Newbie and preggo in East London

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to introduce myself and see if there are any other expat moms/moms to be in the area.

I am a Californian/Oregonian that has been living in London for nearly two years now with my British/American husband, who has dual citizenship. We are expecting our first baby in late May and everything has been going well so far. I actually love my birthing centre (Homerton), the service I have received from the NHS has been good, and I get free dental and prescriptions throughout my pregnancy and a year after. Wouldn't get that in the States! The downside is obviously missing family and friends during this special time in our lives - thank goodness for facebook status updates and skype   My mother will be coming over for the birth so I am definitely excited for that!

I am gearing up to take my citizenship test in the next few months as I need to renew my visa and apply for indefinite leave to remain. When the baby is born we will need to get his passport in order - he will be both British and American automatically... wish it was that simple for me too!

Pregnancy has really done a number on my food cravings. Why can't I find corn pops cereal anywhere? Random, I know and I haven't had them in decades, but when I was in Mexico last x-mas I had some and they were amazing, like crunchy delicious kernels of gold! I also want some REAL Mexican and/or Mexican/American food! I am still searching for that one restaurant to change my life in that regard, haven't found it yet - suggestions welcome.

Things I miss from home besides people and food:

1. My car - Sometimes you just want to get out of the city on a whim and it's just too expensive to be spontaneous with public transport in this country. You really have to book everything in advance to get a reasonable price it seems.

2. American sized refrigerators - my flat currently has a dorm size fridge, like the one I had in university. It's comical to watch me try and get anything out of it nowadays with a huge pregnant belly. I just sit on the floor like a little kid to reach things.

3. A garden - yes I know for a price I could rent a flat that included a garden, but I don't 'have it like that' and those places are typically on the ground floor which means less security and more likelihood of a break in. I had a huge garden back home and it's that time of year where I get the blues over playing in the dirt.

Well, that's me in a nutshell. Look forward to hearing from you all!

x

Oh god, mexican food.  I'm keeping my eye out as well, but no luck so far. I was back in San Diego recently and ate chilli relleno's every. single. day. Corn Pops were my family's "treat" cereal (only on Saturdays!) my dad still calls them by their old name (Sugar Bombs!) but I like yours!
I live in Manchester, but we've got a mostly full sized fridge.  Teeny-tiny washer/dryer combo, but decent sized fridge!

Welcome! I'm an East Londoner, too. I live in West Ham (near Stratford), so not too far away!

I have tried a few Mexican places around here, and though nothing compares, here are a few that I have enjoyed:
Mestizo has decent enchiladas! First couple times I went, I wasn't impressed. But I went with equestrianerd on Friday for the enchilada festival, and they were heavenly! A bit pricey, but the enchiladas are worth it.
http://london.mestizomx.com/

Only been to Lupita once, but I was really impressed! Good guacamole, nice tacos (in soft corn tortillas), and the kiwi coriander margarita is to die for (though I know that doesn't help you in your current state ).
http://www.lupita.co.uk/

And I've been to the Wahaca at Canary Wharf once. Comparable to Lupita. The Frijoles are really nice!
http://www.wahaca.co.uk


As for the Corn Pops, try some store brand cereals that look similar and keep your fingers crossed! I found an equivalent tococoa puffs at Morrisons and I was thrilled!

Thanks for the warm welcome

Jennie, I am so jealous of your REAL fridge!

princesslemons, thank you for the restaurant recos! I have tried Wahaca in Soho and it was pretty good, might have to give Lupita a try once I am able to enjoy one of those Margaritas, they sound incredible! Margaritas are at the top of my drinks list post pregs.

Welcome! I'm an East Londoner, too. I live in West Ham (near Stratford), so not too far away!

I have tried a few Mexican places around here, and though nothing compares, here are a few that I have enjoyed:
Mestizo has decent enchiladas! First couple times I went, I wasn't impressed. But I went with equestrianerd on Friday for the enchilada festival, and they were heavenly! A bit pricey, but the enchiladas are worth it.
http://london.mestizomx.com/

Only been to Lupita once, but I was really impressed! Good guacamole, nice tacos (in soft corn tortillas), and the kiwi coriander margarita is to die for (though I know that doesn't help you in your current state ).
http://www.lupita.co.uk/

And I've been to the Wahaca at Canary Wharf once. Comparable to Lupita. The Frijoles are really nice!
http://www.wahaca.co.uk


As for the Corn Pops, try some store brand cereals that look similar and keep your fingers crossed! I found an equivalent tococoa puffs at Morrisons and I was thrilled!

I second the margaritas at Lupitas I think I had about 4 last time we were there M

My favourite mexican stalls are -

Buen Provecho Mexican Street Food
http://www.slowfoodkitchen.com/fab-mexican-street-food-waterloo-buen-provecho/#ixzz1GQSjAGoi

(really good!)

and
http://www.freebirdburritos.com/

I also don't mind that place on whitecross street market but the fillings are skimpy

cheesebiscuit, you had me at mexican street food!

I second the margaritas at Lupitas I think I had about 4 last time we were there M

Mmm... I could go for one right now. At 9am... (I'm on vacation! )

I'm from California too, am pregnant (due in August) and miss Mexican food like CRAZY! I live in the Cotswolds though and there's nothing that even compares (so jealous of all you in London with at least some tyype of Mexican food) so I've been making my own bean/rice/cheese burritos and I found Chulula Mexican sauce at Morrisons which gives them a little more of an authentic flavor although not quite the same as getting a burrito at a taqueria, oh how I miss those!!
In Chiswick there's a great American store called Foreign Tart I think. I haven't been there but my friends go all the time and bought me an amazing coffee cake from there and a huge can of pumpkin puree which is another thing I had been missing.
Best of luck to all of you with your search for Mexican food!!

Cholula is the best, I practically drink the stuff! We have definitely been making a lot of our own mexican - you can even buy taco shells at Morrisons - I haven't found any corn tortillas yet though - might attempt to make my own someday...

I really want to make a trip up to the lake district soon, can you recommend any areas in particular Steph?

thx!

Cholula is the best, I practically drink the stuff! We have definitely been making a lot of our own mexican - you can even buy taco shells at Morrisons - I haven't found any corn tortillas yet though - might attempt to make my own someday...

I really want to make a trip up to the lake district soon, can you recommend any areas in particular Steph?

thx!

I've found corn tortillas at Morrisons! Strange that they aren't at yours. Good luck with your search!
I'd love to go to the lake district as well but we're quite a ways south of there so unfortunately I can't recommend anything for you.