Maryland

Review: Ninethai Kitchen 2 – Pennsville, NJ

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Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

For over a year, my kids and I have been on a mission to find authentic gluten-free Pad Thai on the East Coast. We tried multiple restaurants in Newark, Delaware, and while some were good, none captured the flavors we remembered from living in Lake Tahoe, California. Gluten-free options often compromise taste, and we weren’t willing to settle for “just good enough.”

In June, we officially moved to Maryland, but we had already spent time at our new house in October and February before getting everything settled in June. We discovered Ninethai Kitchen 2 in Pennsville, NJ, just last week, and happy we stumbled across it. From the moment we walked in, it was clear this was a small, family-run operation. At the time of our visit, the restaurant was being run entirely by one person—hosting, serving, and cooking all at once. While this meant that getting attention could be a little slow, it also made the experience feel personal and authentic. You could see how much care and effort went into every dish.

We ordered the Pad Thai and the Tom Kha soup, both gluten-free. We requested spice level 3 out of 5 for the Pad Thai, and it was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the flavors. The Pad Thai itself was rich, fresh, and perfectly balanced, with the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors we had been longing for. The Tom Kha soup was equally delicious, creamy with just the right touch of lemongrass, coconut, and lime, which is a comforting and flavorful start to the meal.

Although service was limited due to the solo operation, the quality of the food more than made up for it. The cozy atmosphere and the dedication of the chef made the experience feel unique and authentic, and it was clear that every dish was prepared with love and expertise. Sharing this meal with my kids was a joy, and we all savored each bite and appreciated the flavors that reminded us of our Lake Tahoe days.

Overall, I would give Ninethai Kitchen 2 four stars. The food is outstanding, and the flavors are truly authentic, especially for gluten-free options. The only reason I didn’t give a full five stars is that service can be limited when one person is running the entire operation. However, the Pad Thai, with its perfect heat, and the Tom Kha soup were so delicious that they more than made up for any wait.

If you’re in Pennsville, NJ, craving authentic Thai food with gluten-free options, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. It’s a small, cozy spot with incredible flavors, and we are already planning our next trip. Whether you’re a family, a Thai food lover, or gluten-free, Ninethai Kitchen 2 delivers an authentic experience you won’t want to miss.

📍 Location:
Ninethai Kitchen 2 (previously sang tong thai – Located in: Cranberry Plaza)
233 S Broadway • Pennsville, NJ 08070
📞 (856) 726-2803

You can also order online at: orderninethaikitchen.com

A New Chapter: Helping Students Shine

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It’s been four months since I made the cross country move to Maryland, and what a whirlwind it’s been! I had hoped to start school, aka work, back in August, but a series of interview delays had me close to tears at times. Sometimes life has a funny way of testing your patience, but finally, everything aligned, and I was able to finally step into the interview process.

Starting a new position at any elementary school is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. This is new territory for me since I’m used to being an Instructional Para, but every day is a chance to learn, grow, and sharpen my skills in my trade as a one on one Paraprofessional. Meeting new co-workers, connecting with students, and learning the ins and outs of this new environment will shape up to be an adventure I know I’ll be grateful for.

As for extra cash, DoorDash will be my little side gig, and just when needed, probably more during the summer months when school is out of session. It’s a small way to supplement my income without taking away from the focus I want to put into my work at the school.

Here’s to a successful school year filled with learning, laughter, and new connections (both with the students and my new colleagues). New beginnings are always a little scary, but there’s nothing quite like stepping into something that challenges you and helps you grow.

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🌾 A Day at Kincaid’s Ranch in South Jersey

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The kids and I spent the day with our friends, Jim and Beth, at their beautiful ranch in Bridgeton, New Jersey, recently, and what a blast it was! It’s the kind of place that makes you instantly breathe a little deeper. Wide open land, blue skies stretching forever, and that peaceful South Jersey calm that stays with you long after you leave.

Their ranch produces soybeans, stretching across acres of rich soil that shimmered golden-green in the afternoon light. I’ve always admired the work that goes into growing something so simple yet so essential. All around the property were walnut trees (the big, old ones) dropping what looked like green tennis balls scattered across the ground. I had no clue they were walnuts at first until Jim laughed and explained it. The kids wasted no time turning them into a makeshift baseball game, cracking a few open in the process and learning something new without even realizing it.

The 4-wheeler rides were another highlight — the sound of laughter chasing behind them as they zipped along side the fields. And the kittens… they were plenty, each one friendlier than the last. It took every ounce of willpower to leave without one tucked in a jacket pocket.

We spent the afternoon talking, laughing, and soaking in that quiet, easy rhythm that comes with life on a ranch. My grandfather was a produce farmer in California, so I know and deeply admire the hard work and dedication it takes to run a farm. Watching Jim and Beth care for their land and crops reminded me of the same kind of heart and grit my grandfather carried — something that never leaves you once it’s in your roots.

Easily a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ afternoon of fun and laughter; the kind that fills your heart and reminds you why small-town life on the East Coast is something special.

☕ Support the Journey

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Summer Adventures and Back-to-School Season

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Summer has officially come to a close, and with the kids now back in school, I can finally take a moment to reflect on what a whirlwind the past month has been.

In August, we packed our bags, grabbed the dog (who happens to be my wonderful service animal), and flew 2,700 miles across the country to California.

It was a special trip filled with family, friends, and memories that I know we’ll hold onto for years to come.

From there, I rented a car and headed south with the kids for a few days in Southern California. We stayed with our Aunt and spent time visiting Grandma, who turned an incredible 101 years old that weekend. Celebrating such a milestone with her was truly unforgettable.

Of course, no trip to SoCal is complete without a beach day, so we made a quick day trip to Malibu. We ended up at Will Rogers State Beach, sitting on the sand with soft serve ice cream cups from the snack shack in hand — the kind of simple moment that makes a trip special. Along the way, we also witnessed some of the aftermath left behind by the Palisades Fire, a sobering reminder of how quickly nature can change a landscape.

Before wrapping up our trip, Aunt Sherie treated the kids and me to a delicious brunch at Leo & Lilly’s in Woodland Hills. It was such a tasty treat and a wonderful way to spend time together before we had to head back home.

Now that we’re back, all the suitcases are unpacked, and we’re adjusting to a brand-new school year here in Maryland. My daughter just started college two weeks ago, and yesterday my boys had their first day of 9th and 11th grade. The biggest change? They’re all in new schools since our move to Maryland back in June. It’s been an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) transition, but I couldn’t be prouder of how they’re diving into this new chapter.

Summer already feels like it’s slipping into memory, but I’m grateful for the family, the travel, and the moments that made this one so full.

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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: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele

Still Unpacking and Still Processing

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Some boxes aren’t just cardboard. Some are emotional.

It’s been four weeks since the move, and I still have a bedroom full of boxes. Cluttered corners. Stacks that make me sigh just looking at them. Every morning I wake up and think: I just want my room back. My space. My peace. My normal.

But the truth is, moving across the country meant leaving a lot behind, not just things, but pieces of a life that held meaning. It’s honestly mind-blowing how much we had to let go of back in Tahoe. Furniture. Keepsakes. Familiar comforts. Even my daughter’s car had to stay behind… until now.

Thanks to my dad, her car is finally on a transport truck headed for Maryland — so she’ll have wheels for college. That moment gave me a breath of relief, a tiny win in the middle of this chaos. Because even when it feels like everything is too much, little wins still matter. And that car will give my daughter a little more freedom to explore as well as not rely on me to take her to school at the end of August.

The truth is, it’s not easy. I’m over the mess. I’m over the boxes. I want my room back. And I want to feel settled, not constantly like I’m digging for socks or that one charger that’s still hiding somewhere under a pile labeled “Misc. Bedroom.”

Unpacking is exhausting. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. I’m realizing it’s not just about stuff. It’s about letting go and starting over while still holding the weight of everything that came before.

Maryland is a fresh start, yes. But new beginnings come with growing pains. And sometimes, a bedroom full of clutter feels like a reminder that I’m still in the middle of it.

But here’s the thing: boxes don’t stay forever. They will get unpacked. My room will feel like mine again. And this chapter — even with all its messiness — will be part of the story I one day look back on with pride.

One box at a time. One breath at a time.

☕ 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: 👉 coff.ee/sm