small town living in maryland

Halfway Through Summer… and Life Had Other Plans

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

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….

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

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)

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

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

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

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

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

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)

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

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/

Review: Jersey Mike’s – Newark, Delaware

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

As someone with a gluten allergy (and with children who are also gluten-free), finding a sandwich shop that truly understands cross-contamination precautions can be a challenge. Normally, we skip sandwich places altogether since gluten-free rolls are rarely an option, but at Jersey Mike’s, things were different.

I recently took my sons to Jersey Mike’s to try out their subs on Udi’s Gluten-Free Bread, and we were genuinely impressed. The guys behind the counter went above and beyond to make sure our order was safe. They were friendly, accommodating, and clearly knowledgeable about the steps needed to avoid cross-contamination. It immediately put us at ease and made us feel welcome, something that’s not always the case when dining out gluten-free.

At Jersey Mike’s, you can choose from two gluten-free bread sizes: Regular and Giant. We went with the Regular size this time since each of us ordered separate sandwiches. However, if we end up getting the same sandwich next time, the Giant size would be a better deal financially. It’s large enough to split in half and share, saving money without compromising flavor.

The meat and cheeses were freshly sliced right in front of us, which added to the quality and freshness of our sandwiches. The bread held up nicely (which isn’t always the case), had a good texture, and the fillings were fresh. While mine was a bit on the dry side and could’ve used a little more mayo, that was an easy fix with an extra mayo packet. Overall, it was a satisfying meal and a positive experience from start to finish.

Jersey Mike’s uses Udi’s pre-packaged gluten-free rolls, baked off-site to minimize risk, and they follow clear protocols to prevent cross-contamination. While a shared kitchen always carries some level of risk, from what I saw, they took every precaution seriously.

For anyone living gluten-free who misses a good deli-style sandwich, Jersey Mike’s is definitely worth a visit. We’ll absolutely be going back.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here’s why:

  • +1 star for excellent gluten-free awareness and precautions
  • +1 star for friendly, accommodating service
  • +1 star for freshness (meats and cheeses sliced in front of you)
  • +1 star for availability of gluten-free bread in both sizes
  • –1 star for the sandwich being a bit dry and needing more mayo

Location Visited:
Jersey Mike’s Subs
1107 S. College Ave
Newark, DE 19713
📞 (302) 454-7100
🕙 Open 7 Days a Week: 10 AM – 9 PM

From Farm to Freezer

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

Splitting a Half Steer from Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary

If you know me, you know I like to keep my freezer stocked and support local farms whenever I can. There’s just something satisfying about knowing exactly where your food comes from — and that it was raised with care.

Recently, my cousin and I decided to go in on half a butchered steer from Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary in Elkton, Maryland. Their beef is processed and packaged by ClarkCo Meats in Pennsylvania, and the quality really shows. Everything came vacuum-sealed, clearly labeled, and ready for the freezer. My cousin and I split it evenly, and now I’ve got about 115 pounds of fresh, local beef stuffed in my freezer.

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary is a gem in the area; they sell beef, pork, eggs, and honey, all produced right on the farm. You can truly taste the quality and care in their products.

The first cut I decided to try was a tri-tip, and oh my goodness — it was delicious! Tender, juicy, and full of flavor. There’s nothing quite like grilling up a piece of beef that was raised just a few miles away. It feels great to support local farmers while stocking the freezer with something wholesome and genuine.

I love the sense of self-sufficiency that comes with this — knowing I have a good supply of quality meat for the months ahead. If you’re near Elkton, MD, I definitely recommend checking out Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary. Local farms like theirs are what keep communities strong, healthy, and connected.

✅ What Caught My Eye

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary really stood out to me for several reasons:

  • They offer grass-raised, grass-finished beef with no hormones or vaccines.
  • The farm is located right here in Elkton, Maryland.
  • They also raise heritage pork, produce honey from their own apiary, and provide animal feed and farm supplies.
  • Founded in 2018 by Chris and Stephanie Dodds, along with their son, they’ve built a strong family-run operation rooted in quality and care.

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary
360 Williams Road
Elkton, Maryland 21921
(302) 650-4688
https://sunnybrook.ag/

Review: Ninethai Kitchen 2 – Pennsville, NJ

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

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

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

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.

☕ 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/smalltownmichele