Interviewing Arshad Madhani: Picking the Brain Of This Digital Nomad

Jen Lambert on April 11, 2019

With over ten years in the digital marketing industry, Arshad Madhani knows better than anyone how effective digital marketing can transform any business.

Madhani received his MBA from Texas A&M International University before diving headfirst into a career in digital marketing and innovation. As a consultant, he helps clients craft effective digital marketing strategies that let them stay true to their brand while attracting the target consumers that will benefit from their products. In his role as a consultant, he is often traveling from place to place, meeting with clients, attending industry conferences, and enjoying leisure trips.

We were lucky enough to have a sit-down with him to get his take on his life as a so called “digital nomad”.

What Does Being a Digital Nomad Mean to You?

For me it means having the freedom to work from anywhere. Today, most people associate it with the image of tinkering on your laptop while sipping Mai Tais at the beach, right? In some ways, it can be as carefree as that. However, for me, it means having the freedom to be anywhere and still be able to do the work you love. It could be your living room or poolside in a nice resort.

This shift in day jobs from something that keeps you cooped up in an office from 9 to 5 to one that is very flexible is being adopted by freelancers and even major companies today. I think this trend is not going away anytime soon. In fact, I think this will become the new normal a few years from now.

What Is One of Your Favorite Things About Being a Digital Nomad?

Freedom is the best thing about being a digital nomad. You choose where you work, how you work, and even when you do it. Being a digital nomad allows you to create the best place for productivity according to your working style and taste. We didn’t have this freedom years ago.

Would You Describe Yourself as a Road Warrior or Frequent Flyer?

I’m open to long road trips but flying can be the more convenient option for work-related trips if time is crucial. Most of the time I travel by air, just because I travel a lot for work. Living in Atlanta makes air travel convenient because the airport is a major hub that easily connects me to the rest of the world.

What is One of the Hardest Things About Being a Digital Nomad?

The hardest thing would be tearing yourself off from work to enjoy the view. Or it could be the other way around. People who find it hard to exercise self-discipline and don’t know how to manage their time may find that being a digital nomad can be too distracting for productive work. If you are traveling the world and working at the same time, you need to have that discipline and dedication to set aside time for work before you go out and play. Balance is key, especially if you are your own boss. This is a skill that many aspiring nomads learn the hard way.

Where is Your Favorite Place to Work From?

The office is still my favorite place to work from, simply because I am most productive there and I can easily access my team from there. However, since I am a consultant, I can work pretty much anywhere. I prefer any place that is conducive for concentration, whether you are working alone or meeting up with a group of people. Lately, co-working spaces have become a favorite because they offer so many things that a traditional office provides.

How Can People Connect with You?
People can connect with me on social media through Facebook and Twitter. You can also learn more about me and get some of my business and marketing insights by visiting my website at arshadmadhani.com.

What You Should Know Before Starting a Freelance Career

Jen Lambert on April 9, 2019

If you’re ready to quit the corporate life and say goodbye to the 9-5 structure for good, there are a few things you should know before diving in. For example, do you have a good handle on what your taxes will look like as a freelancer? Do you have a robust savings account? If you’re not sure about the answers to these questions, keep reading for our tips on how to create a prosperous freelance career.

Get your home office situated

Look, we get it – the dream of working in your pajamas is a serious perk for many millennials in the US. After all, who wouldn’t want to work while dressed in the comfiest outfit they own? We don’t recommend working in your PJs, however. Research has suggested that wearing proper work clothing actually improves your productivity.

With that said, you’re going to need a lot more than just a work-worthy outfit to get you in the right mindset for working at home. Here are some essential items you need for a productive work-from-home setup:

Desk: Keep your desk minimalist but make sure it has plenty of room for you to spread out. You don’t want to feel cramped and stressed – after all, that defeats the purpose of working from home. If you can spring for one, a standing desk is a great option so you can avoid the ill health effects from prolonged sitting. Add a balance board for even more calorie-torching!
Technology: Your 10-year old PC just isn’t going to cut it when you have tight deadlines and clients waiting impatiently for their documents to come in. So, invest in flexible technology that works for you, like the HP Elitebook x360.
Plants: Add some greenery to your desk for a calming touch – and maybe even a little more oxygen.
Minimalism: Clutter doesn’t benefit anyone, and it certainly doesn’t help you increase your productivity. Make sure you keep your desk clear of any messes so you can think clearly without anything distracting you from the task at hand.
Dual monitors: Don’t keep squinting at your single laptop screen. Double your screen real estate and productivity with a second display so you’ll have plenty of space to look at multiple windows at once.
A great desk chair: If you decide to go for a traditional desk instead of a standing desk, an ergonomic chair is an absolute must.
A space dedicated to work: All great freelancers have one thing in common – a space set aside for work. Don’t be tempted to work from bed because realistically, you’re not going to get as much done in the comfort of your feather-down comforter than you would while alert and sitting at a desk. Even if you live in a studio, dedicate a corner of your room to working and keep it that way.

Keep your finances straight

Even though hiring an accountant would be an additional expense you add to your end-of-the-year bill, it’s a worthwhile investment. Doing your taxes as a freelancer can be both complex and expensive. You can save yourself time and money by hiring a finance professional to help you along the way so you don’t get in trouble with Uncle Sam.

There are also several apps you can use as a freelancer to keep track of your receipts and expenses to stay organized.

Don’t rest on your laurels and keep your eyes open for new clients

As a freelancer, your work is likely to come in ebbs and flows. Some months, you might barely be able to keep on top of all of your tasks. Then there will be other months where you struggle to get any assignments. This is why it’s important to keep up a robust savings account – you should ideally have at least one month’s salary locked away in a savings account for those times when work is hard to come by. And, to avoid a lack of work, spend time outside of your normal working hours looking for clients and other jobs.

Attend meetups for professionals in your industry to meet with other freelancers and potential clients.

Takeaways

The freelancing life can be an amazing experience for those who are ready for it. And with a little preparation, you can make the freelancing life work for you.

Girlfriends’ Getaway Trip Ideas

Jen Lambert on April 4, 2019

With the weather getting warmer and the dreamy days of summer fast approaching, you and your closest friends are likely beginning to feel the travel itch. Who can blame you? After a long, seemingly endless winter, everyone starts to feel a little stir crazy.

From the frigid Midwest (still recovering from its record-breaking polar vortex this past winter) to the swampy backwoods of Louisiana, we’ve got you covered with all of the best affordable and exciting weekend getaways, both close to home and far away.

Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City has a lot more to offer than deep dish pizza, like its stunning architecture and eccentric, hipster neighbourhoods with ultra-trendy shopping opportunities. The Art Institute of Chicago, located downtown near the leafy Millennium Park, is one of the oldest and largest museums in the United States, renowned for its unique Thorne miniature rooms exhibit.

If you and your friends are the adventurous types, you can easily take a small side trip and locate some cute little towns in the Chicagoland area. Approximately 30 miles from downtown Chicago lies the adorable village of Lincolnshire. Sign your friends up for a spontaneous class together to wind down after a weekend of bar-hopping in the Loop at the dance center in Lincolnshire, IL.

Lansing, Michigan

Contrary to popular belief, the capital city of the Mitten is not actually Detroit. Though the city known for automobiles and Motown is certainly the most populous in the state of Michigan, the capital is actually Lansing, where history abounds and educational opportunities are around every turn.

The Impression 5 Science Center is fun for kids and adults alike, while the Potter Park Zoo is known for its array of exotic endangered species, including the golden lion tamarin. History buffs will appreciate the extensive collection of classic Oldsmobile vehicles on display at the R.E. Ols Transportation Museum, which plays homage to the state of Michigan’s rich Rust Belt heritage.

Don’t worry if none of these things sounds like your idea of a good time. If you’re less scientific and more athletic, Lansing is a great place to catch a game or hit the trails. You can easily schedule a sports event in Lansing, MI into your weekend excursion, or clock some steps on your Fitbit at the stunning Hawk Island Park at sundown.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Crawfish, ATVing, and the French Quarter come to mind when many people think of the deep south. However, there is more to Louisiana than New Orleans and Duck Dynasty, and a day trip to the ultra-hip city of Baton Rouge will quickly put you in the summer vibe.

Between the variety of riverfront parks, museums, and breweries, you’ll find plenty of activities to make your girlfriends’ getaway the most exciting you’ve ever had.

Of course, no one does food and live music better than a Cajun, and you can find plenty of both in the greater Baton Rouge area. Try authentic Cajun seafood in Gonzales, LA, a small town just south of city limits.

Portland, Oregon

For those travelers with a bit of a wild side, there are plenty of unique boutique hotels to check into on the outskirts of the hipster paradise known as Portland, such as the site for shore eyes at the Mill Casino in Coos Bay, OR.
If you’re not a fan of the Pacific Northwest weather, you can keep the rainy blues at bay with a shopping spree. It isn’t difficult to find a women’s clothing store in Portland, OR. They’re around just about every corner, as are breweries, restaurants, and bookstores like the famous Powell’s. Hit up a local liquor store, head back to your hotel room, and get cozy.

Areas of Your Health You Shouldn’t Neglect

Jen Lambert on April 2, 2019

We’re pretty much aware that it’s important to keep our hearts healthy, and most of us also care for the health of our lungs, even if we do struggle to quit smoking. We try to eat healthy and not put on too much weight.

But it’s still easy to overlook certain areas of our health that we don’t see as so important. Here are two areas of your body that you may not be taking good care of: and why you should.

Eyes

If we were asked whether we thought our eyes were important, we would all say yet. Whether we are actually taking good care of them is another matter. Our eyes are vitally important for our lives, but they rarely hurt when something is wrong with them. Therefore it is crucial to have regular eye tests to ensure they haven’t developed some kind of harmful condition.

Eye tests

Eye tests don’t just measure whether you need to have glasses or contacts. A trained optician can tell many things about your health just from your eyes. Eye health is not just about our eyes, but can actually be a window into the health of your entire body.

Not only will an optician check on the state of your vision and let you know if you need glasses or a change to your prescription, but they can also check on your general state of health and let you know if there is anything that ought to be investigated further.

Health conditions your eyes reveal

If you have blurred vision, that could be a sign of diabetes. High cholesterol can cause a white ring to forms around the outer edge of your iris. If the whites of your eyes are yellow, this could be a sign of jaundice; a serious condition caused by decreased liver function. This in turn can be a sign of a more serious problem such as hepatitis, liver disease, or something like gallstones blocking the bile ducts.

When an optician examines the back of your eye they can also check the health of the blood vessels in your retina. If your blood pressure is high, this may show up when the doctor looks at these vessels.

Opticians can even tell if you are working your eyes too hard. Dry eyes, eye strain, and burst capillaries in the eye are all signs that you are overworking your eyes and looking too much at screens.

Teeth

Yes, we know, you don’t like going to the dentist. But your teeth are important, and preventative oral hygiene services can be vital to ensuring the health of your whole mouth. If you get your mouth checked regularly, then you can rest assured that you are taking good care of one of the most important parts of your body.

Dentists offer a range of preventative oral hygiene services such as professional teeth cleaning, often called “scale and polish,”and they can also administer fluoride, whiten stained teeth, and give advice on brushing and flossing to children and adults. They don’t just fix tooth and gum problems: they help you learn how to prevent them.

Dentists are associated with teeth, but they’re actually involved in the health of your whole mouth: teeth, gums, and tongue. If something is wrong in your mouth, your dentist will be able to spot it.

Just as with your eyes, a dental checkup can sometime alert your dentist to other health problems your regular doctor should check you for. More than that, a healthy mouth helps your immune system, you gut biome, your breath, and other aspects of your overall health.

The Basics That Your Office Needs

Jen Lambert on March 29, 2019

As a new business owner, you need to save money where possible, and setting up an office for the first time can be a strain on the start-up budget. Thankfully, you don’t need to have everything at once. Below is a list of the most important pieces of equipment that you should have before you go live. As your business grows you can add other accessories, electronics and furnishings to meet your needs.

Office Furniture

The office furniture should include a desk for each of your employees that’s large enough to provide room for their computer and files while leaving plenty of work space. You should also purchase a conference table to host meetings. Consider beneficial upgrades like adding a desk power outlet with a USB port on each end so you can easily power devices without a tangle of cords or having to worry about crawling around whenever someone needs to plug something in.

Business Phones

While most people use their smartphones for just about everything, your business needs its own phone system. You can use traditional landlines or choose a VoIP system. The biggest difference in the two is that the VoIP operates directly from the internet so if your business has customers or contacts around the globe you can reach them more easily. VoIP is becoming more popular to businesses because of the flexibility and convenience it offers. Unlike a traditional phone system where you have a set number of entries stored, all you need is the proper bandwidth to gain access to as many numbers as you like.

Computers

With so many different brands and types of computers on the market, selecting the right one for your business is an important task. The first decision you need to make is whether you want a stationary computer like a desktop or if you want employees to have the ability to take their computer to another location. If you have no personal preference as to brand names, you can solicit the help of an expert in the field and then use their recommendations based on your given needs.

Network Server

Whether you own a small business with a few employees or a larger one with 50 or more, having a network server is essential. Not only does it manage and store the data entered and protect against viruses, but it also lets you prevent people from accessing certain areas of confidentiality. And, unlike a computer that you shut down after hours, a network server runs 24/7 year-round.

All-in-One Printer

You will at some point need to copy and print material, scan it and send a fax to a client or a vendor. This is why it’s important, from the start, to invest in a multi-functional printer that does everything you want from one easy-to-operate piece of equipment. Not only will it save you money by eliminating the need for other pieces of equipment, but it will also minimize the space required. Consider buying one with a larger output volume than you currently need so you won’t have to upgrade as your business grows.

Whiteboard/Projector

Just like the traditional whiteboard, projectors prove to be invaluable to the business owner. They offer a way to motivate and engage employees during meetings and training sessions through videos and graphs to help take your business to the next level of success. There are several types including multimedia, digital and LCD models. Electronic whiteboards that let you print the writing on the board are also an option.

Whether just starting a small business or if you are looking to improve your existing office space, having the right equipment can make all the difference in helping you achieve your business goals. Start with the basics above and add more as you grow.

How Grocery Stores Have to Evolve

Alan Gray on March 26, 2019

Throughout the years, grocery stores continue to evolve. Recently, there has been a rise in hot, ready-to-eat foods in most grocery stores. If you haven’t jumped on this trend yet, it’s important that you do. This is one way to reel in customers and to sell more food. Here are some trends that grocery store should be capitalizing on.

Consumers Want Hot Food

When it comes to quick and easy meals, people like a warm meal that they can quickly take home. Hot food display equipment is more popular now than it ever has been. Not only can you still supply customers with a variety of choices but you entice them to purchase tasty, cooked food. It’s difficult for people to pass by a display and not think about purchasing the food. While this helps aid in the popularity, it is something that grocers need to take into account. Hot food is profitable.

Consumers Want Healthy Options

In addition to hot food, people are looking for more health food options. People are becoming more health conscious and with that, they demand different types of food. Consider fresh options. Maybe open up a salad bar in your store. A lot of people prefer salad bars to buying prepackaged salads because of the wide array of choices and the bargain of buying it in bulk. Consider a salad bar in the produce department. While people are purchasing their produce, they may be interested in your salad bar too.

Consumers Want to Stop Once

A lot of customers don’t want to stop at every store to get what they need. Grocery stores need to be versatile. There needs to be a large enough stock that the customer doesn’t have to go to several different stores to pick up the necessities for a good price. Most want to stay in one place so that they finish their shopping as quickly as possible. For instance, if you don’t sell many household goods, you might want to consider increasing your stock. Likewise, if you’re short on vegan options, you might want to start catering to that crowd as well. You’ll see more consumers lingering in your market.

When it comes to the grocery industry, there are always changes developing. Trends come and go and it’s important to pay attention to the ones that seem to be around to stay. If you don’t follow the trends, it’s difficult to know how to adapt your store to keep it afloat.

How Work From Home Entrepreneurs Can Optimize Their Productivity

Alan Gray on March 26, 2019

Working is seen as the holy grail of professional life especially when you are working for yourself. This offers unparalleled freedom as you can work from nearly anywhere in the world with just a computer and internet connection. The drawback of being a work from home entrepreneur can be things like not having paid time off and not earning when you do not work. Those people on salaries at regular jobs work for their 40 hours and know what they will be paid. Those that work for themselves from home are only going to make as much money as possible by optimizing their productivity. Being productive Monday to Friday can allow you to take weekends off or do a minimal amount of work during the weekend. You will need to recharge your professional batteries regardless of who you are so set yourself up for success by rejuvenating yourself on weekends. The following are tips for work from home entrepreneurs to make 2019 their most productive yet!

Keep Your Portfolio/Resume Updated

For those designers and writers that work from home it is important to keep an updated portfolio and resume at hand. Plenty of high tier publications want specific types of resumes in order to highlight experience that is going to be written about. Designers picking up contract jobs will want to have their portfolio on hand as nothing highlights expertise like completed projects. This can even be a part of a website if you have one (you should) as showing off work can help increase work that you pick up. This will help you save quite a bit of time that you otherwise would spend searching for files of related projects for client after client. Influencers can do the same thing by showing their impact of a post on a company that they have partnered with. Influencer marketing is all about ROI as well as increasing brand reach so having case studies of how you helped can help sell you to a brand.

Take Care Of Tasks That Can Be Done On “Autopilot” Last

Data entry if it is not going to be outsourced can be something that you do on “autopilot” after a bulk of the day’s work is done. This will take a bit of self-awareness though as you do not want to do client invoicing only to make a mistake that could take weeks to rectify in terms of payment. Responding to emails can be one of the toughest things for a freelancer or work from home entrepreneurs in terms of the time that it takes. Checking email once or twice every few hours can allow a person to stay on task as an email from an angry client can sidetrack even the most important of projects. If a client is having that large of an emergency they will most likely call you rather than wait around for an email response.

A Change In Scenery Can Do Wonders For Productivity

Those people that have children that will be home during the summer or during vacations from school might want to consider working outside of the home. Kids of all ages can be quite a distraction especially if an important deadline is approaching. Going to a coffee shop is quite popular while other people work at a restaurant so they can eat lunch while getting distraction-free work done. This does not mean to venture somewhere different daily but rather have a few locations that you consider perfect to get the most amount of work done possible.

Use A Time Tracker So Daily Agenda Planning Can Be Done Accurately

Getting discouraged due to not completing everything on your agenda can lead to issues with confidence or negative feelings about what was accomplished during the day. This can put a person in a rut so setting a realistic agenda could not be more important. Use some kind of time tracking system during an average day of work to see how long certain tasks take. A writer would see how long a normal 1000 word article takes so they could plan to do a specific number in a day. This also can help dictate workload and whether you will be accepting new clients or you have a full schedule. Those people that cannot complete anymore work after optimizing can save time due to lack of need to reach out to create new business relationships.

Those that work from home can earn far more than ever before simply with a few tweaks in routine that will optimize productivity. Maximize your monthly income and continually try to improve to see your business transform!

Getting Proof That a Semi-Truck Was Responsible for an Accident

Digital Team on March 21, 2019

Semi-trucks are involved in thousands of accidents with passenger vehicles each year. These accidents are responsible for causing severe injuries to other drivers, as well as many fatalities. According to statistics from 2012, there are an average of 11 deaths each day from accidents with big trucks.

Hire an 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney To Help With Your Claim

With the frequent occurrence of accidents and injuries from crashes with 18-wheelers, there are several legal teams in the City of Houston and surrounding areas who specialize in handling big truck lawsuits. The laws for governing a semi-truck crash can be very different from those associated with accidents with other passenger cars. That is why it is so essential to hire a legal team that understands the complexity of these cases.

Finding Proof That the Semi Truck Driver Was at Fault

When it comes to filing a lawsuit against another driver, you must have as many facts as possible to help you build a strong case. Your truck crash lawyer in Houston can help you with this task. But any assistance you can provide to them will help you advance your case further along.

One of the most significant issues that trucking companies face is that these vehicles are on the road for an extended period and go a great distance for each run. Therefore, the truck must be maintained, and the driver must have the right amount of training. If you can establish that the company did not adequately train the driver, or that they did not get enough rest while on the road, which led to the accident occurring, this could help you with your proof. Making sure the driver is trained, and that the truck is properly maintained before they head out on the road are just a few things that the trucking company is responsible for.

Failure to follow through with these actions could help to guarantee that they are at fault for the accident. Gaining access to the logbook that the truck driver should have on them at all times is one of the best ways to prove who was at fault when it comes to a big truck accident.

If you were recently involved in an accident with a semi-truck and need legal advice, our team is here to help. Get in touch with our professionals today for more details on how to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Women Authors to Celebrate This Women’s History Month

Bree on March 19, 2019

In honor of Women’s History Month, I’ve put this list of women authors that will inspire. Check out their books with strong female leads. These female protagonists take charge of their destiny. With courage and strength, these writers are creating stories that empower.

Debra Tash

In Debra Tash’s new book Last Call, Rebecca refuses to be another bystander as her freedoms are stripped away. This leading female character takes charge and starts a revolution. Last Call is a dystopian novel that warns us to be mindful of giving the government too much power.

Konni Granma

The Lonely Hearts Bar features Connie, a sharp, witty and wickedly talented student screenwriter. We follow Connie as she meets many important people in her life, all connected to a dusty old tavern outside of LA.

Yanique Beliard-Michel

Yanique’s memoir, Unique in America, will be released in April. The story of her growing up and coming to America packs a punch. Be inspired by her sacrifices, losses and strong will to provide the best life possible for her and her daughters. Pre order your copy and share in her triumph.

Barbara Morriss

Barbara Morriss specializes in mysterious love stories. Her latest novel, A Promise in Autumn releases soon. A Promise in Autumn is the struggle of a displaced Irish girl trying to find a sense of home. She falls in love with a protestant and wonders why her church does not recognize the marriage of two. Her resolve to be with the man she loves despite her the lack of support is inspiring.

Laurel Anne Hill

Laurel Anne Hill is a new up-and-coming young adult author. She has won numerous awards for her latest novel, The Engine Woman’s Light. This steampunk adventure follows a young woman as she discovers her destiny – to save the unwanted.

Laurie Finkelstein

Author Laurie doesn’t take life too seriously. Her novel, Next Therapist Please is loosely based off Laurie’s experiences, and you will see how her sense of humor and positive attitude has served her well. Laurie hopes to encourage other’s to break the stigma of mental illness, one laugh at a time.

Decorating Your First Apartment on a Budget

Jen Lambert on March 12, 2019

Everybody has a “first apartment” story. For many people, that first apartment comes in your early twenties, after a year or two in college dorms. For some people, it comes earlier or later. But there are some things about the experience that are universal no matter what.

For instance, there are more boxes and more paperwork than most people realize. It’s also inevitable that you’ll want to decorate your space and make it your own, only to run up against budget constraints. Here’s how you can decorate your first apartment without losing either your mind or your meager savings account.

Use photos liberally

Maybe your parents had photos of the family scattered throughout the house in nice wooden frames. But most people born in the 90s or later have all their photos stored on their phones, tablets, or laptops. Digital storage takes up a lot less space and is a lot more convenient.

But on the other hand, you look at your phone enough already. When you bring guests over, you’ll want to do more than just say, “Here’s some pics of my family and friends on my phone.” Hanging up photos can still be a comforting way to remind yourself where, exactly, you came from. You may not want to move back to your hometown, and that’s fine, but you still have people there who love you.

Photos are also a great way to document some of your college adventures. Memories of things like sorority formals and your band’s first gig will fade, but high-quality photos won’t. But if framed photos like your parents had feels a little boring (not to mention expensive), you’ve got options. Take a look at cheap canvas printing. It’s easier than going to the local craft shop with your photos, as you can order rolled canvas prints from your apartment’s Wi-Fi connection.

If you want frames, you can snag them online for much cheaper than you might think. You can even upload the photos from your Facebook and Instagram accounts. And since these are high-quality photos, you’ll be able to take them with you after you graduate college and pack up your small apartment for something bigger.

Hit the thrift shops

Thrift shops have always done pretty well for themselves, but right now, they’re doing even better. For that you can thank the Marie Kondo effect. People are looking at books, clothes, appliances, furniture, and other items that don’t “spark joy”, and they’re deciding to take them to the local Goodwill or Value Village. But just because they don’t spark joy for them doesn’t mean they won’t spark joy for some lucky college students who are trying to decorate and furnish their first apartment.

It’s best not to visit the thrift shops alone. Find a friend who has a pickup truck or SUV and bribe them to take you. Chances are, you’re going to find a lot of stuff to haul back. Some thrift stores will pick up donations, but it’s rare that they’ll deliver furniture to your house. They just want someone to take it off their hands with as little fuss as possible.

You can find artwork, sculptures, knick knacks, and just about everything else imaginable. If you need a corner lamp for those late night study sessions, you can probably find it at a thrift shop. If you’re lucky, you might also find a sturdy desk for your bedroom as well. Some of the stuff you’ll buy at a thrift store is durable and could last for years, while other items might not make it through the duration of your lease. But there’s no denying the price is right.