Welcome to My Life In a Van!
2:38
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@anacarrasquillo4488
@anacarrasquillo4488 Күн бұрын
Not sure what you are filming on but there are phone holders that have a heavy duty clip that i use when car camping and its on a flexible arm so you might be able to set up your camera from above. That way you dont have to keep changing the position/angle. Its also great if you're reading or watching something on your phone in bed! Love youre videos! Sent a bunch to my 71 year old mom to convince her to go on a trip with me! 💚
@MarysLifeOnThisJourney
@MarysLifeOnThisJourney 3 күн бұрын
Great job making it work. You could sew or pin a small flap over the curtain rings to give full coverage.
@silentlou4375
@silentlou4375 3 күн бұрын
I have a minimal setup so can make recommendations if you wish to go simpler… 1) mini woodstove (my primary cooker): tiny, fueled by twigs, sticks, bark, pine needles, pellets, alcohol, solid fuel blocks (also use it to hold tea candles for a bit of heat inside for winter overnight)… I love it but requires patience and a bit messy due to soot, 2) HotLogic hotplate: it’s a mini hotplate (controlled at 180F) inside a cooler bag, great as a slow cooker or to reheat leftovers, uses 45W at 12V when ON (but toggles on/off as needed), 3) thermal cooker: just a pot inside a vacuum insulated flask, so it retains heat very well and can be used as a slow cooker (or good to keep leftover hot water)
@gordonhenderson1965
@gordonhenderson1965 3 күн бұрын
So I am also in the middle of renovating my Element interior. I travelled the East Coast of Canada last summer over 3 months and this year I am going to the West coast. Making newer modifications before I go though! Interestingly enough I just bought the exact fridge you have. The difference in my approach is I am taking the front seat out and that is where that giant fridge will go. Removing it is just 4 bolts and some wiring and it gives you a huge amount of space afterwards, making it SO MUCH EASIER to go into the back of the car from the driver's seat. I'm actually using a 3D program to build components. In the end, everything will be fastened down, you just can't leave anything that can go flying across the interior of the car in the event of an accident, there's no point in being restrained to the drivers seat while everything in the car is smashing into you, especially that fridge and I assume your battery and bed, etc.
@thexxit
@thexxit 3 күн бұрын
This looks amazing! Congrats for getting out there!
@Disappointed739
@Disappointed739 3 күн бұрын
I was watching with interest when you cut from explaining to actually measuring. But YT in its wisdom cut instead to an ad about Marine military service. So you say "... your journey!" and for 20 seconds, it was an action sequence of burly guys climbing barracades in cammo with 120 lb packs and long black fire crackers. I said to myself "wow! What a van build! Who _is_ this woman?" Then, and only then, the "skip" button appeared.... <sigh>...😅
@wendysplace3867
@wendysplace3867 3 күн бұрын
Excellent!
@wendysplace3867
@wendysplace3867 3 күн бұрын
You did a GREAT JOB!!!
@instinctivearcher6146
@instinctivearcher6146 3 күн бұрын
Good job! Here's a tip: what they sell as "stew meat" is very lean and tough. Pick more fatty cuts with bone for way more nutrition and look into "strawbox" cooking for a low tech way to slow cook ;)
@truscavasile
@truscavasile 3 күн бұрын
Natalie, I love that you drive an element, and that it is stickshift. I have a 2005 automatic myself. I will be most likely reupholstering the seats in leather since I plan to keep the car for as long as the car lets me.
@dennislaw2135
@dennislaw2135 4 күн бұрын
Awesome idea, I was just abou to start designing my van build but now I’m going to follow your example, much love❤️
@christine8184
@christine8184 4 күн бұрын
Love your gluten free recipe.
@SassySlater
@SassySlater 4 күн бұрын
Won’t you still have condensation on your front 3 windows?
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 4 күн бұрын
Not sure - but I'll find out tonight!
@PhoenixEvolution
@PhoenixEvolution 4 күн бұрын
I would get a nice cot that can be reclined as a lounge chair. It'll also give you storage underneath. Though being closer to the ground is more ideal for sitting up in the vehicle, can also create bed with 3 couch like cushions as a mat, and can be moved around easier, basically just big enough/ small enough for a short twin or twin fitted sheet to go over to keep the cushions together Can putting shelving under the fridge is ideal but enough space to still open it inside the van Instead of Tupperware style boxes, use Walmart sterilite plastic drawer systems. You can usually get them 3ct. And stack them about 4 to 5 drawers tall. And 2 systems side by side. Tie them to the arm pull in the back with heavy bungy cords or tie straps. Can also use childproofing fridge locks to keep the drawers from opening while turning and driving Though It's better to have sturdier drawer/ dresser type shelves and then you can put the tupper bins inside for further detailed organization It's better to use larger/ sturdier type drawers especially when driving bc all the boxes can easily tip or fall everywhere while driving, so it would be easier to tie down/ less things to clean up - i used these methods in my 2009 Honda odyssey If you do end up building the bed frame, l would put the fridge on a slider rack track under the bed, that way it's up out of the way but still very accessible It's good to either keep a mini fridge or cooler pack up front while driving for snacking on long trips, even better if you take out the passenger seat to give you more space if you don't need it in there. Can even keep the fridge system there and can double as a table to eat at🙂
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 4 күн бұрын
Thanks for all your suggestions!
@PhoenixEvolution
@PhoenixEvolution 4 күн бұрын
@@mylifeinavan i updated my comment with a few more suggestions and fixed autocorrect on some words I'd missed 😅
@elainefuehrer5739
@elainefuehrer5739 4 күн бұрын
wow u replied!! lol. im also 71. im married, and own 3 acr, 5 llamas, 6 cats(new to me) the cats. we have tried the small trailer senario.. not a chance!!. We do travel. and i think a camper on pick up would be a better choice for us..but not yet. we do own a camp trailer. watching u live small is interesting. and u do such a good job. At one time i wanted to be a host for people in little campers to come to my land.. Husband isnt on board. i live is Southern Idaho, if u ever make it out this way come down my drive way
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 4 күн бұрын
Elaine, it would be so fun to meet you and your menagerie!
@robinwilson8435
@robinwilson8435 4 күн бұрын
Your car should have a 12v plug in the rear, so you might want to consider placing it on the passenger side.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 4 күн бұрын
I will plug the fridge in on the rear. Yes, I could have put the fridge on that side - was thinking I might want to remove the passenger seat someday.
@robinwilson8435
@robinwilson8435 4 күн бұрын
I have an '05 Element I bought last March, and absolutely love it! Mine is a no-build for camping. I leave my rear seats in, and swing them up at night to sleep. I bought a tonneau cover at the dealership, which holds stuff behind the seats, and easily detaches for camping. So far I bought a Coleman Comfortsmart cot, it's 69" long, 25" wide and 15" tall. It fits behind the passenger seat and folds in half for atorage. I also use two yoga mats and two self inflating pads, in addition to the pad that came with it. I bought a small wheeled cart with shelves at Walmart to hold things like electronics, rice cooker. I have two bags I bought at REI which hold all my kitchen stuff. They hang for convenience. I also bought a set of knives that goes in one. I add two small totes for dry food, and try to dehydrate as much as possible, so I don't have to bring an ice chest or fridge. Just saw on Mindy's channel, The Ninth Element, a small RTIC cooler she bought to use as a 'loo' for around $50. I plan to buy a Hele box, a different bed platform. It has adjustable legs for height, and optional legs that extend to 24/25" height, so it can be used as a table. It disconnects and stores in its own bag, which can be conveniently used to hold things when the bed is set up for use. The slats can be pushed aside for access to what's under rhe bed. A bit spendy at $399 (plus $100 I think for their pad, but it's so versatile that I think the price point is worth it. I suggest looking for rheir videos on KZbin. I'm almost 69, and have camped with up to 3 dogs. Unfortunately, I'm now down to one. I'd love to get one or both of my front seats made into swivel seats, and have a rear hatch release installed. I'll eventually get a roof rack and box to carry more of my stuff on top. I've downsized to very small camp stoves (like backpacking) and utensils. A small foldable camp chair from Walmart is always stowed in one of the rear compartments. I carry a battery jump starter and tire inflator. The over the seat organizers are great for small things. Bungees and carabiners work for so many things. There's a huge Element group here in the PNW, & a mechanic up near Portland who is THE Element Whisperer/guru. Welcome to the Club, and enjoy all the E has to offer! I love mine.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 4 күн бұрын
Robin, thank you so much for sharing how you camp in your E! I am in the PNW FB group. Hope we meet someday!
@robinwilson8435
@robinwilson8435 4 күн бұрын
@mylifeinavan fantastic! Are you in the PNW? I went to the meetup last year in WA. It was amazing seeing so many Elements, around 270. I'm in OR near Eugene. I got together with 3 other ladies with their Es last April, and we camped at the coast near Florence. That was fun.
@WendyLeeB111
@WendyLeeB111 5 күн бұрын
Spent last night setting up my "Element to be "in my living room along with your videos 💃.Thank You Natalie!🌹
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Wendy, way to go!
@WendyLeeB111
@WendyLeeB111 5 күн бұрын
Natalie ,Thank You Thank You Thank You!! ✨I'm hoping you will share how you found Poppy? 🏵️🐱🌞
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Wendy, so many stories to tell and videos to make - gotta make time to DO the things! But I might.
@WendyLeeB111
@WendyLeeB111 5 күн бұрын
@mylifeinavan Thank you!I just can't wait 💥
@WendyLeeB111
@WendyLeeB111 5 күн бұрын
Thank You Natalie! 💃Without these videos I had this dream on the shelf ,since watching ..I've decided to find my Element too! 🧚
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Love it. I wanna see a pic of it when you do! Are you in this FB group - wonderful group of Element owners, sellers and buyers. Very helpful and encouraging. facebook.com/groups/elementclassifieds
@WendyLeeB111
@WendyLeeB111 5 күн бұрын
@mylifeinavan Im not on FB but I have spent ALL weekend doing nothing but dreaming of & watching the Elements community ! Wow👋Such a great tribe🚙Thank You for helping me decide !🌹
@WendyLeeB111
@WendyLeeB111 5 күн бұрын
Thanks Natalie! ❤I have spent all weekend with you 💃it's been life changing 🕯️
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Wendy, that's amazing! Where in the world are you?
@WendyLeeB111
@WendyLeeB111 5 күн бұрын
@mylifeinavan Sturbridge Massachusetts ! ☃️
@WendyLeeB111
@WendyLeeB111 5 күн бұрын
Thank You Natalie🌹you are giving me more & more courage in every video 💖
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Wendy, YOU CAN DO IT!
@WendyLeeB111
@WendyLeeB111 5 күн бұрын
Thank You Natalie!🌹I 💓 the way you go through every detail 😊
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
I appreciate you Wendy!
@cynthiakammann7368
@cynthiakammann7368 5 күн бұрын
Super glue can be removed with acetone. Just color test before using acetone over a large area.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Cynthia, thank you! So good to know.
@babygoat1963
@babygoat1963 5 күн бұрын
Did I miss an episode in regard to you purchasing an Element? If not perhaps you might give consideration in regard to why you chose and Element, the cost process etc? The Element has somewhat of a “cult” type following and I think many people would be interested in your “origin” story of the Element. Thank you, Tim
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Tim, I'm a little embarrassed at how impulsive this buy was. I was infatuated with the "cult" and felt great FOMO around buying my Element. But you're the 2nd person to ask this question of me just today, so . . .
@babygoat1963
@babygoat1963 5 күн бұрын
Great information, I learned some great information. You are such a gracious host and I appreciate how sincere you are with your “thank yous” and compliments to your guest! Keep up the good work! Tim
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Tim, thank you so much! She's a great teacher.
@babygoat1963
@babygoat1963 5 күн бұрын
Hi, Just subscribed, am binge watching your videos on this snowstorm weekend. I am a senior male, I own a Honda Element, bought it new 19 years ago and still love it! Seriously considering doing something similar to what you are doing, so looking forward to following your channel. I appreciate your enthusiasm, excitement and commitment! Ill comment from time to time if it seems appropriate or helpful! Keep up the good work! Tim
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Tim, do you know how rare you are - an original Element owner? Would love to meet you someday. Might go to the PNW Element meetup this summer (if I don't go to Alaska for Vanstock).
@Gypsy218
@Gypsy218 5 күн бұрын
Maybe you could gesture less, it would be easier to watch
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Just listen instead of watching?
@Rok887-n4w
@Rok887-n4w 5 күн бұрын
Take the passenger seat out for the fridge🤔🤔
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
I might take the passenger seat out - but I think I'll keep the fridge in the back cuz that's the kitchen!
@elfernandez369
@elfernandez369 5 күн бұрын
Great video! I really enjoyed watching it. I'm also doing some camping with my old Toyota Corolla wagon - it's been such a reliable car for this kind of adventure. Nothing beats the simplicity and freedom of car camping! Keep up the awesome content!
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
I REALLY wanted a Corolla hatchback a couple years back. But the used car prices during Covid were outrageous - plus that hatchback was hard to find. The wagon looks roomy!
@courtneysands6646
@courtneysands6646 5 күн бұрын
I laid a sheet in my livingroom to arrange my setup a few days ago. I'm still in de-cluttering stage, I've watched some old episodes of Hoarders to inspire me.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Courtney, I should watch that. I've still got so much junk to get rid of.
@pablomgr
@pablomgr 5 күн бұрын
Thank you for your review, Natalie!
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
You are so welcome!
@joanndavis4843
@joanndavis4843 5 күн бұрын
I would have liked to watch the rest of this video, but if you could care less to edit out your first expletive, I could care less to stay tuned. I'm out👉.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Got it Joan. Different strokes.
@brownsugar1958ful
@brownsugar1958ful 5 күн бұрын
Does Ellen Vig have a KZbin channel please Never mind I found her Thanks for leaving Ellen’s information thanks she’s a godsend
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Glad you found her!
@ChristineD8093
@ChristineD8093 5 күн бұрын
I love my Element SUV. You are going to have so much fun in it. Congratulations
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Thanks Christine! What color and year is yours?
@thexxit
@thexxit 5 күн бұрын
Maybe cutting longer strips of velcro for the sides of the curtain would result in fewer gaps/holes. They do have pretty industrial strength sticky velcro, but always keep some in your car in case it ever fails and you need to do a patch job. It's all coming together nicely!
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Yes, gotta get more velcro. In fact, I need to put together a fix-it kit to take with me when I hit the road tomorrow. Thanks for the inspiration!
@crimson25543
@crimson25543 5 күн бұрын
My concern is those rather large rings at the top of the curtain. Light will certainly bleed through from the back to anyone standing outside your car, and if a flashlight is shone into your car from the front or front-side, the silver metal on the rings will be illuminated, which will give away that there's a curtain hanging. The blackout curtains in cars that seemed to do the best job at blocking all light were made of fabric like black velvet or something with zero shine, and were then backed with another fabric. Also useful was an extra 3" of fabric that would gather above the curtain rod, which would block all light coming in through the curtain top along the headliner.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Thanks - really good information. I'll come back to this when I return from Quartzite and prepare for my long trip over to Florida. There will be lots of fine tuning I'm sure.
@elainefuehrer5739
@elainefuehrer5739 5 күн бұрын
could u show how your Poppy is set up with your set up opposite side of your bed.. and how u might cook in Poppy and do u have a place for the 3 am pee?
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Elaine, thanks for the request. I'm getting packed for a 9-day trip now (leaving tomorrow). I'll shoot a video of everything I'm taking and how I've packed before I head out. Thanks for the request cuz I don't always think of what people would want to see - too close to it I guess.
@WheelerOnWheels
@WheelerOnWheels 5 күн бұрын
Does the light bleed through the round opening at the top?
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
I suspect it will. Not sure how I'll handle that. I have extra fabric - maybe I'll just fabric glue it on?
@pdfaulkner1517
@pdfaulkner1517 5 күн бұрын
I wanted to watch your video, but the silence is deafening. Just a useless video. Your thoughts are important!
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
I appreciate you speaking up. The whole video would have been over 4 hours long, so I put it in fast forward. I'm not much for music background, so not sure what else I could have done. I guess I could have recorded a voice-over. Much to learn about video editing.
@lorifrier8921
@lorifrier8921 5 күн бұрын
Yay! New senior woman nomad ❤❤❤❤! So, when you plan on going to quartzite 🤔 😂! Excited to see your journey begin!
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Heading to Quartzsite in two days! Thanks for your good wishes 🧡🧡🧡
@leahsmith191
@leahsmith191 5 күн бұрын
You can also buy at home depo a bendable molding that comes in 8 feet that cost about 4.00 can be clipped in the same place with clamping paper clip.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Good to know! I’m learning so much in this adventure.
@Keleia4Jesus
@Keleia4Jesus 5 күн бұрын
Natalie! You look great, and your van is so awesome!! I can't wait to see more.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Thank you so much. I appreciate how affirming you are.
@maggiew8524
@maggiew8524 5 күн бұрын
I’m wondering if a bit of alien tape might work better for you than Velcro? It seems to stick to pretty much everything and is easy to remove or replace as needed….👋😃🇨🇦
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Never heard of alien tape - is it super sticky 2-sided tape?
@maggiew8524
@maggiew8524 5 күн бұрын
@@mylifeinavan Yes, that would be a good way to describe it… It’s reusable, to a point. Another way to use it might be to attach a magnet to the van wall and use magnetic tape in/on the curtain opposite that…?
@simonehall3725
@simonehall3725 5 күн бұрын
Hi Natalie, what are using to repel mosquitoes or other little bugs?
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Nothing. It's winter so there are very few bugs now.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
But I'm going to drive across the southern US to Florida in about a month, so ask me again then!
@DottieStanley
@DottieStanley 5 күн бұрын
I have these same black out curtains that I use in my cabin to help keep warm air in and cool air in during the summer. They work really well for that. I will be interested in seeing how they work at night with the rings on the top. I was thinking I would not use that end for the curtain in my minivan and make a large seam that I can thread the curtain rod through then have it fit tightly across the top with like a ruffle edge on the inside to make sure there is no light getting through. Let us know how it goes! Nice job! So nice that your Brother and Sister in law are helping you with your build.
@gracielei76
@gracielei76 5 күн бұрын
Thank you for sharing your curtain set up so quickly, Natalie! I only just asked you a couple days ago.😊 Anyway, I think @DottieStanley has a good idea here. Maybe your sister-in-law could sew a couple of seams with a little ruffle on top, so you could slide the rod between the seams, and the little ruffle on top could fill in any gaps above the rod. If the curtain is getting too short, maybe she could sew this on the bottom side of the curtain, and the curtain metal loops would then be hanging on the bottom, weighting the curtain down. Just a thought.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Dottie, I thought of using curtains where the rod slides through the fabric, but saw people sliding them and it looked hard, plus they don't compress to the sides of the car as much. But you're right - we'll see how it goes.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
I like your idea Gracie - maybe I could just turn these curtains upside down and run the rod through the hem. Doubt it, but I like that idea.
@montanawife4851
@montanawife4851 5 күн бұрын
Before you move the curtain I couldn't realize how it was staying up the curtain rod but now that you've moved it and opened up the curtains looks very nice
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Thanks!
@DiasFrugalLife
@DiasFrugalLife 5 күн бұрын
Very nice job, Looks great to me. Velcro was always a pain in the butt for me.
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
Thanks! Yes, and it may prove to be a pain in the butt for me too. Time will tell.
@Joey-wu5su
@Joey-wu5su 5 күн бұрын
@tmzebra
@tmzebra 5 күн бұрын
highly suggest a broadway rear view mirror. the bigger the better
@mylifeinavan
@mylifeinavan 5 күн бұрын
I WANT one! Will check into that when I return from the trip I leave for on Monday.