Pen pal -can't think of the modern term-new to the UK "Livin' in America...Me"

Hi
I have been living in the US either 4 or 5 weeks I've lost count enjoying it apart from the groceries...(high fructose corn syrup what's that about? my boys ate a burger bun yesterday and said "mummy we eating cake" )what I was thinking is, I need a American going through my problems in the USA and their's at my home (UK) and maybe we can help each other,for instance what to do with a top round steak??? why can't I buy baby wipes that don't dry out? what is the social etiquette? I realise you will have your own problems, so tell me? another one...what happens to the bits of good bacon? why do I have to buy streaky all the time? so a bit about me I am old I put that bit in because I am the one time mum of twins who are 3 1/2 and the only people I have met in America are navy/army wife's and I am a good 10 to 15 years older!!!!but has to be said they are sooo nice and seem to have a GSOH, I am living in Connecticut, I have lived in the UK all my life til now, I have lived in my life in Shropshire(Salop),Staffordshire, Oxfordshire,Kent,Berkshire and Leicestershire, and my husband is a Scot, MY  brother lives in Yorkshire so I think appart from the North of Britain we have most things covered, unfortunately my mole in Wales emigrated to NZ 2 weeks ago...
So I thought it would be good to exchange ideas, etiquette (because I think I F*(&ed up big time yesterday) also I am a registered nurse in the UK not working in the US no visa!! and female, so if you think I can help you or you can help me please reply...

I don't know what's up with the bacon.  There are so many old fashioned recipes that call for bacon grease, because when you cook American bacon you get half an inch of grease in the frying pan.  You don't get it with British bacon, as far as I can tell.  I've got no idea why--just a different curing process?

The "good bits" of bacon are called Canadian Bacon. That's more like the back bacon that UK folks are used to. Streaky bacon comes from the pork belly and is definitely less lean. Americans are used to the streaky bacon as being "bacon" in the general term and the grease is, indeed, used to cook other things (like fry eggs!) or to add flavor.

High fructose corn syrup is in everything so watch labels when you're shopping. You'll find it in drinks, in bread, in cereal... everywhere.

As for your social etiquette question, it is fairly dependent on where you live. Little things differ depending on what part of the country you come from. I've been living in New England for a bit so if you want to PM me the details of your etiquette fiasco, I'm happy to see if we can sort it out (or feel free to post it here... we'll probably all understand and you can get a broad spectrum of advice).

I used to think ppl were going OTT when they said the bread tasted really sweet in America compared to here but I was just home recently for the first time in 18 months... and after a day or two I couldn't eat it anymore.  Way too sweet, DH noticed it too.  But then I did run out to the store and bought more grainy bread such as ones with oats in it and certain wheat and brown breads and they were MUCH better.  Especially if you bought them fresh.

I prefer streaky bacon to the bacon in the UK so i cant comment there.. just a personal preferance.  If you cook it on a George Foreman alot of the fat comes out.

Hope you and your family settle in ok. 

why can't I buy baby wipes that don't dry out?

Perhaps the baby wipes dry out faster because it is less humid where you are in the States.  If they dry out just put in a bit of water, wait a bit and they will be as good as new.

As for all your other questions just post them on this forum, you will get lots of very good help  and advice.

Maybe you need to chat to other British people who have emigrated to the USA?

http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=57

British ex pat webste
Yes been there done that they are so negative, but at the same time really helpful, but I don't need negitivity at this time, every time I told someone I was moving to Americian (in the UK)they said good on ys..leaving the the sinking ship... and I was angry because I am leaving to see another way of life one which I believe, in not going because I feel that my country is going to the dogs, one I love the Uk it's brill, it where I am from and its who I am, but I what to experience a diferent culture, but I don't want to f$*$* it up by being an ignorate Brit!!!!(not even sure thats how thats you spell it)

Oh well, it seemed a sensible idea to me!

Welcome to UKY.

(not even sure thats how thats you spell it) 

I'm not sure how to spell f$*$* either?!!

Of course, you are welcome here!

I had a look at that British Expat site the other day, and maybe I'm just missing it - but they don't seem to have all the Food Talk like we do on here.  Ya know, it's our favorite topic!

Hi & welcome!   

I'm not sure how to spell f$*$* either?!!

Of course, you are welcome here!

Are you stationed at any particular base?

I had a look at that British Expat site the other day, and maybe I'm just missing it - but they don't seem to have all the Food Talk like we do on here.  Ya know, it's our favorite topic!

I think the food talk's missing, because its a lot easier to find British food in the US IMO.  We even found Vimto, Daddy's & Branston for DH at World Market & the regular grocery stores in / around Cleveland.  So DH was pretty happy to move over to the US, but I ended up here instead.   

I'd be happy to help you with anything you've got questions about.  

I would think you'd have few problems finding a lot of UK foods in Connecticut! I lived in Rhode Island and found that Stop & Shops in New England usually had a whole aisle of British foods. Have you been there?