Vanlife is Just Sokozi! - Day in the Life | Why Are They Different?!

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Finally got my Sokozi window blockers and they are perfect for vanlife! Nice clean look with perfect privacy, check them out if you're interested - I highly approve. Unfortunately the other goal for this day proved to be a bit more challenging that expected.
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Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
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My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!

[@iamgrowler]

The 'You ain't sugar, you aren't going to melt' bit is one of my favorite 'Momism's'

[@dawnsnyder216]

Mathew sokozie folks also do front door covers that have screens, so you can leave window down and not let bugs in. Also your ceiling fan for winter cold air blocking.

[@ceebee987]

Came here to say the same thing. I bet if Matthew asked, Paulie would sell him one side door cover (instead of the pair). The couple is so incredibly sweet.

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

Polly and Harch Sokozi. Absolutely amazing people!

[@arlahare4020]

So nice to see the Sokozi's in action. I saw them on Chrome's channel and then Emi (cat lady), but they have Fords, I have Chevy express. So i talked to Sokozi and they assured me that they work just as well on Chevy Express, so I went for it. Waiting for them to come in the mail. Like you said, they have been in contact through the process. Nice people.

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Sokozi for the 'WIN'!👍🤗💖🎉

[@Diana-ex5ig]

Penny is like- "Matthew, you said cookies, can I haz some"

[@Camaro-Sean]

I agree. Penny says.......

[@Lozenhimer]

the sokozi's are a very thoughtful and sweet couple

[@karolmolitor4675]

The window covers will also keep the van cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. ❤

[@TerriMosier-fe8sf]

Happy Canada Day Matthew and Penny. Have a great day. ❤

[@ItsOnlyMe13]

Wow the back of Lucky looks a hundred times better with the new Sokozie window covers. Much more a cohesive look. Love that Miss Penny has her own sticker area 😻

[@bertiesark]

my late dad always said we were all born waterproof lol

[@CofRedNE]

Matthew, I hope you don't mind my saying, "you, sir, are looking mighty fine!" 😊 You have transformed yourself so well. All for health reasons and to keep living your best life. Love to Penny.

[@cparker3150]

He sure is!!!!

[@Pammellam]

The new window covers match your blanket which is really really nice! Somehow, makes the van seem bigger….

[@kathylenn9153]

Matthew, I too have the Sokoszi window covers for my Ford Econoline, my favorite feature is the upper screen in the driver & passenger doors. These covers are so worth the money, I live in Florida with lots of sunshine therefore not only are these covers great for privacy, they reduce the heat penetration from Florida's sun penetrating through my windows all day . And the cookies were delightful. From a great grammie in Florida.

[@jchawkjr2]

Air fryer is really a small convection oven. Reduced instruction temp by 50F degrees, and use about 3/4 of the time. You’ll learn to guess pretty close.

[@Valerygallery]

Your van looks so bright and Airy now with your back windows open. Very nice! ❤

[@freedomdove]

The cookies are a nice touch. 👍

[@tracyk-79]

You are definitely moving up in the world with all of your improvements Matthew. Still loving your videos.❤

[@donnamacleod2947]

Beautiful window coverings! Sokozi for the win! And you even got cookies,how sweet! Quality content! Keep smiling! Hi Penny!

[@Red-Robin4]

I LOVE PENNY! She is so adorable and I love watching her.❤😻❤😻

[@cynthiag3984]

Hello Mathew so happy so have you back, was missing your videos, also just fyu they sale liners for the air frier less cleaning. Looking forward foe next video.

[@dianestreet5363]

HAPPY CANADA DAY MATTHEW, BROOKLYN & PENNY!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ramblynrocketeer]

❤🎉 Sokozi Window Covers!!

[@stoneledgetinyhouse]

I priced em for my Express back windows @ $195 a pair 😮 Can't be right And for that price I don't care about homebaked cookies 🤨

[@shawnoutcelt]

My next cat will be named... Sokozie Purrfect

[@karenlowes7802]

Air fryers are just mini convection ovens, which cook faster than regular ovens.

[@cparker3150]

Van looks sharp and better everyday!!! Nice job.

[@canadiannat8960]

🍀🌼🍀🌼🍀 A good day with Matthew!

[@TheJustineCredible]

I've seen the Sokozi window covers on a few other vans on TY. Every time someone gets them they're always really impressed...and yeah, those cookies are such a sweet, personal touch. That's awesome! Glad you finally got some!

[@staceygiometti9680]

Nice Light Coming In Using/Not Using The New Covers.🤗

[@annierouleau8688]

Good evening Matthew and Penny. Happy Canada Day· Hope you took some time to recharge. hugs to you both.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Happy Canada Day Annie!

[@titanican2731]

Cookies are the best ❤ I Love something you Love -PENNY ❤❤

[@libbyjones552]

Yes, Chrome { VanCity VanLife} has them..He was the first and them Emmi { CatLady} got them..The lady that makes the window covers is so sweet..She always bring cookies to Chrome..L9ve your videos Matthew and of course, that precious Penny! Not to forget Brooklyn also..She's just like you! ❤

[@vickymartin9361]

It's like remodeling your house. Coat of paint, New curtains etc.

[@deirdruex9591]

It looks so amazing, open and bright with the light from the windows!

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Maggie and Brooklyn have matching purrmaid stickers.

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Thanks Matthew for reading our letter. It cracked us up. I love where you put Penny's stickers. That's purrfect placement.

[@MrRedtaco11]

Happy Canada Day Matthew & Penny. Hopefully water restrictions will be gone by the end of the week. Summer temps will be here soon enough 7-11 Taqitoes are good. Nothing frozen is as good as fresh. That’s good you were able to get the torx you need. See you in the next one bud. Have a good week. HI PENNY!!!! Holy crap, that wipe is massive.

[@davidsaric2012]

Penny's apology, right on cue 😂

[@cparker3150]

Oh that wipe is massive…😂

[@zeke5687]

About the screens you said, “you’ll definitely pay a premium”. You’re not joking. I put the covers with the screens, so the best of what I could get for my mini van into the cart to see the price, plus shipping and tax, it’s CAD $ 1,363.04. Oh my gosh! I can’t believe the price. That’s insane. Wow!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Yeah that’s why I will just collect all the pieces over time and I don’t mind paying more when it’s a small business that produces quality like this. I’ve gone through too many “cheap” alternatives from places like Walmart and Canadian Tire

[@insanity6829]

Sokozi folks are such kind and wonderful people. Arent these awesome! Glad you got some, they will last forever ! Polly is one amazing lady and loves to make cookies for her friends and customers :))

[@emilecousineau1464]

Love the new covers. So n'est, clean and bright when removed. Hope you get one for the single door...will make Lucky look classy. Just love Penny, she is adorable. The weather here was cool too, Quebec...now very warm, will send your way. Love watching your videos. Regards from Delson, Québec. ❤️🌞

[@SirShake]

You stole my color combo on the window covers 😂 also if you get the front windows make sure to get the bug screen version

[@no_worries_van]

Don’t you just LOVE Sokozi?!?! I told you that you would get cookies!!! They are amazing!

[@lynnvalenti9532]

The natural light makes the van look larger. They also sell covers with springs. Gotta make yourself comfortable.

[@lynnvalenti9532]

Screens!!! My fat fingers!!!!

[@laurastewart2418]

Great! Now I'm watching for jeeps all the time and have spotted 2 more! Must to be up to 8 now! I almost got caught staring into these guys in a jeep trying to eyeball their ducks......lololol...good thing I'm married...that sounds like a bad line..." I was looking at your ducks"😂

[@alanweisner2421]

Ahhh to good. I once had a Boss that would tell us ( when it's raining) you ain't made of shit or sugar ! Get out there and WORK ! No one gonna melt. He was clearly endearing 🥴 You will love the window covers. I really enjoy being able to open all the windows. Especially in beautiful locations. Brightens everything. Stay safe

[@sheilacaine]

😂 Rainy days in van life. I don’t think I would like those days however you made the best of it. Lots to do. Enjoyed ❤

[@dianehoule625]

Happy Canada Day, Matthew! (Any day when I'm visiting Canada is a happy day!)

[@jacquelineho8623]

The Sozoki window covers fit so well. Love that they're magnetic. Brooklyn and I are twinning with our Yeti ramblers. Love seeing what you do in a day 🥰 Am adjusting from seeing you in 3D to 2D form again 😅

[@lyndiebright8508]

Fortunately you are not in Manitoba for July first as we are getting a lot of rain and no fireworks tonight. Glad to see the window blockers up and working.

[@bobtailedtrucker2521]

I also asked in your live stream if Sokozi would consider PayPal for payment to help out with out of Canada purchases.

[@rajanikumari3672]

Happy Monday Matthew & Pretty Penny.

[@masterful7574]

Happy Canada Day!! 🇨🇦

[@HaveNoPlan]

What size are your little cargo nets on your wall and what's the link for them please thanks buddy great channel man.

[@laurastewart2418]

Those covers those people make are so cool! Makes me wish I was on the road so I could have some too😊

[@calinurselori6477]

Yay!! I'm so happy it's working for you!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Was super handy this weekend when I was too tired to even roast a wiener 😂

[@Sheilah_LucasGraphics]

Those Sokozi’s looking soo much better! 👍 Worth it. I’ll have to remember about the 2XL Sport Wipes for next time! 💦

[@VanlifePLUS]

Haha thanks for everything this weekend!

[@stacynoble3909]

Thank you to Craze Outdoors and Sport Wipes for helping Matthew smell nice

[@violetflame88]

Mainly, Airfryer means "not frying with oil" , less grease in your diet, but also less heat in your cooking area and easier cleaning. The one's from 7/11 have more grease and "crap" in them, unfortunately. A very long cargo net mounted on your ceiling behind your seat and curtain might work for the Pirate Patch and case. Mario was such a big part of my boys childhood. One of my Adult son's was very excited to play a new Final Fantasy game. He and friends made from the Twitch platform during Covid are enjoying it together. Such a different world. Love the light you get from your back windows now and the Sokozi covers look amazing when on. That wipe!!!

[@dawnsnyder216]

Penny will probably spend more time in back window now

[@kaytoka717]

Haha, poor Penny, you keep saying food and hanging out by her dish, but not putting any food in it. Glad you are taking care of Gracie and putting the hinge reinforcements on her, even if you had to do a practice run. Might want to try alternating ice and heat on your back when it’s hurting. Nice big wipe, you should be nice and clean with that size. 😂. ❤😊😺

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew and Miss Penny. I’m late!

[@VikingShipExplorer]

Hey Mathew...don't forget to check your hinge pins on Craces tailgate. Open the gate and lift the open edge up and down and see how much play there is in the hinges. All the weight of that door is hanging on two pins that will wear out prematurely do to excess weight. I'm curious to see how that plate is going to strengthen up the sagging door problem. You may need to look into aftermarket heavy duty off road hinges if they are available. Just something to consider down the road if needed. Love the vids as always, and now if you will excuse me I must go buy an air fryer...lol. Cheers from 'Toon town.

[@jaredschroeder6484]

Verify that screw is tight on that fuse where you have the wire inserted, that will cause heat right there too.

[@rhondacooper3565]

You can preheat and a air fryer is a small conventional oven.

[@laurastewart2418]

Even funnier is it was near a road called duck lake!

[@robertstrohm2412]

20% less man, time and temp. I’m repeating myself. With love and respect o’course.

[@Mysteryofitall]

Looking great with the shorter beard! Have a great day!

[@susanadams-wauro6716]

Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦🎉🇨🇦

[@cherilitner2012]

Happy Canadas Day!!

[@natashafeld6588]

Hey Mat...try some sour cream, quacamole and a little cheese on your taquitos. Yum with some salsa and Mexican beer with lime.

[@JessicaFerri-um4hf]

Van looking very 😎 cool. Today is July 2, 2024 and I have been having the most beautiful cool breezes here in the Bronx NY for about two days because of hurricane Beryl offshore heading towards the Caribbean, made landfall in Curacao yesterday. Intense winds - 100mph 😮 praying for everyone there. Canada seems far away but this is a historic category 4 , first time ever for this time of year. I blame Solar Maximum cycle 25 -also most active ever recorded. We [🌎] will be dealing with stuff like this for the rest of this year and most of next year. Good luck compadre 🤙vaya con dios ! 🫕🥤🌭🌾🌺🌞🤙🚐

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Hello Matthew and Penny ☺️❤️

[@sunshine3914]

Figured 39°F was hot for Canadians

[@nailazion3113]

Hey Matthew and Penny

[@angelapietras1235]

They look 💯 better Matt,so much nicer.

[@leed119]

Send some of that nice weather DOWN here to Vegas>>>or We can send up over 50F. (bring Vegas down to 60F)

[@vickimathews1970]

You're right, air fryer due to the fact it gets air from the top and bottom through the holes, is definitely faster than a conventional oven.

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

LOL!🤭 ...17:13 😆🤣.

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

C-A-N-D-Y!🤭 ...heheheee!

[@jacquelinejeffrey786]

Happy Canada Day Matthew and Penny 🎉🎉🎉

[@rhondacooper3565]

Mama said there would be days like this. Yes Mama said.

[@DoreenGregory-sj3df]

Holy shit,that is quite a wipe, you could clean up 2 of you. Lol. Have a great evening.

[@kerrymcclaren3082]

Good evening, sir! I hope you're resting!!!

[@dianehoule625]

Hello Matthew and Penny!

[@VaguelyMeandering]

This was an amazing video...when I was working on Blanche thus far I've had to do most everything at least twice. And that's okay. Watching Penny brace herself and eat as you were driving made me smile. I remember Stella was not good at that...ahem. Penny's sticker collection is adorable. Conrad at Craze recommended the wipes to me for you...I'm chuffed they're still a favourite. Thank you, as always, for bringing us along in your life "shenanigans".

[@youtubehandle0]

Happy Canada Day!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Happy Canada Day 😊

[@hackedlion]

Haven’t watched one of your videos in a minute but I’m glad your still doing great

[@jasonspeer1964]

I'm an industrial electrician and if you have 1 side that's hotter it is most likely due to a loose connection and can definitely cause a fire. Check the wire termination ASAP.

[@Vancouver144]

I was watching the new the other day and they said the Galgary was 4 degees colder than Labrador. Lol

[@daveallison1888]

When you were seat hunting that spare tire mount you looked at in recycle yard well seeing your jeep mount tire we know what it came off of

[@TamaraShayna]

Chrome gets boxes of those cookies!

[@UrdnotChuckles]

If the weather is subpar the next time you take a crack at the brace, might want to make use of your van awning if you can! Good luck either way eh.

[@Geoff321]

Happy canada day mathew.

[@cparker3150]

Hey Matthew, proud of you for taking steps to add strength training to your routine. I have had back surgery many times. I have some pain/nerve pain remedies (natural) that have helped me through the initial years. “Figuring” things out phase is hard and frustraing post surgery. If you want any ideas to try or info about back injury life lmk, professionals, I can share what I learned and send you some small items to try and see if it helps….just an idea. Exercise for sure will help you 100% -doing it at your own pace is key. Keep going!!!! I have a gym at my house and you are welcome to use it when it is yuck out🙃 Do some laundry and get a wash in at the same time while uploading a video…here to help if you need a safe place to park at any time. Also you could work in my garage if you ever need with grace or store her if you need. Cheer☘️🥇💪🏼

[@duanerichardson1669]

Mathew, maybe im missing something but i dont see how that plate is gonna change the weight bearing on those hinges.

[@tommurray2653]

Hi Mat, it looks like the combined weight is too much for the design of the tailgate. Maybe the best plan would be a bumper/frame mount for the swing a way carrier that would be stronger than the stress. On my 1989 b250 Dodge Roadtrek camper i have a frame mount heavy tow hitch with a custom built swing a way carrier to carry my 2 70 lb e-bikes and small 2400 watt generator, gallon gas jug and 1 gallon propane tank. This van has the old style wide single rear door that Dodge used for years. Have a nice day. Tom in the Maritimes at the NB-NS border

[@debraknapp2660]

Mathew Wal-Mart sells a bigger box of taquitos ..yum yum 😊

[@youtubehandle0]

Hi. Do they sell them in Canada too? I have looked and not finding them here. Thanks!

[@debraknapp2660]

@@youtubehandle0 I would assume so if they carry most items the state's carry. I find mine down here in the freezer section by the frozen burritos. Happy hunting.

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

Hello Matthew darlin’, hope you’re feeling a bit re-charged 🪫⬆️🔋after the weekend. It was so great to see you again. Enjoy your 🫧 🧼 . I just got out of the shower - running water is a wonderful invention 🤣😂. Take care of yourself sweetie 🥰💞😘🍀🏴‍☠️

[@greencomfortliving4909]

problem with getting my van hope it sorted soon

[@billybigconkers]

#### Air Fryer #### there are loads of air fryer conversion charts if you Google for them. My rule of thumb is to take 20°c from Fan assisted temperature (on packet), and take 20% off the time. So just remember 20/20. I thank you 😎