I'VE BEEN WANTING THIS SINCE I STARTED VAN LIFE
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- čas přidán 30. 09. 2023
- Finalizing my outdoor kitchen, I play tourists in Chemainus, BC
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Hi, my name is Emi. I'm born in raise in small town just outside Quebec City, this is where my lovely accent comes from. My #vanlife story starts in September 2018. After a long-term relationship that I was trying for more than a year to rebuild, I decided it was time to end this toxic relationship once for all. This is where I decided to move away from this man that I was still in love with. I put all my belongings inside my SUV (GMC Jimmy) and moved six hours from where I was living. I didn’t know where I would sleep, didn’t know where I would work, but I knew I needed to make a drastic move. At that time, I told myself I would only sleep in my car for a month while looking for a place to rent. What I didn’t know is that one month became another month and another month. In the end, I end up sleeping in my car for a full year. Even if people consider this the lowest time of my life, this experience was the best thing I couldn’t have done with my life. I took that year to focus on myself, decide what I wanted, and most importantly, what I didn’t want. That year made me also realize that for so long, I was chasing the wrong dreams. I was chasing what society wanted me to be: to have a big house, a steady job, kids, get married… None of those dreams was making me happy. In September 2019, while I was actively looking for a van, I received a phone call that someone had found my cat (Kelly). After trying for hours with no success to communicate with my ex-boyfriend (who was taking care of her), I decided to drive the six hours to go pick her up. Without going into too much detail, it turns out he wasn’t able to take care of her anymore. So I brought her in a cat kennel for a couple of days until I found a van we both could live in. I put all the savings that I had accumulated while living in my car and bought my van (a 2011 Ford Econoline that I end up adding a hightop) In the beginning, It wasn’t so glamour. My cat and I were sleeping on a mattress on the floor of the van. We both had to adjust. Now, my cat loves this lifestyle as much as I do; she looks at the window while I’m driving, and she loves exploring new places. Since then, my cat Kelly and I have been living full-time in my self convert van.
Maybe you should put a wire on both sides of your stove shelf to make it stronger. If you you have boiling water on your stove, the weight might pull the one wire loose. It doesn’t look sturdy, and you do not want to get a severe burn on your legs or torso. do not
I was worried the door might move and knock stove? Otherwise very useful.
Agree about that wire. Makes me nervous about how stable it will be. Maybe adding a fold down leg of some sort that will give support under it. 😮
Yes double wire!!!!
Agree, that little wire is not going to handle the weight.
how about those door locking mechanism? When you open the door, it locks into place. Push the button on the side to release the lock mechanism. Need two of them for each side and a rubber mat glued onto the board to keep her stove and other items sliding off.
Regarding the table, I would encourage you to look into an undermount swing arm support to pull out only when in use. Honestly, the wire is not enough. ❤
That is an excellent suggestion, it will also help to lessen the stress on that wire which I would like to see replaced by a chain. Wire tends to break as it gets bent back and forth, especially in the cold of winter.
That single wire scares me. If it goes while you're cooking, you have scalding burning water or foodstuffs dumped right down the front of you. A secondary wire or brace at least would feel more reassuring.
Agree 100%. That wire is meant to hold a painting. The weight of the stove might not be much, but add a pan or kettle full of food and water...nah. A chain or maybe some sort of solid bracket you can pull out underneath is needed for safety. Keep yourself safe Emi, please.
I love all the upgrades to your van. It's looking beautiful but I agree with the person who was worried about the wire on your outdoor kitchen. Please make sure the wire is rated to hold the weight of your stove and a pot full of water, soup, etc. Don't want you or Kelly to get burned. 🙏💚🌷
🦋
You might want to use chain on your hanging kitchen setup. If it does fail, it could be a disaster.
Ami, please do not use fabric in your cabinet of your outdoor kitchen. If the wind comes it can catch a flame... I wish you well on your travels. Give miss K a big hug from me. See you on the next!
I agree, fabric utensil holder behind the stove might be a potential fire hazard. Maybe screw or glue a flat metal utensil holder/bar there. Also, a metal/magnetic bar on top of the stove box, for your magnetic spice jars. Just brain storming with you Emi! ❤
I would use the cabinet to store the stove in when not in use. Also the legs to brace it from underneath. The wire is too flimsy IMHO. I agree no fabric in the cabinet. Better safe than sorry.
Hi Emmie, how about covering it with van lining carpet? It moulds to shapes nicely x😊
That is a good idea or some rubber type matting that bends.
I thought about those commercial rubber/ vinyl? wide band skirting trims that you can glue it onto the metal frame. I don't know if it will discolor with time.
You could glue a rubber table mat or drawer liner to the table it may stop it slipping
Suggest a second wire on the other side of the cabinet. I have seen those wires break.
In the back, try a spring curtain rod and hang a loose curtain across the back. Make it removable.
Have you thought about a cord cover. A lot of people use them on the cord running down from their TV's. Round foam might work also.
Consider putting a aluminum plate over the wood inside the box, also you could paint the aluminum with fire resistant paint (find it in the auto parts store)
Use a chain instead of the wire for a stronger shelf
Your ideas are great
The van is coming along nicely
Your van is beautiful 😍 ❤ ♥. You did a great job 👍
Just a thought for a nice look and easier fit in some area … some fabric material it will also give you a little color 😊😎❤️. Everything is looking great! 💯😎❤️
You can cover the rest of metal areas with cloth, there is one in a gray or black color that can be glued to the metal surface. I think that Walmart sells it in the automotive department. It’s like the carpet used in cars in the back.
Emi they make that white bendable stuff they use for the sides of a shower! That is what I used alot in my living quarters horse trailer! ❤
Looks like your home-on-wheels is getting more to what you are wanting Emi, I'm happy for you and your good carpentry skills.
I would use vinyl carpet material for the covering. Easy to cut.
Emmie, I've used that wire for pictures, let me warn you. It unwraps after a while, plus it rusts. Spend the money to get a solid chain, don't get burned.❤
Maybe fabric shoe storage strip for each corner... then store things you want to access from the back doors or bed in the pockets.
Chemainus is my home town Emi, it’s a lovely wee town… enjoy 🥰
Would you consider adding more bluish highlights in the back of your van so your picture would really pop? Vans definitely have curves & odd angles which creates challenges when mounting boards 🔩🔧🪚
Keep up the GREAT Work 👍
Your van is looking good. Good job. I like all the improvements. Love Kelly kisses. ❤❤
Emi the town was cute . Your home is looking awesome 👌. You have great ideas 💡 kisses for miss Kelly
I love the clean look but so cozy cabin feel. Not at all cluttered, but so warm, and unique! I don't think I could keep it so tidy. Admire what you do very much.
The girl has a new kitchen...and she looks happy. Congratulations
What a gorgeous little town and the lake. Canada is very beautiful
You should also secure the door outside for when using the kitchen, to prevent a strong wind to close while you’re cooking outside.
Def need stronger support on that stove shelf unless you just plan to boil water... don't want dinner to dump ...looks great !!!
You're van looks so comfy and homey
Emi, if you put the wire on the other side it won’t get in the way while you are cooking outside.
Van build is looking great.
Maybe cover your bare spots along the back doors with quilting fabric or how about magnetic art? It will insulate your home too.
All you need now is a awning for shelter from the rain.❤
Hey Emi I love your little outdoor kitchen you have done so many amazing little upgrades to your beautiful little home. you guys always make my day be safe out there? 🇺🇸♥️🙏😎👍🐈⬛⛰️🚐🇨🇦
At Home Depot they sell wire/ cord covers. I would image it’s flexible. Or take a picture of your problem and ask the guy in the electrical department if he has any suggestions. Asking cost nothing.
I saw you walk past a place called the Pastry Haus. I wouldn't have been able to resist that. 😋
Hello Emi and kitty ❤
Always a pleasure when I get the notification that you have done a new video 😊keep up the wonderful videos
What you have done already looks so nice. My favorite is the iceberg picture. I can't stop looking at it!
yaaaay!!!! emi! ye got your outdoor kitchen and your max air fan too! continued travel mercies and blessings. 🕊
You continue to amaze me with all your knowledge of construction!
Ps: don't hang cloth near the stove...🔥
Safe travels, NJ
Emi, you haven’t had an easy year. Take care.
I am wondering if a chain would work better on your pull down table than the thin wire. That town is just beautiful. Glad that you showed it to us. Your van is looking great, nice and cosy and efficient. Hugs to kitty.
I was thinking, what about a curtain for the back?! Let it hang on either side to cover the edges, then you can pull it across for more ambiance as well!
Love all the changes! I would make that outside kitchen door stronger.
Love from Florida!
Emmy you are so awesome. Thank you for sharing Canada with me in the rest of your viewers. It's absolutely gorgeous.
Always nice when the projects r done
You do amazing Emi with all your ideas. Others had good ideas about a chain on both side of your shelf for the weight of food and bigger pan. Please be careful. Definitely beautiful scenery! Thanks for sharing with us. Be safe in your travels. Love love to see Miss Kelly out in nature.
Thank you for being YOU Emi! Your light shines so bright. Your videos have got me through the most toughest part of my life… thank you so much & may God continue to bless & protect you abundantly💖🫶🏽
Your van is looking really nice Emi. I love the brightness without loosing the coziness. It looks like you are doing very well and enjoying your lifestyle. Hugs for 🐱 ❤
Beautiful little town, summer vibes. Outdoor kitchen will be so handy most certainly on hot days, not having to cook inside. I love all the new additions you've made 😍
Really liking what you've done to your home so far. You've really refreshed it without losing that cozy cabin feel. Very interested in how it all turns out. I'm sure it will be beautiful.
Yes all your renovations have made your home more beautiful and cozy.
Your van is super cool Emi. Xx
So cool to see Chemainus from your perspective cause personally I've been to Chemainus so many times in my life, back in 08/09 school year I did a year of bible school nearby over on Thetis Island so the small town of Chemainus was our main place to go (especially since more than 50% of the school population that year weren't locals from BC) I know the students for this year just arrived there and I suspect there's more than a few international students this year too.
Your van is looking so good! Thanks for showing us Chemainus; it looks like a cute little town! I always love seeing Kelly!
love the changes, it is looking more cozy and like your space.
Emi, I admire you so much! Outdoor kitchen you built is perfect! Much love to you and Miss Kelly. ❤
I love the dollar store, they really help me stay on budget, and they so have some really great things. Your van is looking so beautiful!!❤
Everything is really coming together. Looking so cute.❤
I LOVE your outdoor kitchen! Simple yet functional and fun. Very nice upgrades to your van. One of my favorites is the bear picture.
Hello Emi nice to see you and kitty keep up doing what you are doing
You have a nice looking home there. As someone whose car rusted out in the bottom I’d consider a rust check up and undercoating. You want your home to last.
You are so talented to be able to do work on your home yourself. Love the picture doors you recently put on.
Awesome job❤
How about using some sheet metal to cover the wires. It bends & would match the tiles on the wall in your kitchen. Just a thought.
Cute town! Van build is looking so adorable...great work! You are very talented...
Hi Emi, I know you don’t want to buy anything, but I would recommend a small link chain you can buy by the foot at HD, that wire doesn’t seem really safe. 😊
Your van is looking bright and beautiful. It matches your personality.
You did Emi have a little table to be able to cook outside. It looks really good. I am so happy that you are happy with the way your home is looking. Its beautiful. You did this all by yourself. That is awesome. Kelly doing good. So happy to see her enjoy being outside. Love when she give kisses to us. God bless you and Kelly. Much love for both of you!!!!! Have a peaceful nite. Be safe always.♥♥♥♥♥♥
Love your vanbuild, loved it from your beginning.
It'll be too late now but what you could have done was used glue and a carpet and covered over the metal 😊
I would also put two bits of wire on both sides personally.
Good to see you happy with your accomplishments and just your overall attitude towards your van life. Like you, I also have a cat named Miss Kitty, who adopted me 3 yrs ago when she gave birth to 4 kittens in my garage. Your cat has so much love and trust with you, and it is clear that you both give each other joy. You take care and safe travels 😊❤️✌️
🤗 Emi! You are certainly talented with your "cottage" look to your home! I am concerned (like a few other commenters) that you need to get aluminum shields for the stove box. And that you need to get a stronger chain on the "table" for stability. One last idea: some kind of strap or chain to hold the door open! You are someone we care about. I have been following you since your trip to the east coast. I am 76 years old with 15 grandchildren - some in your age group. One of my granddaughters just bought an RV (in California) and is heading back to CT, USA, that sounds so good to me! She is bringing her sister and two friends back to see us. Enjoy the ride. A full tank of gas and an open rode"...gotta love it!
You should check with Home Depot they should have what they call Bender Board. This may help you with the Curves in your Van. Thank you Jake McClellan The Oregon Boy 👦 USA
Drill some holes to set the legs in should hold it in place and drop it down a bit
Congrats on your outdoor kitchen! As for the rest of your projects, you’re on your own timeline. Nice you took the time to explore that beautiful town. Kelly sure looks happy. Down time is good.
Emmie for your back corners You can box them in . Just cut a a 1x2 to match the curve of the back door post and the you can use some ell brackets to attach it to the post and then make one to fit in the corner . Then you can put a flat piece over it. I have done it on a few vans for people. Love seeing you and kitty having fun and enjoying outside views.
I had thought the same thing.
I think you really need something stronger (the end anchors) for holding the wire. And maybe a backup chain on the otherside.
Emi! Your are so creative. It's nice to see your ideas in action. Thanks for all of your efforts.
Wonder if baseboard molding not made of wood might be more flexible to fit that area. Just a thought
Love seeing you relax and have fun looking after all your needs -very enjoyable
Everything looking really good and simple colors 🐨🌲
Strongly suggest 2nd wire for safety.
You deserve nothing but the best Emi enjoy the piece you carry and share with us on your channel 🙏
If you want the wood to curve or bend do what the sailors do. Take the wood and cut across the back of the wood with a circular saw a few times then see if the wood curves into the position you want. If it does you take epoxy and fill in the space between the cuts while the wood is held in place and wait for the epoxy to dry and your wood will be curved and strong.
I certainly wouldn’t hang anything in that cabinet you have your stove sitting on. Especially anything made of fabric. The stove is being pressed toward the back edge of that cabinet by the wire holding up the shelf. If you put anything there, especially made of fabric, the stove’s flame would be much to close. And you would have a fire there, in a matter of seconds. If that is where you intend to place your stove, what you should do is line that entire cabinet with a thin layer of aluminum or galvanized steel. And, nothing else.
Looking great. Keep up the good work.
I like your outdoor kitchen. That will be really handy. Now you don't have to cook inside all the time.
I've been so tired lately that I fall asleep as soon as I lay down. Fell asleep watching this show. You saying that you were tired made me tired, so I'm watching it again, instead of listening to it with my eyes closed. Dang, Emmie, it sounded like a scary movie as I was listening last night! 😂❤
Nice pull shelf for the hot plate, if I were to be one of the opinionated persons. Perhaps drill 4 shallow indents on that shelf so the hot plate is seated incase wind might move the door and potentially knock or slide the hot plate off.
Your van is looking great
IF you want extra support under stove , you could screw a piece of wood under box that slides out under table top stove sits on .
I have wood working family in Italy. They make curved wooden arches and even convex type curved fixtures for their tiny living spaces. One of their tricks to "curve" the wood is soaking it in water then curving the wood and securing it until it is dry. The wood holds the curved shape when dry...
We did that often for the curves on the wooden double ender 1910 boat I was working on…also did another method of tiny slits that also helped it curve…
For me I would scribe the shape to a 1 by 2 and attach that then the straight board to the front of it.. putting a piano hinge on it to be able to open if needing to do anything with the wires.
that looks really amazing great job.. maybe have a stick of some kind that can go under when the door is open for extra support, something that can easily be slid out of place..
Have you thought of using the stick on tile you have for the back beams, which you can change. There is also wood look ones as well.
Everything is looking super nice as well as functional!
You did such a great job on your van!!!..God Bless you and Kitty and your family as well. 🥰🙏🏼💖💫🌠
Appreciate you sharing as always, inside the van is looking great love the white with the stained wood looks great together. Well I’ll catch you on the next one until then peace and chicken grease 😁🤙🤙🤠
Ms Emi, you are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your journey
That town is looking wonderfull it looks like out of store book! Love it Î would live there with pleasure 😊
Emi, you could get some of that corrugated plastic (coroplast) and wrap it i
in fabric or carpet for that curved area.
Lovely work always good to have a good chill out day 😊
Would be pretty if you use corner molding on sides and top where the wood meets, like by the (bear side) in the corners and top