weren’t disappointed.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly by Alli, our server, and Jaime McCardell, the general manager. They were both attentive, knowledgeable, and went out of their way to make sure our experience was smooth, especially when it came to gluten-free dining. That extra care immediately set the tone for the afternoon.

Crab Bisque

Cream-based, minced vegetables & fresh lump crabmeat, dusted with Old Bay

We started with the Crab Bisque, and it was a pleasant surprise. So often, cream-based soups are thickened with wheat flour, making them off-limits for gluten-free guests, but not here. The presentation was lovely, with a gentle dusting of Old Bay on top. The flavor had definite hints of Old Bay, and while it leaned a little salty, the overall taste was very enjoyable—rich, creamy, and not overly “fishy.” It felt indulgent and comforting without being heavy.

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