This is a game changer | DIY van build

The Nomad Cookbook (ebook): thecatladyvan.com/shop
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WEBSITE: thecatladyvan.com
Everything inside my van: thecatladyvan.com/van-gear/
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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.

[@debblucher2513]

Congrats on passing 80K!

[@proudtexan5513]

Your new cabinet draws and the entire cabinet LOOKS PERFECT!!!! Great JOB!! What an upgrade to your space!!

[@carolineloeser3071]

That looks absolutely awesome. You're quite the carpenter.

[@rudivandoornegat2371]

In just over 15 minutes the cabinet became a food pantry 😍

[@michelle7352]

You have become so proficient doing all the little construction projects in your van. And having a place to work is wonderful. I see why it makes you so happy! You've been making good use of your downtime there while getting your van fixed.

[@valeriemills384]

Your cabinets are absolutely gorgeous you should be very proud of yourself

[@msanabria8159]

Kelly loooves to have the shop all by herself..😂😂no visitarse, no Cruzzie..jijiji😊😊. She is adorable.

[@sovereigns1grace]

Wow what a nice job on those drawers! And the cupboard doors and drawer faces are lined up so nicely! Awesome. You can help me build mine!! (just kidding). So, it's kind of a blessing you're stuck in the workshop. You can get all those projects done and when the engine is back together, EVERYTHING will be ready to go! YAY! Soon.

[@shadowette1950]

I'm in heaven watching you ❤... every woman should be able to use power tools ... your build looks awesome!!!

[@DHSFEMA]

Every woman can use power tools.

[@sherrieduncan6637]

She a best

[@keyarawveg]

No joke. I'm always in awe of these girls who can build things. I must have been screwing off during shop class 🥴

[@virginiacaston1456]

You are making your home look better all the time. Great job Emi! Give Kelly a hug for me.

[@whenypoo]

I’d just like to say that you are pretty freaking awesome. I love the fact that you do basically all your own Van build. Congrats to the winner as well. It all looks fantastic

[@chihuahuense2786]

Now you can hang stuff on the inside of the door. Not a mistake at all.

[@Shihtzu99]

OMG!!!! I am so insanely impressed at those two drawers!!!!! It just goes to show that you are a detail oriented person and you did it right the first time!!!! Insanely impressed!!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@simple-277]

It’s getting there EMI SOON YOU WILL BE IN YOUR WAY GOID LUCK ❤

[@heavenbound563]

Emi everything looks AWESOME! Nice Job. Give Miss Kelly a hug for me.

[@traveldreamer4616]

You might be able to purchase a piece of quarter round on the edge of the shelf. Just thought. I am always amazed with your creativity and skill. Kudos to you. Kelly is living every cats dream life. 💜

[@lumendrops]

Wow, this is a huge improvement ... well done!!

[@62WILDCAT]

Looking GREAT Emi. Kelly seems to really enJOY her freedom to romp in the shop without her harness ❤

[@pepo67]

Wow,you did a fantastic job!! You can be proud of yourself 👍🏻🙏🏻!!

[@picoworks7564]

Actually you are the one who made me decide to get power tools, imagining doing things the same as you do LoL. Tutorial on DIY please 🙏♥️😘

[@peterchristian7467]

Emi, you are amazing, so inspiring. I am about a week away from hitting the road full time. My anxiety levels are through the roof, but with the high crime and cost of living in Seattle I believe moving into my truck is the best option. Your van build is fantastic. Mine… well let’s just say it has its issues. As the former PM Jean Chretien said, “We have a lot of work to do “!! Anyway, keep up with the great videos, and I am going to get off the couch and get back to work. ✌️😄

[@DonnaNichols-ep5de]

You Rock Miss EMI!!! Good job!!! You can do anything that you put your mind to!!! Its beautiful and functional😁 Sending great big hugs to you and kelly❣️🤗🌷🪻🌱🌷🪻🌱🌷🪻🌿🌷🪻🌱🌱🪻🌷🌿🌞

[@authordanigray]

I believe that that what you've constructed is stronger that what you could have purchased. You know you're stuff! Would you ever get into van construction?

[@dreamingmusicgal]

Congrats to the winner of the Bluetti.

[@lmoore5264]

I really enjoyed the music on this video. Uplifting and happy. Thanks Emmie.

[@ColetteMalette1]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉80,000+!!❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️ All this work you are having done is such a Great investment!! Keeping You & Ms Kelly safe is very very important!!! Take care Dear🎉

[@Bonniefufu61]

Hahaha I love when cats get the zoomies😂😂😂😂

[@martaparsons5633]

Your cabinet looks great. Happy that your part will be here soon🎉 You and Kelly take care❤

[@MyraFlores]

I enjoy watching you build and repair your van. Well done Emi & Kelly.

[@sharonoldham4374]

Congrats on 80k 😊 Your reno on the cabinets look really nice.

[@michaelgegoski3288]

You've become quite the handy person. I like the way the cabinet turned out. Please take care and stay safe ❤️

[@Dlirette]

Great job, Emi. Your cabinets are awesome. I think you get more satisfaction when you do it yourself.

[@maineapple52]

After seeing the furniture you built at your Mom's home, I'm not surprised it looks so nice. Great job Emi! I like it!

[@bobrunde2755]

The cabinets look outstanding job well done.

[@debjohansen7867]

Wow, Emi, I am impressed by your woodworking skills! Looks awesome. You did a great job! Miss Kelly, you make your Mama chase you, silly girl! Have fun going camping! Joy and love to you both! Congratulations to the winner of Bluetti!

[@ginaallen3797]

You are a very accomplished carpenter. It would have taken me multiple tries to get it right then I would have said good enough. You are Awesome. Looking forward to the final finished cabinets. Great news on the van parts. Get out and enjoy the good weather while you can. Peace Out.

[@viper16vet]

Great idea to double up to drawers, and a great job. You handle a table saw better than some of my friends :)

[@dreamingmusicgal]

Emi, Amazing what a little hard work can do for a new look on anything. You did a wonderful job on the cabinets and can't wait to see it finished. Ms Kelly is loving that hid and seek in the shop. Blessings!

[@douglaswhite1306]

For your shelves, buy some trim that is as wide as your shelf is thick and put one screw in the center of it so that when you travel just turn it 90 degrees so it's vertical to hold things in. Do two or more per shelf as needed.

[@keyarawveg]

Your knowledge of building is quite impressive. You restored your kitchen to perfection so quickly 👍👍🌟

[@bettywalters9342]

Great improvement to the kitchen.

[@berilmurray9879]

What a great job you have done Emi, it looks great.

[@belindaboudreau9178]

You did a great job on your cabinets Emi! (I’m crafty, but not with wood working) I envy your woodworking skills 😊 love the new look! It’s been nice seeing Kelly enjoy her stay at the shop! She’s sure making the best of it! Bouncing around and exploring every nook n cranny!😊 I’m sure your loving your fresh new look in your van home🌻enjoy ladies 😻

[@willothewispl]

Rmi you did a lovely job.,Everything looks so nice. God Bless.

[@Angel-hd2rs]

Great job, Emi! Those cabinets are what was in the condo I owned in Princeville, Hawaii, where I lived! I'm starting to pack up the things I want in my van, the stuff that goes to St. Vincent's (like Goodwill), sell my furniture, all the stuff I have to sell. Then sell my house And I'll be off!

[@angelapietras1235]

You are so clever making your cabinets and drawers they look great.

[@juliebaxter1740]

Dang girl come build some drawers for me!!!! I can use power tools but I've never built drawers!!! You rock!!!!

[@NancyH60]

Cabinets are beautiful! Great job as always Emi! Kelly is really loving all that freedom in the garage😊 She's playing with you 😂 Cute Cute!!

[@ButterflyKisses.]

What can say? Not been said already! Congratulations..........anything we done in our past, can help in our future! Way to go on upper rise...😊 It better day.😊

[@douglaswhite1306]

You're a fantastic builder. Looks awesome.

[@patriciacoxson3180]

Hello Emi an your sweet cat Kelly. Wow everything is looking awesome can't wait to see it done. 😊😊 Yay. Way to go. Give your sweet cat Kelly 🐈 a hug 🤗 stay safe out there working on your Van. Take care God bless you guys 😊😻😻

[@csimon1951]

I’m impressed! Your cabinets look so professionally made!! Beautiful!

[@alariaesculenta8177]

So, What's-his-face's shop is coming in very handy..... I thought you were done.... Now we get to see the wood worker side of you, I remember these because pieces of furniture at your parents' place !

[@donnahenderson5857]

Wow such beautiful work Emi and it’s so awesome to see a woman doing carpentry 🔨 work 💪🏽😉

[@katreyes6358]

It looks so nice Emi. Mad respect, I do not have building skills.

[@6spring3]

I am continually amazed at your abilities. I can’t even use power tools, except for a drill for simple things.

[@peggybaker69]

Wow it turned out Awesome, very nice. Kelly is sure enjoying herself in the shop.

[@DoreenGregory-sj3df]

You are doing a real nice job on your van emi! Nice work.

[@trishfuerte705]

Great job! Best part of the video is kitty and you playing at the end, she’s so sweet❤

[@HensOnly]

LOVE the cabinets! Looks so fresh and modern! Now, let's do the bed if you got the time and money to build one!

[@Shihtzu99]

I love it when you build stuff and do little fix it stuff! Inspires me!!

[@TexCynRVLife]

You did great! Good choice on the latches too. We're all proud of you & your skills! 👍

[@BKAD623-hz7ln]

Cabinets and drawers look great. This has me thinking of changing to drawers in my cargo trailer ✌️

[@user-dr2js7bv2i]

Good job, Emi! That is going to be so much easier. Looks good, too. I know you aren't quite done, but it's great. Love seeing Kelly play hide and seek. ❤❤

[@cindysmith6612]

I love the way you play with miss kitty❤

[@starbubbli]

WOW, Sister that's BEAUTIFUL WORK

[@tamo9520]

It's looking 'Fantabulous' Emi! Awesome job!

[@msanabria8159]

Emi my lovely girl, so nice to see you always. You sure are my inspiration. When I get my van, I will defenitly hire you to help me with the build out. When? 😢😊❤BLESSINGS

[@noras.5355]

Hi Emi, your cabinets look great! You are so talented. 👍I love how you and Kelly play around!

[@GDixon-ch3yl]

Finally a decent place for you to be able to work. It's not you don't make the best of every situation you are in because you do. ❤ I just like you have shelter that's clean, safe and no bugs. 😂😂😂

[@momofbert]

Awesome job! You are such an inspiration - thank you for your beautiful presence here (along with Miss Kelly) 💕

[@christophgrail]

Hello Emilie, your cabinets look wonderful; you have really skilled hands...it wouldn't look anywhere near as good or perfect on me! Aw, and it's nice to see your sweet cat Kelly having fun too! Greetings from the Graz mountains, Styria 🇦🇹, Christoph with my 4 cats Barney, Kira, Sial and Ted 🤗💐🐈

[@pilgrimpeace7763]

Instead of a stopper on your shelf, put some bigger/longer/deeper storage baskets on the inside of your cupboard door. That will utilise the space/depth of the top shelves and stop things moving forward also.

[@h.w.a.batterink1027]

Hello Emi, it is so nice you fixing up youre cabinets. and the are so nice! You can be really proud off yourself! thanks for sharing! See you on the next! Hug for Kelly.

[@lindaogle5999]

You are so talented! Hope your life goes happily and smoothly.

[@autumnnight3513]

Hi Emi and Kelly, was waiting for this part/video. It is lovely. Van is looking awesome.

[@adriennetochter6873]

The cabinets and drawers came out great! Beautiful as well as functional. Excellent idea to go camping in the good weather spell. Watching you and Kelly play Chase was fun. 😂

[@rosemarie20]

Congratulations to Emi's #Bluetti winner!!

[@Lorelly5]

You come alive when your building - love it when your creating and doing your building projects- that shop suits you to build, repair and fix up furniture- great opportunity to be inside over the VI winter rainy conditions and keep your channel running with things to work on for your KZbin business - hope you really consider bringing us an extra bonus in seeing you do more hands on building & refurbishing items to sell

[@Richard-lm4qu]

I was a cabinet maker so its nice to see the way you use those tools! Great job! 🤩❤

[@FOLLOWJESUS-fg8hs]

Hi Emi and Kittie!!! From Angel and Angela from NC!!!! I would like to say maybe you should keep this shop for your self. And do learn from Emi and Kittie!!!!. You do a Awesome job on things. And you can do it on a Awesome budget!! For the real world. And makes it definitely without going into debt. Thank you Emi and Kittie for helping me. By doing it perfectly for me to learn!!! Thank you again and you and Ms. Kittie enjoy your day my friend!!! Angel and Angela NC ❤❤❤😊😊😊❤ sending hugs and love from us to you and Kittie.

[@conniewaite1371]

Great job on that drawer!

[@cdbasey]

Bravo for your cabinet improvements!!! :)

[@expectamiracle.406]

Emi… you bring joy to my week.

[@ltpsalm63]

Oh my goodness Emi!! How fulfilling is that, thank make your own sliding drawers!!! I am so happy for you! I am one who also appreciates things like this in how they affect daily life. Great job, so inspiring!! 😊♥️

[@christiannemayer6062]

You are making the best of your time. Very clever and organized. .very impressed. Drive soon💜🙏

[@kimbrandom2789]

Gorgeous job on the cabinets. You inspire me SO much! Thank you for sharing!

[@traveldreamer4616]

Your cabinetry looks lovely. Well done. Kelly is having a blast!

[@ramblynrocketeer]

You did an amazing job 👏👏👏 The artist in you comes through in this project!! ✨💛✨

[@celiaamador2397]

You go girl! That looks amazing Emi! Great job.

[@michellelouise9863]

Awesome job on the drawers, they look fantastic!

[@irhonda31]

Wow, it’s turning out beautifully!!

[@nailazion3113]

Hello Emi and Kelly....great job....looks professional...

[@shirleygibson3272]

Beautiful cabinet. Great job Emmi. 🎉🎉😊

[@allentowngal4769]

The cabinet looks fantastic!!

[@michaelhaunting7873]

What a difference amazing work good job🎉

[@denisemckiver69]

That table saw sure beats a hand saw and you don't have to rush due to rain, so things are working out for the best after all. If you put a couple of small clamps at the end of your short shelves they should keep things in place and you can hang your pot holders or dish towels on them. Good job Emmy

[@emilee9526]

Looks great, Emi.

[@michelleellis8201]

Looks amazing Emily! You are so skilled!

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Congratulations on 80K❤🎉🎉congrats