1) Don’t be afraid to just put up helpful conversion tables around the house (they can be small and discreet!). While I know approximates, I can’t automatically convert °C to °F or exact ounces to grams (for cooking, for example). I got sick of looking conversions up online every time (although I do use this app on my phone for very exact conversions: Unit Converter).

These hang on my oven and a storage shelf in the kitchen:

2) Get a thermometer with °C and °F – same reasons as #1 plus helps you memorize more approximate conversions.

3) Plan way ahead for holiday meals, like waaay ahead! You may need to order supplies or ingredients online or even bring them back with you the next time you visit home. Plus, stores never seem to be open at reliable hours around the holidays. Not to mention you may have to visit more than one store or check out a new one to find what you need.

4) Have a few plug adapters in both directions on hand! Good for any appliances you have from home that can handle foreign voltages and for anyone visiting you who may want to charge their phones, tablets, laptops, etc.

5) Get an Amazon Fire Stick for your TV and a VPN app to catch your favorite shows from around the world. Or at least have a HDMI cable to connect your laptop/tablet to a bigger screen if you want a solution where you can actually hold a bag of popcorn and not squint your eyes.

1) Actually use snail mail. It is tempting to just send an ecard or an online gift certificate for that special day, but if you find the time to send a card or family pics you printed out, or even a little holiday package, the recipient will definitely be grateful and your bond will be stronger than before. Just think about how much you like to get actual mail!

2) Invite friends or family to digitally attend an event you are hosting. When we celebrated my son’s 1st birthday, I got my mom to do a video call that afternoon during his party. With my tablet taped to a big box we had, she was able to “sit” at the table with us, see the action, and even take part by singing Happy Birthday with us (even though it got out of sync because yeah, digital).

3) I find I feel like my family back home is more part of my life here if I don’t wait to contact them for a full update session, but rather feel free to send an email or message about something trivial, just to bridge the gap. Just send a picture of your kid doing something silly, an anecdote from your day, or a photo of funny street sign or encounter.

4) See household tip #5 – catching shows from back home will keep you somewhat on par with pop culture and trends, maintaining at least one line of connection in real-time. Plus sorry not sorry, dubbed shows = not my cup of tea.

• Root Beer – Amazon or My American Market (see below)
• Mexican cooking – Mex-Al
• Baking soda – import section of larger groceries, Asian stores
• Misc. American grocery items – My American Market
• Brown sugar – Amazon (buy a few then it’s worth the shipping)
• Maple syrup – baking / cake deco section of grocery store
• Flavored coffee – some specialty tea/coffee shops have this like Compagnie Coloniale or Stüdemanns, but I find it doesn’t have a strong flavor like in the States
• Cinnamon candy – sometimes at the cash register so keep your eyes open! But otherwise you’ll have to bring it with you…haven’t found a cheap source for this yet. Big Red is at least readily available for your cinnamon fix.
• Cool whip – I have found no substitute for this and it is not available for purchase. You could possibly making it yourself but I have not attempted this yet!