Tara "Shuggie" H.'s Profile

So, according to their website, Insta-Copy has been around since 1981. They also say, and I quote: "Our clients range from the largest companies and organizations to some of the smallest - all with one thing in common...each expects and deserves the very highest levels of product quality and prompt, professional service and support."

Yeah...not so much.

I went there twice to pick up some plans that my boss emailed to them to be printed. First, they were not even aware that someone had emailed them anything. Second, the nice lady behind the counter was spending a large amount of time talking to another customer about the flyers she was printing for him. At the same time, about ten male employees were moving in a new printer/plotter and completely ignored me.  When I finally got someones attention, they checked their email and printed one page. The email actually had four pages.

Ugh. Anyways, the service is bad (anyone ever heard of email alerts?!) and the decor looks like the Office Supply Place That Time Forgot. Dude, paint or something. This place is depressing.

I came in here the other day and there were four employees and only one other customer. The employees were just standing around talking and didn't make a move to ask me if I needed assistance or if they could help me. I ended up using the self-service workstations and figuring out what I needed on my own. Meh. Not impressed.

This is the only member owned cooperative grocery store in Las Cruces. Their website is awesome - 90% of local Las Cruces businesses don't seem to have a website - theirs is cool. Their principles are as follows:

1.  Voluntary and Open Membership

2.  Democratic Member Control

3.  Member Economic Participation

4  Autonomy and Independence

5. Education, Information and Training

6.  Cooperation among Cooperatives

7.  Concern for Community

Anyways, for such a small space they have amazing selection. The produce section is small but I can always find something delicious and organic. The thing I'm most impressed with is the attempt to locally source many items. Honey, eggs, some produce, dairy products, etc. Great spot, the employees are friendly and prices are good.

It's WalMart, y'all.

A few things about this particular WalMart:

1. Going here is the best birth control ever. No matter what time you show up there is always some baby, who is naked except for a diaper, crying and eating candy. 6:00 AM? Check. Midnight? Check.

2. Do not go to this WalMart on Sunday.

3. Wear headphones. It is seriously the only way you won't murder your fellow shoppers.

That said, I try to avoid this place, but occasionally I have to shop here. They have good prices on Amy's Organic frozen meals.

So, I'm so freaking bored in Las Cruces I've begun crafting with a vengeance. http://Pinterest.com doesn't help, as I keep getting ideas. I see all these awesome crafts on line and I'm like, I need that. Fortunately Las Cruces has a Hobby Lobby.

Oh, Hobby Lobby, how i love your aisles and aisles of cacahuetes. (For some reason my grandma used to refer to junk trinkets/home decor as cacahuetes) The cool thing was, the other day I went in with a poster that was odd sized and needed a mat cut and they didn't charge me for cutting the mat - only charged me for the mat. Kinda cool, huh?

Anyways, it's Hobby Lobby, and partnered with Pinterest, it chases some of my boredom away.

So, I've been in Las Cruces for six months now. It's been ... rough. Amelia E. Barr once said that "Solitude is such a potential thing. We hear voices in solitude, we never hear in the hurry and turmoil of life; we receive counsels and comforts, we get under no other condition . . ." This is very true - at least in my experience. The time I've spent alone in Las Cruces - mostly the entire six months as I haven't yet made any friends - have been a learning experience. I've faced things that I've spent my entire adult like running from.

That said, I've gotten to the point that I can finally forgive myself for all the stupid stuff that I've done over the years. I can almost look back and see how all those things lead me to where I am today. I have no regrets. It's all a part of who I am in the process of becoming.

Anyways, Adam, one of the owners of Lucky Bastard just helped me remind myself that having regrets and looking back constantly is no way to live. His work is superb, he is comforting and genial and he let me bring my own music. In every way this was a great experience.

Ashleigh, child, bless you for calling Village Inn the "Good Denny's." I went here for the first time on Christmas Eve - mostly due to the fact that it was the only thing open in all of Las Cruces. I know Ashleigh says this is the "Good Denny's," but frankly I can't really tell much of a difference between Village Inn and Denny's.

The decor is pink and turquoise and can only be described as the Restaurant that time forgot. The service was good but I suspect that was partially because it was Christmas Eve and there weren't many people in the place. The food was forgettable, much like Denny's.

Village Inn strikes me as the type of place that is only good after you've been out drinking and you are starving and only greasy, disgusting food will do.

Slowest. Carl's. Jr. EVAR.

Seriously, Carl Karcher is rolling over in his grave. Damn, Gina, y'all are SLOW. It's just flipping burgers and making fries. I grew up with Carl's Jr. and man, they can be slow but this one just takes it to a whole new level.

This place obviously caters to the Hispanic market. From the insane amounts of color all over, to the sparkly streamers hanging from the ceiling fans to the street vendor like atmosphere - this place has it all. It is colorful and festive. It has everything from agua frescas to tongue tacos to fresh tortillas to...  you name it. It is heaven for those of us who love hispanic food.

The staff were friendly, courteous, and despite the fact that I was there at 1:45 PM on a Wednesday and the place was slammed - always a good sign. If you've never been to a swap meet, carniceria, joyería (yes they have jewelry also!), verduleria or a pasteleria get here ahora.

Just FYI lunch time is crazy so get there early!

Overpriced?

A teriyaki chicken plate with veggies is $4.50.

That said, that and egg rolls are the only thing I've ever had at Mix Express. Further, I've only had take out from ME so I can't speak to it's ambiance. I can say the food is quick and delicious and is just what it says it is.

Y'all are crazy.