When I travel I roll my jeans, shirt and underwear together in packing squares for easy access. I don’t have to rumble around putting an outfit together. Works great!🙏💕💕
I love seeing all woman of all colors thriving and being strong and doing well for themselves. There are alot female fulltime vanlifers out here. Salute to all you women! ❤
Hello Monique, I lived in a van for two years. Just one suggestion in relation to the toilet. I would put some wood shavings into the bag before using it. Throw 2-3 handfuls in & this will drastically reduce any odours from the toilet, and makes discarding the used toilet bag even stealthier, due to a massive reduction in odour. They can be purchased from most large supermarkets, and are usually used for small pets such as hamsters. You may find the pee funnel no longer needed too, since the wood shavings will absorb liquids, as well as reducing odour.
🌴☀️I found the perrrrrfect wide mouth cup with lid from the now $1.25 store for #1 and keep it cleaned with a bleach spray bottle what a gem…I #1 like a race horse 🤭so in the end the funnel did’t quite work, I still have it tho & it’s cute but not useful lol☀️🌴
This is the best list of van life essentials video I have watched! And I have watched a ton of them. Excellent job! Clear, concise and very, very practical for real and healthy life. Thank you so much for making and sharing this video! UA-cam randomly recommended your video to me. I hope this means the algorithm has found you. Great work! 🙏🏾🧡
I agree and perfectly said! Thank you so much taking the time to think the list through and taking the time to post! Wishing you peaceful travels and stay safe!
That's what you call thuggin it out. I got a van myself and want to do this same thing I'm starting part time to turn into full time I'm paying for a room to rent so when worse come to worse i can turn it into full time
Salaam, love this! It's awesome seeing a Muslim woman represented in vanlife, and using it to make the most of life. Best of luck on your journey! You've got another subscriber
I love you immediately. You're so centred and grounded, so calm and comforting. I can tell you're a writer. Reflective, self aware, deep thinking. Also courageous for doing what you want and refusing to conform. Such a breath of fresh air. Thank you for existing 🌿
I lived in my insulated but not built out van for nine months. I wish I had known about your hanging basket idea, it’s beyond fantastic! Frankly, had I known about a number of things that you shared, I would probably still be in my van. But such is life. I think you’re extremely wise to utilize vehicle life to reach your long term goals. I just discovered your channel, subscribed and will continue to watch even though I’m back in sticks and bricks. ~Metta~
It is inspiring to see all the things you’ve built up to to make van life more comfortable for you! I’ve been in my Prius on and off for 2 months. What I’ve noticed is I need a shady place to park during the day where it is too hot. I’m in California so the winter isn’t as cold as it is elsewhere.
Sister glad bag's don't leak n I add my trash to it...n dispose like normal kitty litter trash in any garbage... my trash added to it help absorb humidity n urine...als9 add septic deodorizer if I keep it longer than week...I also put kitty litter clumps at bottom of bucket before glad bags ❤
Hi. New subscriber here. You are the most organized vanner I've ever seen, and I really like how you stay directly on topic. Thank you for all of this, and best of luck to you!!❤
@@simmpleenough sister did you know Arabs which are Muslims and religion is Islam had us in sub subharan slave trade beating us and erasing our true nationality, heritage, culture, way of living Google sub sharahan slave trade I pray God wake you up and understand christ blood runs through us the Israelites are black biblical we have been told so many lies and it's time to wake up the end times is here our job to fear christ and obey all God commandments for the day he comes we will not see the loving side of Christ
Christ prophecied the real Jews and rest of the Israelites will be put in slavery with ships deueteronmy 28:68 And the Lord shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwoman and no man shall buy you. KJV
When Christ says he Shall bring us into Egypt the correct biblical meaning Exodus 20:2 I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. We was slaves in Egypt Christ prophesized we still are in bondage Deueteronmy 28:48 therefore thou shalt serve your enemies which the Lord has send against thee, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee. KJV Reason why we don't know our true nationality, heritage, culture because we to busy serving other people God who oppressed our forefathers and us please I can only pray and hope you turn to our Savior who is the only one whom can save us from our wicked ways and acknowledge we sinned against our God and change before he comes back much love sister 💜🕊️🤴🏿🦁🕎✊🏿
Hi Monique we are buying a class b van in February. Thank you for sharing some of the items you utilize. We will need to purchase some of these items to make the van livable. Thanks again for your advice and best wishes to you.
I am so very impressed at all of the real, whole food you’re making, and the real appliances you’re using! 🙉 Congrats on fitting those all into your small space!! And prioritizing them 👍🏽
Once again, welcome back Monique!!😊😊 We missed you! Very useful and smart tips. I love how neat and cozy you make your van and the use of space.. (I really do not like feeling any little particles from the floor on my feet also, I literally sweep every day😱🫣🤫😊) please stay warm in the winter, I see you got your heater👍. See you next week, sweetie. Stay safe🙏🤍
This is EVERYTHING, well organized and to the point of true essentials that make life convienent. I can tell you a true cook, chefing it up in there. I think this was the best essentials for van life I've seen (I've watched a lot of vids) with great reliable brands.
Happy you're back!! You've been missed. I've had my eye on a vitamix for a while, but can't get the nerve to pay the price! I think air fryers can do the same thing as these small van ovens, too. I love mine. Great video.
See if can find a Vitamix for sale at a store with layaway. That's how I bought mine and it's been going strong for 13 years now. With all the things I've made in it over the years, it's literally paid for itself.
I appreciate you taking the time to provide this information. It was all useful. I’ve never heard of carbon steel pans, but I want to look them up now, although I’m extremely happy with my cast iron. I see you with the Melanin conditioner. Love her product line. I enjoy your videos. Thank you.
Great list, I use many of the same items as well. I also have a similar goal of buying land as a home base to live a more simple life. I quit my corporate career last year and the next step is to sell my house.
You guys are the real MVP ❤🎉 I HV A VAN . I’m gone to transform my van too just for the hell of it . To see can I transform it on my own ! And when I travel for work I can hv a house on wheels 💅🏽
I came across your channel for the first time today and subscribed immediately. You deserve full support. Saving to buy land? That is such a smart thing to do.
Good job! On your way to saving money this way, well done! The diesel heater is a very good idea. No more moisture inside the van unlike propane. Pity you did not put the link down. Here is the key to seasoning cast iron: 1. Buy a Dewalt Corded Random Orbit Sander and some sanding discs 80 grit, 150, and 220 grits. Sand up the insides of the cast iron pan, sides and bottom well. This will polish off the ridges left from casting. They used to do this in the old days but not any more. Unless you sand them down, you will never be able to season it well. It must be flat not with a sandy feel. 2. Buy a Corded Angle Grinder - Bosch 5" is the best. It must have variable speed and I like the Paddle Switch. It that is too heavy get the Makita Grinder at 4.5". 3. Harbor Freight has the crimped wire brush 4- 4.5" size, attach to grinder. Buy goggles at HF too, only $2. Wear an apron and goggles when doing this. The wires flying out will lodge in your clothes, so wear no sleeves, shorts, apron, goggles and ear muffs to deaden sound. 4. After sanding down all your cast iron pans, polish them with the wire brush. Metal on metal polishes, does not scratch. It will polish up nicely giving you a smooth sheen. Wash well and dry. Spray cooking oil and wipe down to store. No need to 'season' the pan. The polishing and sanding has done the job. Personally, I find that after my polishing, I don't bother with oil coatings. I just spray and smear some oil after washing up. A very light coating to prevent rust. That is all. If over time, you build up crud, repolish with your grinder and wire brush to remove it. Costco was selling tiny Carbon Monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. Very small the size of your thumb, and very powerful. Screw them in. Costco also has a really good First Aid Kit in a box.
Thank you so much for these instructions! I do struggle with properly seasoning my pans. And I just added the link to the diesel heater in the pinned comment. It's the MaxSpeedingRods All-in-one Diesel Heater, or something like that. Got it on amazon. Thanks again!
Peace be unto you sister, Highly impressed with the thoughtfulness and planning in use of space and also that horizontal fridge freezer. Great videos from the three I've seen thus far
Excellent video and a lot of valuable information. I have a 23’ RV and I recently just added a 1 quart air fryer and love it. I’m a solo Rv’er and don’t cook very much but having the fryer has made a world of difference. I also had the same hot water kettle like you but after a year it stopped working 😢 so now I’m back to nuking my water in the microwave or just boiling water in a pot on the stove, eventually I’ll buy another one.
There is some question about the safety of heated silicone so perhaps your kettle dying isn't so bad. Staying away from plastics and even silicone is good.
Good afternoon and thanks so much for the awesome tips your giving. Everything you said is what I will need for my own van life. I finally understand how I can save money and own my own things and stop helping someone else get richer. All while seeing this beautiful country we live in. Every detail is so important because I didn't know one thing about Nomadic life, but I also wanted to include getting an off road app and a satellite phone for any emergencies or for whenever you go someplace off the beaten path. Safe Journey everyone. C.J
Great additions to the list. I hope to get a Garmin In Reach soon, it's just out of my budget at the moment. I'll look into off road apps this week. Thank you.
Since you roll your clothes, you could get a traveling bottle of Downy Wrinkle Spray to 'relax the winkles'. You will need a hanger to help. It spray in a fine mist so it doesn't drip... I use it when I don't have time to iron...walmart has it in the travel the travel cosmetic bins... I LOVE IT😊.
That toilet setup is what I have always wanted and thought seems so obvious! Pee in a bottle, poop in a bag. But I don't see many people going for that, and I have never seen such a cool toilet. Thanks for the tip!
I need that collapsable broom, looks like it can fit further under tight spaces than a normal broom too! Thanks for the recommendations. My must-have item for my van is my HomeFi hotspot, it's been so helpful for working remotely and it can fit in my pocket!
Came across your video this morning and SO glad I did. You are a very interesting person and have a beautiful van and your ways of living inside the van I think are very doable for me if can go down that route someday. I'm 70, but am anxious to live on my sons farm sometime soon in a van or small motorhome or camper. I am fine with living in small spaces and utilizing things so as not to spend too much energy cooking, cleaning......etc. I remember as a child I would always find a shed or building of some kind to hang out in. So I loved spending time alone then as I do now. You gave me some great ideas especially with cooking that I can use right where I am...especially the air fryer. Can't wait to find a small one and put it to good use. The blender, kettle and little cuisinart I have already and those help me a lot. I also love your packing bags.....need to get some of those. Thank you so much for sharing.....I look forward to seeing more of your videos.
Really enjoyed your video, what type of heater, and also how you install the batteries to keep everything going. And what type of van do you have? I have so many questions for you. Thanks for sharing. Rita
@ritathomas7790 it's an all-in-one diesel heater. I just put the link to it in the pinned comment (comment at the top). I hired professionals to install the batteries, so I can't answer that one. I have a 2022 Ford Transit Connect XLT LWB.
I'm really glad I came across your video, as it's one of the most complete in terms of useful lists and tips I've seen on the subject of van lifestyle. Very inspirational! 🎉💐
we have the same life plan aw! i am so happy to see people taking their freedom not waiting around for it, my dream is to build a whole homestead communal living thing, still in the pre-vanlife stage of the plan tho, in the process of saving money to make our conversion.
Beautiful video full of great info. One tip - toilet, if u carry a bit of pine pellets (used for horse bedding, cat litter etc), neutralizes odor and absorbs liquids. Put a handful into your bag, and it wouldnt leak, as itll all be absorbed by pellets - thry turn into sawdust.
Hello simple Queen I think you should know when I get discouraged I watch videos to lift me up and keep me focused your voice is so calming and soothing it lets me know everything Will be okay for that I thank you❤
Hi Monique! Awesome video! We just upgraded our air fryer and I’m looking forward to trying the dehydrator.. Have you thought of compression packing cubes? They take up less space for your clothes! Be well 😁
I just found your channel and I really enjoy it! I’ll be 17 this month and for years I’ve been planning to do van life for a few years while in college and working; it’s nice seeing other women doing this! :)
So many women are living this lifestyle and I love it! Doing this in college will definitely help cut costs with room & board, or renting an apartment. College costs are one of the main reasons American adults have a ton of debt, so if you can cut room & board costs, I say do it!
HELLO LADYBUG!!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU AND LIVING THE LIFE I TRULY WANT!!!! I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT YOU ARE SHOWING ME HOW IT IS DONE FOR A SISTAH WHO WANT TO LIVE A MORE SIMPLE LIFESTYLE!!!! I HAVE SUBSCRIBED AND WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH YOUR CHANNEL!!!! THANK YOU MY LOVE!!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
You have a lovely little 'tiny home'. Excellent tips, air fryer and instant pot are now on my shopping list for my future build. I also have a really tiny food processor which is so cute and very useful. Great video. Best of luck for safe happy life journeys.
I wanted a tiny food processor, too, I just can't figure out where I'll put it. I think I've used up every crevice in this van to store something, lol. I'm happy you found the video helpful 😊.
I always watch UA-cam on a double speed. Though for vids in English I have to either to watch it on the normal speed or even to slow it down. I'm so grateful for this video! I'm interested in the topic, but moreover it was a pleasure to watch it with sped up cause your pronunciation, tempo and the voice are lovely, calm, balanced and sooo easy to understand! I love it, thank you 😊❤
Wow, your meals look so delicious!! ~I only had a cooler so ice was always droning my food, and the time it took to cook and clean was consuming 2-3 hours a day. So I ended up doing OMAD and eating at a restaurant once a day at a nice restaurant. That freed up a ton of space and time. ~When I lived in my Jeep in SoCA, people knew it bec all of my windows were 100% covered up. I left the front side windows uncovered and I put up a black curtain between the front and back seat, so it hunt above my hips when I sat or slept. I put my 2 layers of 3 inch foam down in the passenger floorboard, so I perfectly reclined everso against the center seats, and with all my pillows it was a perfect place to sit and still he hidden, bec I was so low that people didn't realize I was inside. My blanket was black, so my legs were hidden. I was able to park in any Rich neighborhood I wanted, so the nightly hunt for a place to park was over because I was never harassed again.
I'm so glad youtube recommended this video... instant sub! You have such a grounding, calm, soothing voice. I think I may just binge watch the rest now 🙃😌🤗
Thank you for subscribing 😊!! lol, I do the same thing when I find a new channel. Go to their earlier videos and binge watch all of them until I'm caught up.
LINKS TO THE THINGS MENTIONED. Some are affiliate links:
9" x 9" Roof Vent - amzn.to/3qF1LJ9
Fan - Walmart
Portable Toilet - amzn.to/3Jg3TNJ
Pee Funnel - amzn.to/38gf3g8
Foldable Toiletries Bag - amzn.to/44g3N0T
Packing Cubes - amzn.to/3upPFW3
Rectangular Fabric Storage Bin - amzn.to/42FqqdQ
Adjustable Broom and Dustpan - amzn.to/3pa3IN0
Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum - amzn.to/3J0kwLi
Diesel Heater All-in-one - amzn.to/3X6OvsO
BODEGA 64 Quart (60L) Fridge & Freezer - amzn.to/49LSReH
Silicone Ice Cube Trays - amzn.to/40Jzcbg
Coleman Single Burner Camp Stove - amzn.to/3SQduQW (Walmart might be cheaper)
Carbon Steel Pan - amzn.to/3SIBbe0
3 Quart Instant Pot - amzn.to/46lCzGD
3.7 Quart Air Fryer - BrandSmart, but here is a similar one amzn.to/3G7d7di
Collapsible Tea Kettle - amzn.to/47ky9AW
Vitamin 5200 - amzn.to/3ugTP2i
Food Tray (Collapsible Basin) - amzn.to/38kPhr1
Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smar DC to DC Charger - amzn.to/3622pG7
Renogy 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter - amzn.to/35LhPij
Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery - amzn.to/3vPyhst
LED Color Changing Puck Lightings - amzn.to/3CwbiUo
2-in-1 Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detector - amzn.to/46oNAXw
First Aid Kit - amzn.to/3unl5wa
Car Fire Extinguisher - amzn.to/47iWNlK
😊oh I see in the description 😅thanks
Thanks for sharing these with us... This is really helpful and we truly appreciate it very much! 🙏
I have the same toilet you can use gelto absorb urine. And my compostable bags don't leak, would you like my link?
Can I ask you the dumbest question in the world ? Where / What company did your install ? I have zero clue where to take my van.
When I travel I roll my jeans, shirt and underwear together in packing squares for easy access. I don’t have to rumble around putting an outfit together. Works great!🙏💕💕
I love seeing black women thriving in alternative lifestyles, like van life and tiny homes! And that fridge/freezer is lit❤
Thank you 😊❤️
Why differentiate people with their race or nationality.. she’s a solo women living an alternative lifestyle periodtt😊
@@oorusaccountbecause she’s a Black woman. It may not matter to you, but to those whom it matters to, it matters and it’s ok.
i completely agree 👍
@@oorusaccountthat’s exactly why I thought?Why do they always have to mention the color of someone’s skin.?
I love seeing all woman of all colors thriving and being strong and doing well for themselves. There are alot female fulltime vanlifers out here. Salute to all you women! ❤
❤️
I am so happy finally a hijabi van lifer ❤❤❤ keep thriving
Thank you 😊❤️
Hello Monique, I lived in a van for two years. Just one suggestion in relation to the toilet. I would put some wood shavings into the bag before using it. Throw 2-3 handfuls in & this will drastically reduce any odours from the toilet, and makes discarding the used toilet bag even stealthier, due to a massive reduction in odour. They can be purchased from most large supermarkets, and are usually used for small pets such as hamsters. You may find the pee funnel no longer needed too, since the wood shavings will absorb liquids, as well as reducing odour.
Hello! Thank you for the tip 😊.
How about a little bit of kitty litter?
You're welcome : ) stay safe and happy new year!@@simmpleenough
Agreed! In my experience, cedar shavings kept odor down the most
🌴☀️I found the perrrrrfect wide mouth cup with lid from the now $1.25 store for #1 and keep it cleaned with a bleach spray bottle what a gem…I #1 like a race horse 🤭so in the end the funnel did’t quite work, I still have it tho & it’s cute but not useful lol☀️🌴
This is the best list of van life essentials video I have watched! And I have watched a ton of them. Excellent job! Clear, concise and very, very practical for real and healthy life. Thank you so much for making and sharing this video! UA-cam randomly recommended your video to me. I hope this means the algorithm has found you. Great work! 🙏🏾🧡
Thank you. I'm glad you found it helpful!
I agree and perfectly said! Thank you so much taking the time to think the list through and taking the time to post! Wishing you peaceful travels and stay safe!
That's what you call thuggin it out. I got a van myself and want to do this same thing I'm starting part time to turn into full time I'm paying for a room to rent so when worse come to worse i can turn it into full time
You don’t know how much I love this! I want to live in a van and travel so bad. May Allah bless you and keep you safe! Ameen! ♥️♥️♥️
Ameen. Thank you, sis ❤️❤️
Salaam, love this! It's awesome seeing a Muslim woman represented in vanlife, and using it to make the most of life. Best of luck on your journey! You've got another subscriber
Salaam, and thank you very much!
I love you immediately. You're so centred and grounded, so calm and comforting. I can tell you're a writer. Reflective, self aware, deep thinking. Also courageous for doing what you want and refusing to conform. Such a breath of fresh air. Thank you for existing 🌿
Thank you very much 😊❤️
There's something so freeing about living a minimalistic life. I hope one day this is me.
This is spiritual, I was just daydreaming of what my mobile home would look like and the essentials as a minamilist. Glad this popped up on my feed.
I lived in my insulated but not built out van for nine months. I wish I had known about your hanging basket idea, it’s beyond fantastic! Frankly, had I known about a number of things that you shared, I would probably still be in my van. But such is life. I think you’re extremely wise to utilize vehicle life to reach your long term goals. I just discovered your channel, subscribed and will continue to watch even though I’m back in sticks and bricks. ~Metta~
Thank you so much 😊
Me too🥰
I love that you show that eating healthy foods in a van is possible. Thank you for a great video
First black Muslima I've ever seen do Van dwelling...I love it even more inspired...
Thank you 😊
Muhrim required? What does Islam say about that.
I never understood why I’d never see people have air fryers in these videos they’re amazing and so versatile!
I agree!
I have no plans to do van life, but really enjoy your videos! God Bless and travel safe!
Thank you so much 😊😊
Animal bedding works great in a toilet. Doesn't take a lot to absorb. Double bag with trash bags in the toilet.
You have van life down!! Knowing what works makes it so much better.
Best van life video I’ve ever seen!! ❤🚐❤ So clear, concise, efficient, elegant, creative, humble, simply stunning, sis!!!! 🙌
It is inspiring to see all the things you’ve built up to to make van life more comfortable for you!
I’ve been in my Prius on and off for 2 months. What I’ve noticed is I need a shady place to park during the day where it is too hot. I’m in California so the winter isn’t as cold as it is elsewhere.
Sister glad bag's don't leak n I add my trash to it...n dispose like normal kitty litter trash in any garbage... my trash added to it help absorb humidity n urine...als9 add septic deodorizer if I keep it longer than week...I also put kitty litter clumps at bottom of bucket before glad bags ❤
Portable toilet, a lifesaver
Seriously!
A hijabi van lifer???? I’m loving it! You go sis ❤
Thank you 😊😊
Hi. New subscriber here. You are the most organized vanner I've ever seen, and I really like how you stay directly on topic. Thank you for all of this, and best of luck to you!!❤
Ditto!
Hello! Thank you both 😊.
@@simmpleenough sister did you know Arabs which are Muslims and religion is Islam had us in sub subharan slave trade beating us and erasing our true nationality, heritage, culture, way of living Google sub sharahan slave trade I pray God wake you up and understand christ blood runs through us the Israelites are black biblical we have been told so many lies and it's time to wake up the end times is here our job to fear christ and obey all God commandments for the day he comes we will not see the loving side of Christ
Christ prophecied the real Jews and rest of the Israelites will be put in slavery with ships
deueteronmy 28:68 And the Lord shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwoman and no man shall buy you. KJV
When Christ says he Shall bring us into Egypt the correct biblical meaning
Exodus 20:2 I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
We was slaves in Egypt Christ prophesized we still are in bondage
Deueteronmy 28:48 therefore thou shalt serve your enemies which the Lord has send against thee, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee. KJV
Reason why we don't know our true nationality, heritage, culture because we to busy serving other people God who oppressed our forefathers and us please I can only pray and hope you turn to our Savior who is the only one whom can save us from our wicked ways and acknowledge we sinned against our God and change before he comes back much love sister 💜🕊️🤴🏿🦁🕎✊🏿
Peace. Get a connected netted strap or strap to attach to van to support your storage bags from falling.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Hi Monique we are buying a class b van in February. Thank you for sharing some of the items you utilize.
We will need to purchase some of these items to make the van livable.
Thanks again for your advice and best wishes to you.
This was so perfect! Micro camper from someone who cooks!! Love this!
I am so very impressed at all of the real, whole food you’re making, and the real appliances you’re using! 🙉 Congrats on fitting those all into your small space!! And prioritizing them 👍🏽
It looks to me like you could do some cooking segments! Or write a cook book. Everything looks so yummy!
Once again, welcome back Monique!!😊😊 We missed you! Very useful and smart tips. I love how neat and cozy you make your van and the use of space.. (I really do not like feeling any little particles from the floor on my feet also, I literally sweep every day😱🫣🤫😊) please stay warm in the winter, I see you got your heater👍. See you next week, sweetie. Stay safe🙏🤍
Great use of everything and minimalist at the same time.
This is EVERYTHING, well organized and to the point of true essentials that make life convienent. I can tell you a true cook, chefing it up in there. I think this was the best essentials for van life I've seen (I've watched a lot of vids) with great reliable brands.
Thank you so much 😊
I have a decent sized kitchen and NO space for an instant pot or a blender 😂 Girl you really make the most out of your space 👏🏻
Happy you're back!! You've been missed. I've had my eye on a vitamix for a while, but can't get the nerve to pay the price! I think air fryers can do the same thing as these small van ovens, too. I love mine. Great video.
Happy to be back 😊. Yea, air fryers are awesome!
See if can find a Vitamix for sale at a store with layaway. That's how I bought mine and it's been going strong for 13 years now. With all the things I've made in it over the years, it's literally paid for itself.
you can get then refurbished from the company! you get a new container and a good warranty
I appreciate you taking the time to provide this information. It was all useful. I’ve never heard of carbon steel pans, but I want to look them up now, although I’m extremely happy with my cast iron. I see you with the Melanin conditioner. Love her product line. I enjoy your videos. Thank you.
Yup! I’m loving her deep conditioner. It has my hair feeling sooooo soft and it smells soooo good, lol. I’m happy you liked the video 😊
Assalaamu'alaykum, Sister Monique. Whoaah. Mashaa Allah. Tabarakallah. You're so awesome!
Wa alaikum as salaam! Thank you!
@@simmpleenough You're very welcome, Sister.
Great list, I use many of the same items as well. I also have a similar goal of buying land as a home base to live a more simple life. I quit my corporate career last year and the next step is to sell my house.
im so happy i found your channel!!! youre awesome!! stay safe!!!
Thank you! You too!
You guys are the real MVP ❤🎉 I HV A VAN . I’m gone to transform my van too just for the hell of it . To see can I transform it on my own ! And when I travel for work I can hv a house on wheels 💅🏽
lol, thank you!
What a peaceful and interesting video! Good luck on saving up for your next adventure.
This video is great love how you get straight to the point show visuals compared to other videos where people do more talking than showing.😊
Happy you enjoyed it! Thank you.
Monique, you are amazing and so inspirational ❣️
Thank you so much.
I came across your channel for the first time today and subscribed immediately. You deserve full support. Saving to buy land? That is such a smart thing to do.
Thank you very much ❤️
I am trying to down size and minimize, I love to see another sister taking this journey. Salaam sister.
Salaam!
Amazing set-up,love your home.❤
Be in this world like a traveller ❤ masha Allah sis love this, the ummah needs to be more like this
I think about that hadith often as I live this lifestyle. Thank you ❤️
I'm about to binge and get caught up on your vids. Had no idea you have a van now. That's awesome!
Good job! On your way to saving money this way, well done!
The diesel heater is a very good idea. No more moisture inside the van unlike propane. Pity you did not put the link down.
Here is the key to seasoning cast iron:
1. Buy a Dewalt Corded Random Orbit Sander and some sanding discs 80 grit, 150, and 220 grits. Sand up the insides of the cast iron pan, sides and bottom well. This will polish off the ridges left from casting. They used to do this in the old days but not any more. Unless you sand them down, you will never be able to season it well. It must be flat not with a sandy feel.
2. Buy a Corded Angle Grinder - Bosch 5" is the best. It must have variable speed and I like the Paddle Switch. It that is too heavy get the Makita Grinder at 4.5".
3. Harbor Freight has the crimped wire brush 4- 4.5" size, attach to grinder. Buy goggles at HF too, only $2. Wear an apron and goggles when doing this. The wires flying out will lodge in your clothes, so wear no sleeves, shorts, apron, goggles and ear muffs to deaden sound.
4. After sanding down all your cast iron pans, polish them with the wire brush. Metal on metal polishes, does not scratch. It will polish up nicely giving you a smooth sheen. Wash well and dry. Spray cooking oil and wipe down to store. No need to 'season' the pan. The polishing and sanding has done the job.
Personally, I find that after my polishing, I don't bother with oil coatings. I just spray and smear some oil after washing up. A very light coating to prevent rust. That is all. If over time, you build up crud, repolish with your grinder and wire brush to remove it.
Costco was selling tiny Carbon Monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. Very small the size of your thumb, and very powerful. Screw them in. Costco also has a really good First Aid Kit in a box.
Thank you about the cast iron. I was wondering how to safely get rid of the crud off the sides. An inherited pan.
Thank you so much for these instructions! I do struggle with properly seasoning my pans. And I just added the link to the diesel heater in the pinned comment. It's the MaxSpeedingRods All-in-one Diesel Heater, or something like that. Got it on amazon. Thanks again!
Very informative. I linked your presentation it was easy to follow you until the end. Keep up the good work, you will surely grow your channel.
Thank you so much.
Peace be unto you sister, Highly impressed with the thoughtfulness and planning in use of space and also that horizontal fridge freezer. Great videos from the three I've seen thus far
And unto you peace. Thank you 😊.
You make the lifestyle look so simple and easy!
Excellent video and a lot of valuable information. I have a 23’ RV and I recently just added a 1 quart air fryer and love it. I’m a solo Rv’er and don’t cook very much but having the fryer has made a world of difference. I also had the same hot water kettle like you but after a year it stopped working 😢 so now I’m back to nuking my water in the microwave or just boiling water in a pot on the stove, eventually I’ll buy another one.
Buy another one or a better model
There is some question about the safety of heated silicone so perhaps your kettle dying isn't so bad. Staying away from plastics and even silicone is good.
What a lovely home ..impressive organization and neatness 🏕✌🏿
Great content and very informative 👍🏻 lovely little home too 👌
I hope you're staying safe all the time ❤
Good afternoon and thanks so much for the awesome tips your giving.
Everything you said is what I will need for my own van life. I finally understand how I can save money and own my own things and stop helping someone else get richer. All while seeing this beautiful country we live in. Every detail is so important because I didn't know one thing about Nomadic life, but I also wanted to include getting an off road app and a satellite phone for any emergencies or for whenever you go someplace off the beaten path. Safe Journey everyone. C.J
Great additions to the list. I hope to get a Garmin In Reach soon, it's just out of my budget at the moment. I'll look into off road apps this week. Thank you.
@@simmpleenough Keep Safe and I look forward to seeing more videos.
MashaAllah! My dream is that I want to do this so badly! Can I join you, sister?❤
Simple yet effective. If it was just me I think I could do this but I need a little more space for my 2 cats. Keep it up to reach your dream.
Since you roll your clothes, you could get a traveling bottle of Downy Wrinkle Spray to 'relax the winkles'. You will need a hanger to help. It spray in a fine mist so it doesn't drip... I use it when I don't have time to iron...walmart has it in the travel the travel cosmetic bins... I LOVE IT😊.
I'm totally amazed at the number of kitchen appliances you have in a van!
Yea, I'm surprised with how much I can fit in this tiny space!
I was astonished, as well!! I am thinking how to fit those same appliances in a truck camper, lol
This may be the best item list I’ve ever seen! Glad I found you!!
Glad you found it helpful!
I loved this video, so informative and after looking through your older videos ive subscribed! New viewer from New Zealand 🇳🇿 💚🌏💚
Thank you so much!
That toilet setup is what I have always wanted and thought seems so obvious! Pee in a bottle, poop in a bag. But I don't see many people going for that, and I have never seen such a cool toilet. Thanks for the tip!
You're very welcome!
Thank you for sharing so many great ideas!🙂🤩 Love the foldable "bag" you have for your toiletries. Definitly gone get one of those!
I admire what you're doing! When you're single with no children, it's much doable! 💯
I need that collapsable broom, looks like it can fit further under tight spaces than a normal broom too! Thanks for the recommendations. My must-have item for my van is my HomeFi hotspot, it's been so helpful for working remotely and it can fit in my pocket!
The best van life ever. Watching your video have almost made up my mind. I just need a little bigger van because I have two animals.Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it! I hope you get the van you want one day 😊.
This is a well presented list of essentials. Liked and subscribed..... looking forward to catching up with your back-catalogue ❤
Thank you very much 😊
Wow! You do some amazing cooking in your van! I really enjoyed this video!
Came across your video this morning and SO glad I did. You are a very interesting person and have a beautiful van and your ways of living inside the van I think are very doable for me if can go down that route someday. I'm 70, but am anxious to live on my sons farm sometime soon in a van or small motorhome or camper. I am fine with living in small spaces and utilizing things so as not to spend too much energy cooking, cleaning......etc. I remember as a child I would always find a shed or building of some kind to hang out in. So I loved spending time alone then as I do now. You gave me some great ideas especially with cooking that I can use right where I am...especially the air fryer. Can't wait to find a small one and put it to good use. The blender, kettle and little cuisinart I have already and those help me a lot. I also love your packing bags.....need to get some of those. Thank you so much for sharing.....I look forward to seeing more of your videos.
You're very welcome. I'm happy you got some ideas from my video 😊.
@@simmpleenough hearts!!!!
Great video! That fridge/freezer is a game changer. Don’t be like us and misplace the divider 😆 Stay safe out there💚
Really enjoyed your video, what type of heater, and also how you install the batteries to keep everything going. And what type of van do you have? I have so many questions for you. Thanks for sharing. Rita
@OffGridishHomestead lol!! Thanks for the advice 😂.
@ritathomas7790 it's an all-in-one diesel heater. I just put the link to it in the pinned comment (comment at the top). I hired professionals to install the batteries, so I can't answer that one. I have a 2022 Ford Transit Connect XLT LWB.
I love this. All the practical things needed to live life. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Well done.
Thank you!
I'm really glad I came across your video, as it's one of the most complete in terms of useful lists and tips I've seen on the subject of van lifestyle. Very inspirational! 🎉💐
Thank you! I’m happy you found it useful.
Can use cat litter to use with your compost bag
Nicely done. Love your calm and peaceful narration.
we have the same life plan aw! i am so happy to see people taking their freedom not waiting around for it, my dream is to build a whole homestead communal living thing, still in the pre-vanlife stage of the plan tho, in the process of saving money to make our conversion.
This was a 5-star list of essentials that are needed.
Thank you!!! I been looking for more bipoc vanlifers!!!!
Me, too! I'm slowly seeing more bipoc van lifers on this platform and I'm loving it.
This was a top video, I loved everything! The DC to DC charging, I did not know about that, very helpful. Thank you 😊
Great video, down to the point, no yada yada, useful products. Thanks.
lol. Glad you liked it!
Beautiful video full of great info. One tip - toilet, if u carry a bit of pine pellets (used for horse bedding, cat litter etc), neutralizes odor and absorbs liquids. Put a handful into your bag, and it wouldnt leak, as itll all be absorbed by pellets - thry turn into sawdust.
Hello simple Queen I think you should know when I get discouraged I watch videos to lift me up and keep me focused your voice is so calming and soothing it lets me know everything Will be okay for that I thank you❤
Hello 😊. I'm happy to know you find my videos soothing.
Hi Monique! Awesome video! We just upgraded our air fryer and I’m looking forward to trying the dehydrator..
Have you thought of compression packing cubes? They take up less space for your clothes! Be well 😁
Just bought some! Thank you.
Hello just saw a clip of ya so here I am. Thank you for useful information.
I just found your channel and I really enjoy it! I’ll be 17 this month and for years I’ve been planning to do van life for a few years while in college and working; it’s nice seeing other women doing this! :)
So many women are living this lifestyle and I love it! Doing this in college will definitely help cut costs with room & board, or renting an apartment. College costs are one of the main reasons American adults have a ton of debt, so if you can cut room & board costs, I say do it!
@@simmpleenough thank you!!!
Very inspiring! Thanks for being so thorough and Sharing with us ❤
You're very welcome!
Love all your appliances. You’re so well spoken and it’s relaxing to listen to you ❤
HELLO LADYBUG!!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU AND LIVING THE LIFE I TRULY WANT!!!! I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT YOU ARE SHOWING ME HOW IT IS DONE FOR A SISTAH WHO WANT TO LIVE A MORE SIMPLE LIFESTYLE!!!! I HAVE SUBSCRIBED AND WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH YOUR CHANNEL!!!! THANK YOU MY LOVE!!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
You are so welcome!! Thank you
Assalamualaikum, muslimah... Love what your doing!!! Be free and Enjoy!!!
Wa alaikum as salaam! Thank you.
Ms. Monique, you are a G.O.A.T! 👏🏾👏🏾
😅wow…. You’ve got a great setup.! Safe travels. Thanks for the inspiration.
You have a very cute and practical set up. I now know something about air fryers. Thanks.
You have a lovely little 'tiny home'. Excellent tips, air fryer and instant pot are now on my shopping list for my future build. I also have a really tiny food processor which is so cute and very useful. Great video. Best of luck for safe happy life journeys.
I wanted a tiny food processor, too, I just can't figure out where I'll put it. I think I've used up every crevice in this van to store something, lol. I'm happy you found the video helpful 😊.
could maybe store the tiny food processor in the Instant Pot when it's not in use....@@simmpleenough
I always watch UA-cam on a double speed. Though for vids in English I have to either to watch it on the normal speed or even to slow it down.
I'm so grateful for this video! I'm interested in the topic, but moreover it was a pleasure to watch it with sped up cause your pronunciation, tempo and the voice are lovely, calm, balanced and sooo easy to understand! I love it, thank you 😊❤
Awww, thanks 😊❤️!! I'm happy to know it was easy to understand.
I watch a lot of van life series and yours is in the top lots of great ideas. Thank you❣❣❣🔥🔥🔥
Thank you!
Wow, your meals look so delicious!!
~I only had a cooler so ice was always droning my food, and the time it took to cook and clean was consuming 2-3 hours a day.
So I ended up doing OMAD and eating at a restaurant once a day at a nice restaurant. That freed up a ton of space and time.
~When I lived in my Jeep in SoCA, people knew it bec all of my windows were 100% covered up.
I left the front side windows uncovered and I put up a black curtain between the front and back seat, so it hunt above my hips when I sat or slept. I put my 2 layers of 3 inch foam down in the passenger floorboard, so I perfectly reclined everso against the center seats, and with all my pillows it was a perfect place to sit and still he hidden, bec I was so low that people didn't realize I was inside. My blanket was black, so my legs were hidden. I was able to park in any Rich neighborhood I wanted, so the nightly hunt for a place to park was over because I was never harassed again.
You're a pro at this lifestyle!
I'm a camper, and I use cat litter inside a heavy-duty garbage bag. Very easy, no leakage.
Thanks for the tip!
Girl. I had to pause the video eight seconds in to say MY name is Monique and I too live in a van! 😅🤯😂
lol! Hi, Monique 😊.
This is one the best van life videos I’ve seen - and I’ve seen a lot!!
I'm so glad youtube recommended this video... instant sub! You have such a grounding, calm, soothing voice. I think I may just binge watch the rest now 🙃😌🤗
Thank you for subscribing 😊!! lol, I do the same thing when I find a new channel. Go to their earlier videos and binge watch all of them until I'm caught up.