Broad Ripple Trixie Society

The Trixie Table - Upland Brewing Company

2010-10-02T18:09:00.000-04:00

The Trixie Lifestyle often includes exquisite dining experiences and brushes with some spectacular alcohol. Our village and outlying Indianapolis neighborhoods are literally overflowing with options to feast on world-class cuisine, and chase it with some of the best-crafted wines, beers and spirits known to man.

I recently left my job as Senior Content Manager for a major consulting company to pursue the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Program at The Chefs Academy. I have always possessed a God-gifted palate, and I am so excited to share my extensive knowledge and experience with those of you who may not be so fortunate!

From time to time as my busy social schedule allows, I will review a Village restaurant or drinking establishment from the uniquely BRTS perspective and report my experiences back to you. Additionally, being a wine connoisseur, I will from time to time give you the low-down on the best wines for any occasion.

Bon Apetite & Cheers!
Rory

Latest Reviews:

Upland Brewing Company

I recently ventured down to SoBro for a visit with my best friends Ashley & Amber to Upland Brewing Company at 4842 N. College Avenue. Upland has been receiving a great deal of praise lately from Trixies all over the Village so we thought we would stop in for a tasting and report the results back for the Trixie Table.

The area at 4800 N. College used to be a bit "sketchy" but with Trixie approved retailers and restaurants settling the area in recent years, this formerly risky area has become rather gentrified.

Wheat Ale
This wheat is a Belgian-style Wit Bier and the flagship of their brewery. It is spiced with organic coriander, chamomile and orange peel to be refreshingly light and tart. Amber had six of these right off the bat. Glad she's not driving her Jetta today!

Trixie Stars: I give this Wheat Ale **

Dragonfly IPA
With loads of malt and seven hop additions to make any hop-head happy, it has some serious teeth, but it's one of the most balanced IPAs you'll find anywhere. TrixieMales will be impressed with this IPA, but due to its exceptionally floral nose, Trixies of all levels should find enjoyment here too. Ashley became quite concerned that Upland may be using crushed dragonfly meat in the recipe for this IPA, but management assures us that this is not the case.

This beer is strong. It is like a rare, unstable gas that may ignite at any moment. Drink with caution. No more than five in one sitting are recommended.

Trixie Stars: I give this IPA ****

Helios Pale
Helios is a traditional American Pale with the hop bitterness you expect, but it is well-balanced by the finest Midwestern malts and crisp citrus overtones. My fiancé, Brett prefers pale ales and has been known to put a serious hurt on local supplies with his friends over baskets of greasy chicken fingers at Brother's on game day.

Trixie Stars: I give this Pale Ale **1/2

Bad Elmer's Porter
Many Trixies incorrectly believe that the key ingredient to this fine Porter is Elmer's Glue. After having three of these, I can definitively state that glue is "most likely not" an ingredient. A solid malt base balances this rad brew. This American Amber Ale with a little extra kick, courtesy of 100% American hops from the Pacific Northwest, would pair well with a traditional English roast beef or an Austrian pork shoulder with red cabbage and spätzle.

Trixie Stars: I give this Porter ****

Preservation Pilsner
A draft-only beer with all-German malt and hops, creating a traditional Bohemian-style Lager. This Pilsner will also please most charitably-minded Trixies, as 10% of proceeds go to land preservation efforts in Broad Ripple thus making it possible for more green space devoted to dog parks, picnic areas and jogging trails in the Village!

Trixie Stars: I give this Pilsner ***

Overall our experience was positive. Our server, Gretchen, however was the low point of our visit. She looked disheveled and crazy. Upland forced her to wear a German Bier-Garten costume and it was appalling. Her giant horse teeth were an odd color of citrine yellow and her eyebrows look like they were done by ZaZa Gabor. My advice to Upland would be to consider hiring more Trixie-like women if you desire to attract TrixieMales, like Brett, Chad, Jake or that hot real estate mogul Chaz Walters!

Drink up!
~ Rory

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Trixie Guide to "True Prep"

2010-07-04T21:27:00.000-04:00

By Super-Trixie Brooke Fletcher-Eaton

Journalist Mackenzie Carpenter with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote an article "Preppy, Straight Up or With a Twist" published recently. I spoke with my best friend Mackenzie last week by phone and we had a great conversation on the topic! She was even kind enough to mention our Trixie blog. So today I am putting the question to you: Is preppy making a come back?

In my opinion the term "preppy" has traditionally referred to people of a certain socioeconomic status. In particular, preppies are people who attended elite college preparatory schools. "Preppy has always been part of a certain set .... the people who 'summer' in Nantucket," says Susan Rolontz, executive vice president of the Tobe Report, a fashion industry publication. "For a certain customer, preppy is always there."

Well I don't know about you girls ... but I love Prep! At my college sorority, I was always trying to be the preppiest girl ... and if anyone out-performed me on a particular day, I was sure to smear catsup all over those clothes secretly the next day in her dresser drawers while she was in class.

In the 1980s, the preppy fashion trend was born out of duplicating the uniform of WASPs and New Englanders—khakis, Oxford shirts, ribbon belts and topsiders. But I would argue that the true preppy establishment buy into classics rather than trends, and don't change their lifestyles with fads. That’s not to say anything against preppy clothes as a current trend. I would never call my style preppy nowdays, but I love the big pony polo on my top that I'm wearing in this pic.

So is preppy fashion making a comeback? Of course living in Broad Ripple I don’t see it as a fashion trend. I do however keep up with fashions across the country and I do travel to the East Coast. I was also in Texas just a few months ago and I can’t say that I noticed a huge preppy resurgence. So what do you other Trixies think?

In my opinion, I believe that if you are a true Trixie preppy-prep .... well, then preppy never left us. The fashion industry just re-markets "preppy" every couple of years at J. Crew, Banana Republic, the Gap and of course, Abercrombie ..... and of course everyone then writes about it making a comeback ... which is just silly!

For some people it's just they way they live! Large old houses in Meridian-Kessler, lots of vintage silver, classic volvo wagons, pure-bred Labradors .... very understated, Broad Ripple classic, well-cut and well-made clothes that never lose their style. Not fads, not Labradoodles .... not lexus SUVs ... just Broad Ripple classic. Just Trixie.

Be Well ...
Brooke

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How Do I Endure a Starbucks in an Undesirable Neighborhood?

2010-04-21T07:20:00.002-04:00

Dear Ms. Tucker-Stansfield,

I live in an area of Indianapolis that is far from Broad Ripple. I am embarrassed to say where it is, but let's just say it is to the south and west. There are only a few scummy Starbucks to visit in my area and I do so reluctantly.

I had a fantasy this morning that I would roll up the Vogue magazine I was reading and whack the gum-cracking lowlife girl who was sitting next to me across the face, then stand up, walk to the doors and scream, "I can't wait til I live in Broad Ripple and never have to visit this Starbucks with you smelly, rude lowlifes again!" then storm out the door to my Jetta.

I was also carrying two shopping bags full of stuff to donate to a charity we sponsor at work, in addition to my usual work bag, so the stuff was cumbersome. I had the bags setting on the floor at Starbucks in front of me, which kind of blocked anyone from sitting in the seat next to me. A young woman came in to order a skim-soy no-foam Latte and I could see she was pregnant, so I moved my stuff in order for her to sit down. As a reward for that, she popped, cracked and loudly chewed her cud, er, gum, for like 15 minutes!

Geez, that's the last time I do something nice for these ignorant people! I really, really can't stand them.

What should I do next time?

Sincerely,
Jenna

Dear Jenna:

Next time shop in Broad Ripple and visit the Starbucks at 56th & Illinois, where you can park and drive home in the luxury and privacy of your own vehicle.

When I was a younger Trixie In Training (T.I.T.) and lived beyond the boundaries of our Village, I had to visit some less desirable Starbucks. Your experience is not unknown to many Trixies who have pulled themselves up from the gutter and moved to Broad Ripple.

Just remember, Jenna ... a proper Trixie never loses her composure in front of other Trixies or important people. Next time, vent your frustration with a simple nasty glance. Or as you get up from your seat, you can accidentally whack the gum-smacking offender with your cacophony of luxury brand shopping bags. If all else fails, pull out your iPhone and call a friend to make dinner plans. (If you're low on minutes, just pretend to make a call).

As I often like to snarl, "No good deed goes unpunished!" The only good deed in my book is the deed to my Washington Boulevard 1926 Tudor :-)

Ashley

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

My Name is Too Common - Can You Help?

2010-03-02T17:26:00.002-05:00

Dear Ash,

What should I change my name to? The name I have now is far too common. No one remembers me!

Respectfully,
Abbey Jones

Dear Abbey,

I suggest that you choose a name that is befitting your dynamic personality. If you’re a perky Trixie, try something like Abbey Marie O’Brien. If you happen to be a more dull, business-like Trixie, perhaps Abbey Monaghan would be better. Or, simply do like a few Trixies have done in the past, and name yourself after our cherished Executive Director, Abbey Kendrick O'Rourke.

But whatever name you eventually select ... wear it with pride and total Trixie-like aplomb. Remember, success is 70% confidence.

Best of Luck to you,
Ashley Tucker-Stansfield

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

Audi A4 Dilemma

2010-01-30T08:02:00.003-05:00

Hey Ash!

My boyfriend got his MBA last year and bought an Audi A4 after graduation. Now I see that Audi has released a new version, so his car is no longer the newest body style. Should I be embarrassed to ride around with him?

<3
Lissy

Dear Lissy -

Yours is not an uncommon problem among Trixies in the Village, however it is easily solved. Just pretend that you are not aware of the better, newer Audi. Convince yourself that your A4 is the latest A4, and that your boyfriend's car is just as good as the redesigned Audi you see hauling that Trixie and her significant other in the opposite direction down Broad Ripple Avenue. Be sure not to lose your inclination to issue nasty glances, and before you know it, you'll be as confident as you used to be!

-Ashley

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

Frustration Over Jetta Factory Color Choices

2009-12-04T15:32:00.003-05:00

Dear Ashley,

Hi ... my name is Chelsea and I am a new member. I live near 49th and Penn.

I'm interested in purchasing a new Jetta. I am torn between getting the "Burgundy Breeze" or the "Daylight Dream." Both colors speak to me, but the "Daylight Dream" matches most of my wardrobe. Can you help me?

Much Love,
Chels

Dear Chels:

I'm sorry, but VW doesn't offer those colors direct from the factory. Are you sure those are actual factory Jetta colors and not the brand names of your favorite feminine hygiene products?

Most Trixies choose black Jettas, as they match well with our leather jackets, Chanel bags, and iPhones. However, as you walk around the Village, you'll see more Jettas in a hot new color -- Galactic Blue. You may want to try this.

But either way, whatever color you ultimately select ... we suggest that you have your spa do your color to match your Jetta accordingly.

Best of luck!
-Ash

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

Who Wants to Marry Austin Collie?

2009-09-29T14:05:00.011-04:00

Every Trixie in the Village knows that it's the dream of every other Trixie to marry the Colts star receiver, Austin Collie. Austin exhibits all of the traits important to today's Trixie: Prestige, Income, and Handsome Ruggedness. Our exciting feature profiles eight Trixies who would do anything to Marry Austin Collie.

"Who Wants to Marry Austin Collie??"

When we think of the NFL’s elite football team right here in our hometown, we immediately think of new Tight End Austin Collie. If you're like most Trixies, you go to “The Luke” to socialize with your friends and coworkers, to avoid a Sunday afternoon of doing laundry, and to feast your eyes on all the hunky players... forget the game itself. Of course, the one constant known to most twenty-something Trixies is Austin Collie. If you happen to glance at the field at just the right time, your eyes will feast on this blond hunk of a man. His beauty is never-ending; most of us just can't get enough of him. For many of us, a trip to Lucas Oil Stadium is like cyber-cheating on our husbands and boyfriends, since we get to gawk at these hot guys, and fantasize about being married to one of them. Austin is an extremely valuable target to Trixies because he's still single, not to mention he's a hugely talented athlete who Payton Manning thinks about all week long ... an excellent alternative to the staid management consultant or attorney a girl might be dating.
Austin is known to hang out at many of Broad Ripple’s bars and taps. If you're lucky, you'll knock into him someday, and he'll take you home and marry you. If you're already married, perhaps it will be time for a switch!

Check out the 8 lucky Trixies we interviewed recently at Starbucks!

Kate Martin-Connors - Future Mrs. Austin Collie?

2009-09-28T21:45:00.001-04:00

Name:
Kate Martin-Connors
Age:
31
Lives:
Kessler & College, near Binkley’s and Fine Estate Rugs
Car:
Black 2002 BMW 318ti coupe, with Notre Dame Alum sticker on back.
Job:
Currently interviewing.
Marital status:
Married to Jake Connors, who is Irish like me, hence the fact I took his last name so I could have a double Irish power name (being Irish means so much in Broad Ripple).
Works out at:
I play volleyball with a Club at the Monon Center in Carmel.
Favorite bar:
Binkley’s, of course!
Favorite bar to spot Austin Collie:
Does Austin hang out at the Blu Point? I just love their martinis, and the guys at the bar stare me down every time I'm in there. I think they find me cute.
Favorite musical group:
I love anything Irish!!! The Pogues are so raw. I can get my drink on to them.
Favorite Starbucks:
56th & Illinois next to Kincaid's and the Flying Cupcake.
Favorite Starbucks Beverage:
Tall Iced Chai Latte Mocha, with extra ice and extra mocha.
Favorite part of Austin Collie's body:
Well, if Austin were Irish looking, I would go for the eyes because that's what all my girlfriends like. But I think I really like Austin’s boyish ruggedness. He's just plain hot.
If I had Austin alone for 15 minutes, I would:
I would invite him over to a bar-b-que out on our deck. I just love where I live, and I know Austin would too.
Why should Austin choose me over the rest of the Trixies?
Because I'm Irish and I drive a Beemer, and I think my Notre Dame education is so much more superior than other colleges. I've got the triple-threat goin' on.
Dream marriage proposal scenario:
Well, I'm not too interested in marrying Austin because I am currently married. But I think it would be cool to have him as a friend ... or a flirty landscape guy. I'm sure he would really admire me, since I'm so cute, and I drive a Beemer and live in Broad Ripple and all. Besides, I think it's more influential to have an Irish husband, since being Irish is such a commodity in the Broad Ripple area. I really think Austin would fit in well with our friends, who are all successful attorneys and financial consultants.

Jennifer Block - Future Mrs. Austin Collie?

2009-09-28T20:18:00.001-04:00

Name:
Jennifer "Jen" Block
Age:
34
Lives:
Buckingham & Boulevard near Butler Univ. in a cute 1925 bungalow
Car:
Mint green 2004 Land Rover Discovery
Job:
Media Maven for Borshoff Johnson, the best PR Firm in the city!
Marital status:
I am single. I've been holding out for that "special guy" -- and Austin would definitely suffice!
Works out at:
I really enjoy running on the Monon Trail, but I'm thinking about joining an underground elite yoga / pilates place in Meridian Kessler because they only accept a limited number of members and its VERY exclusive! I don’t think I should mention the name here. I don’t want to hurt my chances of joining.
Favorite bar:
I don't have a favorite bar or restaurant. I make it a point to stay different, because so many of my friends always go to the same places. So when it's time to go out, I hit the Internet to find out what places are happenin'... However, I always stay on College between 4900 and 6600 North and on the Avenue between College and Winthrop - the only civilized area of Indy.
Favorite bar to spot Austin Collie:
I'm indifferent ... just so it's in my well-defined "zone of civilization!"
Favorite musical group:
I love any rock group that plays at the bars, clubs and restaurants located in my favorite “Zone”!! I'm sure Austin would too! I love this really obscure band, Combat Rabbit. Do you know them?
Favorite Starbucks:
I like the Starbucks at Guilford & the Avenue, since it's in such a wonderful neighborhood. Nice artwork inside by the fireplace too.
Favorite Starbucks Beverage:
I get either a grande skinny extra-shot, extra-cupped latte with a dash of vanilla, sprinkle of cinnamon, sprinkle of chocolate, one equal, one sugar and one ice cube (to cool it off!), ...or a short coffee, black. Depends on my mood and which friends I'm with ....
Favorite part of Austin Collie's body:
How can you ask such a question? Every inch of Austin’s body is delightfully handsome.... and I bet his salary is equally as handsome!
If I had Austin alone for 15 minutes, I would:
I would use my special pull with the local media him to get him to appear on the WTHR 13 evening news. I bet Dave Calabro would just get such a thrill out of interviewing him. And Andrea, I know she'd be all over him in the hallway before the evening news ... I'd have to throw a body block. Andrea's a Big Girl!
Why should Austin choose me over the rest of the Trixies?
Because I've got so much going for me: I'm successful, I know what I like, and I know how to get it -- no matter what. Most of my friends are jealous of me, just for that alone. So Austin would be foolish to pick anyone else in the village.
Dream marriage proposal scenario:
Mimi Pearce on the WTHR 13 morning show would be out sick with the stomach flu, and I would use my influence with the local media to fill in up in the traffic helicopter. When I turned towards the pilot/cameraman, he would rip off a 'Mission Impossible-style' face mask and I would be shocked to find it was Austin! He'd interrupt my inbound travel times on I-69 and propose to me, 4,000 feet in the air!! It would be so magical. I would nearly faint as I screamed YES and reached for the "off" button so we'd have some privacy.

Melinda Thompson - Future Mrs. Austin Collie?

2009-09-28T19:54:00.002-04:00

Name:
Melinda Thompson
Age:
33
Lives:
Shore Acres Apartments on Westfield, right near all the excitement of the Monon Trail and the Arts Center!
Car:
Green '99 VW Jetta, with racing stripes my boyfriend applied while I was not watching.
Job:
HR Assistant
Marital status:
I have a really great boyfriend, but like most of my friends, that relationship is highly negotiable when Austin is introduced into the picture!!! :)
Works out at:
Used to go to LA Fitness, but decided that was too gauche. I know it's a little expensive, but now I belong to the Four Seasons (sooooo nice!)
Favorite bar:
Chatham Tap on Mass Ave downtown, because it's just so comfortable and friendly, even though it is kind of in the gay neighborhood and not in Broad Ripple.
Favorite bar to spot Austin Collie:
I've never spotted Austin in a bar, but I sure would relish in the opportunity!
Favorite musical group:
I love all the music on 92.3, I just love that Brad Holz too, I bet you he is real cute and all.
Favorite Starbucks:
I'm pretty equal opportunity -- any Northside Starbucks.
Favorite Starbucks Beverage:
I don't care for coffee, but I go to Starbucks nonetheless to get bottled water. It's a great place to see and be seen!
Favorite part of Austin Collie's body:
I don't know a lot about Austin, since I just moved here from Michigan. But I did see him at a Colts game earlier this season. I didn't get to see him too closely, because I was waiting in line for the restroom every time he was making a big catch. He's famous. Isn't that good enough??
If I had Austin alone for 15 minutes, I would:
I would discreetly try to find out exactly how much money he really makes. You know you can't really trust the media.
Why should Austin choose me over the rest of the Trixies?
Well, I'm fun and I really know how to have a good time with all my girlfriends. Some girls I meet around here are just so boring and uninteresting. There is nothing worse than being ordinary.
Dream marriage proposal scenario:
Well, I like something simple. Austin would pick me up and take me to a local eatery. Maybe Recess on College or Mama Carolla's (I just love that place so much, it's just so cute!). Austin would spend some time telling me all about himself. Afterward, he would take me to the Red Room or Land Sharks, and would stand up on the bar and proclaim not only that he is Austin Collie and that everyone loves him, but that he loves me, and he would propose in front of all my Broad Ripple friends!!!

Erica & Emily Stratton - Future Mrs. Austin Collie(s)?

2009-09-28T19:26:00.003-04:00

Name:
Erica & Emily (fraternal twins!)
Age:
25 & 25
Lives:
44th & Broadway in a cute duplex. How appropriate!
Car:
We have matching 2002 cream & black Mini Coopers
Job:
We both work MZD Advertising as Junior Creative Directors! It's such an exciting place to work!
Marital status:
We're both single. Since we do everything together, it's been tough finding matching husbands who also have enough power, stamina and financial twang to match our fast-paced lifestyles!
Works out at:
We both work out by practicing yoga at the Yoga Center on College just down from Naked Tchopstix and the Vogue ... it's such a great place, probably because of the neighborhood. The owners can be a bit stand-offish but that must be because they have the most centrally located yoga studio in the heart of all the action in our Village. They know they are at the center of it all and it’s commonly known you just don’t have to try as hard when you’re rocking it so well.
Favorite bar:
We like most bars, but the best is probably Northside Social up College near the Arts Center. I know everyone always wants to be there, but we know the owners, so we belong there.
Favorite bar to spot Austin Collie:
Northside Social, of course! Now we just need to get the word out to Austin so he will check it (us) out.
Favorite musical group:
We just love all the head-bangin stuff on X-103. Who wouldn't?
Favorite Starbucks:
We like to go to the Starbucks downtown on the Circle and order expensive drinks. We also like that one because we work downtown … and because it's impressive to be there right on the historic Circle, plus we feel some of our coworkers don't go to Starbucks because it's too expensive. So we feel more exclusive.
Favorite Starbucks Beverage:
Since we do everything together, we each order the other's drink, even though we drink the same drink! hehe. It's a double-cupped extra-shot vanilla no-foam chai tea latte with a sprinkle of Madagascar cinnamon … oh, and two equals. We just discovered starbucked.com this week, and we think that guy is a real jerk for putting up such an awful web site against Starbucks.
Favorite part of Austin Collie's body:
We both love his face.. He has just got the most handsome, dreamy face. When we look at him, it’s like watching a baby bunny sniff a tiny flower. (sigh)
If I had Austin alone for 15 minutes, I would:
Well, since we'd be double-teaming him, I suppose he'd have to tell us which one he'd choose. And that would be a problem...
Why should Austin choose us over the rest of the Trixies?
Because we're a lot more exciting than most friends we know. In fact, we know that Austin would just die to get a-hold of us, we're just so cute and all ...
Dream marriage proposal scenario:
Austin would meet us out at a Broad Ripple Starbucks for an evening, and we would all have an iced version of our daytime drink. We'd giggle as Austin would attempt to order two of our little concoctions, and then we'd change one attribute to our drinks half way through, before the clerk really understood what we wanted. We'd stand back and giggle, beaming with the excitement of knowing that Austin was with us instead of any of the other girls in the store. Then, once we got our coffee drinks, we'd find a seat in one of those big, overstuffed chairs (like we also have in our living room!), and Austin would drop the question! It would be soooo cool to have Austin propose to us in Starbucks, we bet that hasn't happened to anyone else! Of course, we'd have a problem if Austin only proposed to one of us ..... but since he played football at Brigham Young in Utah, that may not be so much of a problem.

Erin O'Donnell - Future Mrs. Austin Collie?

2009-09-28T18:53:00.005-04:00

Name:
Erin O'Donnell
Age:
29
Lives:
Carvel Ave near Canterbury Park
Car:
2001 BMW 318ti two door with pop-up back
Job:
Marketing Wizard for a major Real Estate firm in the metro area
Marital status:
I just married a wonderful guy, but I would not change my name for him, I told him that's going just too far! I'm a professional woman, and I'm not giving that up for him. But for Austin, well maybe! I like the sound of Erin Collie.
Works out at:
I work out at the gym right down stairs from my work. The only time I leave Broad Ripple is for work, and the gym. Other than that, I never venture outside it's friendly confines, if I might steal that quaint baseball saying!
Favorite bar:
Well, I usually pretend not to like the bars, because I tell my friends that I don't like men looking at me -- that's what they teach you at the corporate sexual harassment classes ... but the truth is, I really love when guys savor me with their eyes! Rrrrrrrr
Favorite bar to spot Austin Collie:
I would rather spot Austin at one of Broad Ripple’s cute little bistros, like Yum Bistro, or that Taste Cafe over on College & 52nd. Oooooh .... or maybe at Zest!
Favorite musical group:
I pretend to like classical, because that's the "classical" thing for a lady to do. So in front of my friends I turn up the classical, but when I'm alone ... I really love to break out the acid rock.
Favorite Starbucks:
I like the Starbucks in Nora next to Whole Foods, because it's on the way to work. But it's really like still being in Broad Ripple, even though it's really on the fringes. Is Nora outside of the official Trixie boundaries? I don't know. Well, whatever.
Favorite Starbucks Beverage:
I always want it hot, but in the summer, they make it iced, often without asking. It must be all those frappuccinos that they make. There's all those girls that go in there just thinking it's trendy and to order a frapp. Give me a smokin' hot half-caff carmel machiato and I'm a happy camper.
Favorite part of Austin Collie's body:
I think the face is pretty darn handsome, but if you want to know the truth, I bet the legs are really wild too, even though I haven't ever seen them because of those football pants and pads the Colts wear, but you gotta know. Right?
If I had Austin alone for 15 minutes, I would:
Try to figure out if he's got what it takes to make a Marketing Wizard hummmm!
Why should Austin choose me over the rest of the Trixies?
I always knew I was more impressive than my friends, so since Austin is so suave and sophisticated, he would immediately recognize this too, I just know it. Many of my friends think they have what it takes, but they really don't have a clue!
Dream marriage proposal scenario:
Austin would pick me up in his Jag, take me down to Lucas Stadium and give me a tour of his locker. He might even snap a towel at my tushie like those boys probably do after games in the shower. Then we would head over a few blocks to the Canal, and we'd make out on the steps of the Historical Society. Then we'd stroll down the Canal Walk towards the Eiteljorg and the Zoo, just me and him. He'd pop the question and I'd say yes. No, I'd yell it! No, I'd scream it at the top of my lungs... so that all the single girls hanging out at the Zoo (just so they can say they have some meager level of culture and love animals) would know all about my secret: that Austin wanted ME!

Samantha Bennington - Future Mrs. Austin Collie?

2009-09-28T15:12:00.001-04:00

Name:
Samantha Bennington
Age:
33
Lives:
Riverview Drive near Washington Blvd (I hop on Meridian Street driving to work every day--it's sooo convenient!)
Car:
A vintage 1986 Jeep Wagoneer with original wood panels -- What else would I drive?? All my friends have one!
Job:
Business Analyst at a tech consulting firm in Carmel, soon to be promoted ahead of that girl from Western Illinois. My IU education speaks for itself!
Marital status:
Single! Single! Single!
Works out at:
I really enjoy running along the river in the neighborhood! I'm a free spirit.
Favorite bar:
I just love all the bars in Broad Ripple, with the exception of the dirtier and less-classy ones. Well, any bar where there are handsome men drinking Heinekens will do for me! I'm sure Austin loves to hang out and drink a Heineken!
Favorite bar to spot Austin Collie:
I would love to spot Austin in any of the Broad Ripple or Keystone Crossing bars, but he'd have to be sipping a Heineken to get me really turned on!
Favorite musical group:
I love 96.3 (all my friends hate me for it! They think it's too "urban") and 99.5 ZPL.
Favorite Starbucks:
The Starbucks at the Fashion Mall. Nice shopping too!!
Favorite Starbucks Beverage:
Well, I don't like to drink coffee as it stains the teeth and plus I am “independent” and like to be different. So instead I drink tea. My favorite drink: Extra Tall Grande, double-cupped Peach Mango Tea with one Equal and one Sugar and a wedge of fresh lemon--and by fresh, I mean I want to SEE THEM cut up that lemon! (I'm not using some withered, old maid of a lemon in my drink!) In the winter, I like two ice cubes to cool it properly and in the summer I take it iced with a splash of hot water to keep myself from getting an iced tea headache!! If I'm feeling really frisky, I spice it up with some Bailey's, which I keep hidden in a flask in my Wagoneer. Shhhh!
Favorite part of Austin Collie's body:
I am so in love with Austin’s hot bootie! A man with such a hot Heinie should not be single!! I know he’s way younger than me … but he’s a Colt and no one will care at all!
If I had Austin alone for 15 minutes, I would:
I would tear off his clothes and ask him to play hide and go-seek. No, just kidding. I would ask him to do things a proper Broad Ripple Trixie does not say in public, thank you very much.
Why should Austin choose me over the rest of the Trixies?
Well, my Indiana University education has so much more prestige than all those other girls out there with undergrad degrees from petty minor colleges or even Purdue. Austin should like me just for that alone. Plus, I'm moving up, soon to be promoted to Senior Analyst, and I have a killer SUV and a real cute home on Riverview Drive. Oh, and I just love shopping at Saks and Form+Function! NFL players appreciate things like that.
Dream marriage proposal scenario:
Austin would propose to me. Isn't that enough of a thrill itself??? I would so cherish being in the players' wives club. I would sell my Wagoneer and buy either a Range Rover Sport or another vintage collectible … like maybe a 1948 Town & Country wood panel convertible. I grew up in a Connecticut family and we really appreciate our vintage vehicles. They are awesome to take "antiquing" on weekends. Well, then I would also be able to park right at the stadium on game day where the players park. I would be able to zoom through the crowds and lean on the horn as people scrambled to let me through, giving me the honor and super treatment I deserve. And all those girls with the low-end degrees, who only get to go to Colts games when they get invited at work .... well, I must say they would all simply die to be me!

Chrissy Gilbert - Future Mrs. Austin Colle?

2009-09-28T14:27:00.000-04:00

Name:
Chrissy Gilbert
Age:
29
Lives:
Just north of 58th on Ralston - Broad Ripple proper
Car:
Silver 2000 Jetta VR6
Job:
Public Relations
Marital status:
I'm married, but I would leave my husband (a boring consultant dweeb) for Austin in a heartbeat!
Works out at:
The Jordan "Y" on Westfield, oh ... and I run in the neighborhood.
Favorite bar:
The Casba & Old Pro's Table
Favorite bar to spot Austin Collie:
Champps at Keystone Crossing!!
Favorite musical group:
Third Eye Blind rules!
Favorite Starbucks:
In Nora next to Whole Foods, I jet by on my way to the Jordan Y every morning when I work out.
Favorite Starbucks Beverage:
Double Cupped Double Tall Extra Shot No Foam Skim Soy Iced Vanilla Latte (hot in the winter!)
Favorite part of Austin Collie's body:
"The Package" .... of course!
If I had Austin alone for 15 minutes, I would:
I'd have him autograph everything in sight, just so I could have his autograph in my cube at the PR firm, and everyone would know I'm with Austin.
Why should Austin choose me over the rest of the Trixies?
Well, I originally came from Louisville, and (thankfully) escaped to Indy to try and discard my rural heritage. However, since Austin played football at BYU and came from a small town, I would really cherish not having to conceal the real me in my own home. God knows I have to do it everywhere else!
Dream marriage proposal scenario:
During the half-time at the Super Bowl, Austin would grab a portable microphone, walk over to my front-row 50 yard-line seat, and propose to me before a crowd of 80,000 fans (including all my co-workers from the PR firm). I would say "Yes!" and jump into his arms. He would carry me up and down the field while Payton Manning launched autographed football bombs into the cheering crowd as souvenirs, and then we'd exit through the team tunnel and go to St. Elmo's for my first wedding shower and everyone would have huge, medium-rare Porterhouse steaks, shrimp cocktails and martinis! All my co-workers would be so jealous of me! Everyone would!

Anne Roberts - Future Mrs. Austin Collie?

2009-09-28T10:57:00.002-04:00

Name:
Anne Roberts
Age:
27
Lives:
Paxton & Guilford [right in heart of it all!]
Car:
Red 1997 Jetta, Trek Edition
Job:
Jr. Paralegal at Barnes & Thornburg Law Firm downtown
Marital status:
Single -- very single
Works out at:
Cardinal Fitness on Broad Ripple Ave.
Favorite bar:
Brothers right here in the Village
Favorite bar to spot Austin Collie:
Sullivan's Keystone Crossing or Bella Vita waterfront at Geist
Favorite musical group:
Anything on 101.9 RadioNow, I just love how they replay my favorite songs over and over and over and ...
Favorite Starbucks:
56th & Illinois, all my friends go there too.
Favorite Starbucks Beverage:
Extra Skim extra shot triple iced mocha, with three equals.
Favorite part of Austin Collie's body:
I just love his face, I wish all the rest of the men in BR had his face. Any men I find with such a handsome face end up being gay.
If I had Austin alone for 15 minutes, I would:
I would take him to the nearest tattoo parlor, have him autograph my body, and then have his signature permanently tattooed on me!
Why should Austin choose me over the rest of the Trixies?
I just don't know, I'm just so shocked that I made it this far. Austin, please please please choose me!
Dream marriage proposal scenario:
Austin would take me out to Oceanaire (downtown on Meridian near Barnes & Thornburg where I work). I've only been there once before, with a client, it was so fabulous. Austin would arrange with the wait-staff to have my engagement ring inside one of the clams that I would order for an appetizer (I just love those sooooo much). I would open it with one of those little clam pliers, and there it would be. I think I would break down in tears as I yelled "yes!...yes!...yes!" over and over. Then, Nathan Baker, one of the firm’s partners, would see me there (he loves to dine at Oceanaire with his clients) and promote me to Senior Paralegal!

60 Seconds with Kristen Parker-Elliott

2009-09-05T11:47:00.001-04:00

Name: Kristin Parker-Elliott
Society member since: 2005
Age: 28
Interview Location: Starbucks at 56th & Illinois
Lives near:   49th & Illinois

BRTS:    So, Kristin, how long have you been a member of the Society?
Kristin:   I joined the Society back in 2005, after I broke up with Eric and moved out of his condo in Noblesville. My best friend Jenny O'Brien told me I should move to Broad Ripple, aka "Bars, Boys and Beyond"! When I first moved to Ripple, I met this total hunk from Geist and we started dating, but you know, I just knew he wasn't the "end all be all" for me. I mean, I almost ended up moving 20 miles east for him. He was nice and all, but he was obsessed with his lawn and anyway he got laid off from Lilly the next month so I guess it was fate.

BRTS:    So, you moved to the Village and found eternal happiness right away?
Kristin: Well, it wasn't that easy, really. The TrixieMales were cute but at first I had a difficult time telling them apart. I didn't want to jump into another relationship just so I would have a guy to show off and shut my Mom up. There's this pressure, you know. I dated around for 2 years before I finally met Tad Miller at the gym doing curls. He's a Purdue alum and I knew he was the one right away. We got married in Maui last spring.

BRTS:    How has your Society membership helped you achieve your social goals in life?
BRTS:    Kristin?
Kristin: Yeah, sorry. Uhh, what was the question again? Sorry, I thought I saw my best friend Melinda out the window over there with her new dog. But I think her puppy is a chocolate lab, not that brown mutty-looking thing over there.

BRTS:    How has your Society membership helped you achieve your social goals in life?
Kristin:    Well, there's Tad for one. Oh, I don't know. I think it's so empowering to finally realize that there are other girls out there that I can relate to, socially and demographically. I'm not alone anymore, and that's really helped my confidence. Once I realized I could step on toes and get away with nothing more than a smirky smile, it became much, much easier. I guess that's the same as everything in life... you do it once, and you can do it over and over. You kinda become a pro.

BRTS:    Well, that's a common thought among Society members. Where are you living now?
Kristin:   Brad and I just bought a new house over near the Food Emporium around 49th & Illinois, just down the block. There are lots of classic, really big houses over there. We couldn't afford anything like my Sunset Lane dream home, so we just got a two-story Tudor on one of those cute little side streets. I've been spending all my time and our money decorating over the past three months, and it's finally becoming such a cute place! I even learned to paint the walls myself! In fact, last week we held a cocktail party for Brad's boss. It was a big success and hopefully it'll keep him on the fast track!


BRTS:    Uhm, I thought you said your husband's name was Tad. Who is Brad?
Kristin:   Oh, his middle name is Bradley, so most of his beer buddies call him Brad. You see, he's a trader, so he comes home at about 3 o'clock and ends up drinking and chain smoking with his buddies at any one of the Northside Irish Pubs…. you know, places like Claddagh, Conners Pub or Union Jacks on Broad Ripple Ave.

BRTS:   That's good. Well, I was going to say, I admire you for hosting the cocktail hour you mentioned a minute ago. The Society always encourages Trixies to become friendly with each of their boyfriend or husband's managers and direct reports. It means so much in the long run for weaving intricate social connections into a web of trust, style and support!
Kristin:    Yeah, I really think it's important to get to know your husband's boss. Trading is a cutthroat business with an uncertain future, and I think Tad knows how important it is to have someone special like me. Image is important -- and he needs to come off as someone smart but down to earth. That's why he bikes to work instead of taking our Land Rover Defender. That's also what 90 minutes at Cardinal Fitness is for. And with me at his side, no one will question whether Tad is repressed or bisexual. I have no problem with that, but it would be the kiss of death for him in the trading wars each morning.

BRTS:    I see you're back to calling your husband Tad. Which do you prefer anyhow?
Kristin: Oh, whichever. I think they are both cute. Of course, Tad is a cooler name, but sometimes Tad himself says that by going by Brad, he can seem more like all of his buddies. Blending in, that's what it's all about, right?

BRTS:    Right. So, right now you're 28, correct?
Kristin: Yeah, I feel like I'm getting so old. But we've accomplished so much that I'm not really afraid of turning 30. Though I really want to pop one out before then.

BRTS:    Pop one out? Do you mean have a baby?
Kristin: Yes, definitely. Everyone else has one of those things so why shouldn't we? We've set aside the extra bedroom for a baby, and although Brad doesn't know it, I already had my Mom get my first SUV stroller from BabyBjorn online! (Everyone back home in Louisville thinks it's a Go-Kart or a sulkie, ha ha!)

BRTS:    Well, Kristin, I think we should stop the interview now ... It's so good to hear another village success story.

Back to the Trixie Lifestyle Guide

60 Seconds with Our Membership!

2009-09-05T11:09:00.001-04:00

Take 60 Seconds out of your day to catch up with a busy Society member (or other interesting individual) on the move!

The Trixie Society has many interesting and fascinating members darting about the Village picking up Starbucks double-cupped no foam Venti coffees, shopping at Fresh Market for organic fruits and designer vegetables, browsing at Restoration Hardware for industrial strength nickel-plated art deco alarm clocks, or popping into Frankeys for cute little dresses and imported newsboy caps.

Board Member Muffie Exeter-Rawlings interviews various Trixies and shares the fascinating results with you!

Kristen Parker-Elliott

Starbucks Demanding Names

2009-08-22T16:48:00.002-04:00

Dear Ashley,

I noticed that the Starbucks in at the Fashion Mall has begun a disturbing new trend: they ask for your name when you order a drink, just so they can scribble it on a cup. Apparently this is to help the absent-minded barista keep track of several drink orders at once. But really, isn't that what they are paid to do???

Anyway, I think this is a really bad practice; I felt very odd telling my name to a cashier, just so everyone around me standing in line can hear my name. What if there is some kind of weirdo standing in line behind me??? Frankly, I think the people who work there just need to spruce up their organizational skills. Perhaps a nice Carnegie course would do them good ... then we revert back to the good old days when I could at least enjoy a double-cupped extra-whip skim soy latte in privacy.

Since when has Starbucks joined the government in intensifying it's information collection strategy anyway??? Next time I go to Starbucks, I expect them to publicly demand my social security number!

Also, as an advocate of Trixie Public Liberties, can the Society please do something about rude people working behind the counter at Starbucks?? Normally when I go to the Broad Ripple store at the corner of Guilford, there is this nice young lady with pony tails and a scruffy guy behind the coffee machine.. They are really nice, and sometimes they even remember my order. But on Sunday I stopped in before heading over to Restoration Hardware and Whole Foods, and there was a whole new crew of people working there, and they were totally rude (in addition to asking my name, etc).

Thanks Ashley!
Jill Jacobs

Dear Jill:

I completely agree with you! I think Starbucks should stop hiring angry misfits and start staffing their stores with qualified individuals. There are plenty of unemployed internet people with great experience in organizational behavior and operations. Better yet, hire MBA students from Purdue or Notre Dame to come in and run the latte production lines more efficiently.

I think they're already starting to do this at the Starbucks at 56th & Illinois. The other day I was visiting my friend Leslie and we saw the cutest little boy working at the Starbucks there! He was very tall and blond and stood out from all the other workers in the shop. I bet he's a 2nd year business student at Butler!

-Ashley

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

Concerned About Humble Beginnings

2009-08-01T13:58:00.001-04:00

Dear Ashley,

Is it possible to join the Society if I came from humble beginnings? My dad was a mechanic and my mother was a housekeeper, but I managed to go to Yale and now I work downtown for a PR firm as an Account Manager.

I live in the village near 59th & Norwaldo.

Thanks for your help.
Bridget

Bridget:

The Society is a reflection of all the great things about America. We applaud the occasional member who may have come from families that do the sort of work we now hire out.

The fact that you have taken on such an admirable regime of self-improvement is enough for me to say you have what the Society wants in all our members: discerning taste and a realization that striving for the finer things in life makes our lives that much finer.

Besides, now that you are in our lovely Village and working at the prestigious PR firm you can discard your old baggage for something more along the lines of a Burberry overnight case. If you are ashamed of your background, you can always change the details to something more glamorous ("Daddy was in the oil business." -- Not altogether untrue, but it sounds very enviable and befitting your new-found Trixie status).

Good luck!
Ash

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

The Trixie Table - Ordering "Off-Menu" at Fast Food Restaurants

2009-07-15T12:27:00.002-04:00

A cup of regular coffee with a shot of espresso dumped in?!? Now, I’m not a huge "regular" coffee drinker, but apparently you can even upgrade this to two shots, which is called a Black Eye. I presume upgrading to three shots is called a Jumpy-Unblinking Eye? I would highly recommend getting creative. Dividends, people ... dividends!!

Ever had a Neapolitan milkshake from McDonald’s?

One where they layer the chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors in the same cup, creating a thick, icy, slow-moving light-brown-swirls-with-pink-flecks taste explo-sensation? Yeah, my friend Chad was a regular customer of those. Of course, when he was working at McDonald’s as a teenager he got sick of the regular menu pretty quickly and started tinkering in the back like a mad scientist with his coworkers, developing exotic, unstable, and unpredictable meal creations with the ingredients on hand.

Yes, there were failed attempts, like the Chicken McNugget Flurry, but sometimes they struck gold and created a new off-the-menu line extension. I guess this is fairly common, because there are reports of online McDonald’s employee communities, where insider recipes such as the McBrushetta and McPancakeBatterFunnelCakes are shared.

Now, my world opened up when I first realized courtesy of Chad that you could order off-the-menu at fast food restaurants. Since that time I’ve learned about a few other secret options around. Like for instance:

Wendys - The Grand Slam

If the single, double, or triple hamburgers at Wendy’s just don’t cut it for you, just go all out and order the massive four-patty grand slam. Also known as the Classic Quadruple or the "Meat Cube".

McDonald’s – Fries with Big Mac Sauce

Lots of people put fries right on the burger, which I agree tastes delicious. But this technique allows you to switch things up a bit and put some of your burger’s best feature right on your fries. Try to ignore protests from your arteries, and just ask for that beautiful little cup of Big Mac Sauce on the side for dipping.

Long John Silvers – Batter Bits

I know a Trixie who was all over these. She’d lean in and guiltily ask in a hushed whisper and the guy behind the counter would nod slowly -- knowingly -- and hand over a wet, greasy paper bag full of all the batter drippings that fell into the oil by accident. Yeah, this is the bottom of the barrel of off-the-menu stylings. It ain’t always pretty out there.

Subway – The Pizza Sub

Apparently this one’s like Sasquatch ... there are scattered sightings everywhere and a few grainy videos that may or may not have been tampered with. Another favorite from Subway, though not technically a menu item, is simply ‘the old cut’, where they dig a trench in your bread instead of just slicing it, leading to better cold cut and veggie distribution. Also known for causing The Wing Effect, where your bologna hangs out the sides of your sandwich for some tasty pre-nibbles.

McDonald’s – Big Mac with Quarter-Pounder Patties

One last McDonald’s fixture — the ol’ bun-heavy Big Mac surgically altered to become a meat-heavy Big Mac with Quarter Pounder patties instead. Now you’re much less likely to get that dreaded All-Bun first bite.

Starbucks – The Short Cup

Even though the smallest size on the Starbucks menu is a ‘Tall’, they do offer a secret ‘Short’ size behind the counter. Perfect for that between-coffee-breaks coffee.

Now, I’m only one woman, so I’m sure there are hundreds of great off-the-menu gems that I’ve never heard of or know about. But that’s the beauty! There are all these little surprises just waiting to be discovered. What possible fast-food Mouth Love will we discover next?

Ordering off the menu at fast food restaurants is a great deal. Maybe you’re the loyal customer looking for that new taste. Maybe you have strict dietary restrictions so it’s either off-the-menu or no-menu-at-all. Or maybe you’re just a grumpy Trixie who makes flippant off-the-menu requests with a deep scowl and a foot-stomp.

But whatever the case, whatever your background, whatever your taste, I think we can all agree that it sure is nice getting a little something special for lunch now and then.

AWESOME!

You Trixies Are Elitist!

2009-05-24T21:40:00.002-04:00

Dear Trixie ...

I came upon your web page a few days ago. While I come from an "extremely" upper class family in California, I now live in Paradise Valley, Arizona (the Malibu or Beverly Hills of Arizona). Paradise Valley is the home of more million dollar homes than in the entire state of Indiana, I would imagine. Anyway, why is it that you Trixies think you're better then everyone else? What makes you so elite? I mean, I don't act like that ... what gives you the right?

Roxy in Arizona

Dear Roxy,

I believe that you've overreacted too quickly. You see, the BRTS doesn't stand for extremely 'rich' or Beverly Hills-style exotic luxury. While those things are all very nice, we here in Broad Ripple settle for a more subtle, refined luxury in the places we live, the people we associate with, and the materials we take for granted.

The "Good Life" in Broad Ripple is everything we make of it, and if you look at the Society's blog in detail or interview a few of our members, you'll see that we really enjoy what we have. It might not be the very best, but that's what Sea Island, Georgia is for, right? Everyone knows you can't have a ten acre 12,000 square foot estate in Broad Ripple, and who would want one anyway? Our quaint bungalows, Cape Cods and Tudors confined to proper;y proportional urban lots are quite adequate for us; this is city living after all!

I suggest that you stand back and look at things in a different light. Trixies don't think they are 'better' than everyone else -- in fact, most Trixies are not aware of everyone else. Trixies are simply interested in living the best lives they can here in our wonderful neighborhood in the nation's finest little urban village.

Best Regards,
Ashley

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

Letter of Complaint to the Indianapolis Colts

2009-04-25T21:42:00.002-04:00

In early 2008 after the Colts amazing Super Bowl win, the Society's executive board wrote a letter to Colts Management, demanding better treatment of our Trixies. Our letter detailed the harsh treatment experienced by a typical Trixie girl attending a football game simply in an effort to frolic and drink with her co-workers.

After a long period of silence from the Colts, the Broad Ripple Trixie Society recently renewed our effort to improve the safety, security and comfort of our Trixies who attend games at Lucas Oil Stadium. In the past, we have been victims of stray punts, damaged hearing, beer spilled and mustard smeared on expensive clothing, and all-around discomfort from the lack of Starbucks and proper shopping facilities at the Lucas Oil Stadium. As everyone knows, Trixies and their significant others, coworkers and friends make up the majority of the crowd in the 40-50 yardline seats, and as such, we demand to receive the same level of plush-ness we enjoy a few miles north of the Stadium in our Village of Jeeps, Jettas, Mini Coopers, boutiques, home decor stores, and fancy restaurants.

On April 19th, our Executive Committee again wrote a letter to COLTS management, demanding the they make changes to serve their premiere clientele in the first-class manner we deserve. Below is a copy of that letter in its entirety. We urge you, our members, to also write the Colts independently and echo your support for our noble cause.

April 19, 2009 Letter to Colts senior management

Letter to Colts Management - in staggering detail

2009-04-25T21:30:00.000-04:00

Please click on each page of our letter to the Indianapolis Colts for an expanded view:

Page 1 ....Page 2 ...

Page 3 ...
Page 4 ...

Are Fishers Residents Eligible To Join?

2009-04-14T13:19:00.001-04:00

Dear Ashley:

I can't tell you how excited I was to read that certain areas of Carmel were added to the Society's acceptable boundaries and since I live in Fishers which is near Carmel, I could be possibly eligible for membership.

Here is my question. Since I technically live in Fishers and not Carmel, but meet all other criteria, am I in?

Cait Atherton

Dear Cait:

Wow. You certainly dug through the old press releases to find the Carmel information! Unfortunately, Fishers is not currently in our plan. As many people say, Fishers is known for being Carmel's punk little brother. It simply does not fit into our lifestyle or plan at the moment.

But anyway...

As you know, most neighborhoods have changed dramatically over the years and continue to do so with the ebb and flow of social mores and the economy.

The Society redistricting committee is currently evaluating real estate and urban development trends in the areas around the Broad Ripple anchor village. Initial estimates hint that Fishers may have peaked some time a few years ago, and is again slipping into further decline.

You may want to look into moving to an approved part of Carmel or -- better yet -- Broad Ripple Village proper to increase your odds of gaining membership. That said, the official redistricting will not be made public until later this year.

Cheers!
Ash

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

An Introduction to Preppy Style in Broad Ripple

2009-03-22T19:44:00.002-04:00

By Super-Trixie Brooke Fletcher-Eaton

For some reason, when summer is just around the corner, my preppy gene kicks in high gear! I’m suddenly oohing-and-ahhing at every pair of Sperry’s and set of pearls in sight. Why, in the last three days alone, I’ve stopped myself from buying "The Official Preppy Handbook" three times. (What?!? It would make an excellent coffee table book!)

With my preppy-fever going strong, it shouldn’t surprise you that I fell in love with this look at first sight. It also shouldn’t surprise you that the photo for this cute little Trixie article was taken in Boston, Mass. It just has the perfect college town vibe -- possibly even Harvard. The fresh styling and casual feel make this the perfect outfit for you to try for spring. I encourage all Trixies to emulate this look.

Style Notes:

* Raid your closet. You probably already have a lot of preppy pieces. A basic oxford shirt in any color would work, and Sperry’s are a perfect substitute for the pricey Sebagos or Tod's driving loafers.

* Keep makeup light and feminine to offset the preppy/sporty vibe of this look. The oxford or Polo shirt and boat shoes have a masculine feel, so pearls and pink definitely add balance as well.

* Note that any cardigan should be tucked into a skirt, which is totally unexpected, but gives a really clean look. You could try this with other outfits as well: I think it would look great with a classic straight-leg jean and a colorful statement-making belt -- (stay away from the fabric whale belt however).

* If you’re looking for a perfect bag to complete your look as you pop into the Broad Ripple Starbucks, try a vintage Dooney & Bourke for a fantastic pop of color, or a well-worn Coach bag or 1980's tan, red and green Gucci.

Any Trixie perfecting this look is welcome to a few pints on me at the Wellington. Just tell them Brooke Fletcher-Eaton sent you!

Toodles,
Brooke Fletcher-Eaton

Back to the Trixie Lifestyle Guides

Distressing Trouble With Southside Starbucks

2009-01-15T15:05:00.002-05:00

Hello Ashley!

I went down to Greenwood on the Southside this weekend and tried to order a Venti Latte. They were so confused, that I finally had to show them the cup that I wanted them to use for my Latte. Uggggh!

Are people just slower in Greenwood? Or are they just not as multi-cultural as we are in Broad Ripple? I normally would not have visited the Southside, but I had a client appointment for work and they insisted I come to their office. I was previously reluctant to go and now that I have experienced the Southside I may just have to drop this client. The business we receive from them is just not worth the trouble.

Best,
Traci

P.S. Love B Ripple!

Dear Traci:

I've experienced the same problem on the rare occasion when I've ventured to the Southside. I don't think Greenwooders are slower, their brains are just wired oddly, and they speak a different dialect from Broad Ripplers like us.

You see, after brunch at the Cafe Patachou, I love to fill up with another Venti before I hit the shopping circuit. One time, the Starbucks at Guilford & Broad Ripple Ave had a line out the door, so I stopped off at that "alternative" coffee shop, the Monon Coffee Company place on Westfield. They didn't understand any part of my order. The order-girl (who had purple hair and wore overalls) looked at me like I was speaking that Cirque d'Soleil gibberish! I finally had to settle for a "large" soy Latte.

Try not to get upset next time. Just try to appreciate the cultural diversity that our city has to offer!

- Ash

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

Finding the Perfect Trixie Apartment

2008-11-16T10:06:00.003-05:00

Okay. You've just graduated with a Business Degree from one of the fine Midwestern State Universities, or perhaps even a prestigious Catholic College like Notre Dame or Xavier, and you're moving to Indianapolis. (Where else would a young, self-motivated, independent woman move anyway?) Your dilemma: discovering the best way to find an apartment in Indy befitting your taste and soon-to-be new found status. Unfortunately, the only situation that brings the Trixie to the brink of panic -- besides misplacing her loofah scrub -- is finding a new apartment or house to rent. Should one look in the Star? Should one use Nuvo? Perhaps ApartmentGuide.com? Should you spend 75% of your monthly income on rent....?!?!?

Whew!!!! It's all just so darn frustrating, isn't it? Well, the Broad Ripple Trixie Society is dedicated to removing the tiring task of thought from the Trixie's daily routine. Our board members got together one Sunday at Binkley's on College at Kessler; over our three hour brunch with Mimosas and spicy-no-pickle Bloody Marys we compiled a list of vital Apartment Hunting Questions. These questions were promptly distributed to our tasteful and well-groomed membership via email. Below you will find the answers submitted by our busy Trixies. For your convenience, we have ordered the questions and answers numerically in order of importance.

1.) Where is the apartment located? The number one concern of Trixies polled was the location of the apartment in question. Luckily, the BRTS has been generous enough to expand its borders; however, the true Trixie will hear the Call of the Village and try her utmost to establish residence within the "Golden Borders." Nora, Rocky Ripple, Meridian Hills and Williams Creek will suffice; they all contain cute pre-War homes, several trendy restaurants and they are close to a Starbucks but they're "Neighborhoods On The Move" and most Trixies prefer "The Neighborhood That Has Arrived": Broad Ripple. There is simply no substitute for the sweet tang of cash and attitude found in the Broad Ripple air.

2.) Is it near an authentic Pub? This question mattered big time to our membership. Chances are, if it's in Ripple, it's within walking distance of a great Pub. First and foremost, it is very important for meeting potential husbands and boyfriends. Randy young Chads come to Pubs to get drunk on $1.50 Lite beer, wear baseball caps, and look at your legs. What a blessing! Secondly, the Pub is the brain, spinal column and testes of the vital neighborhoods within Broad Ripple. The Pub sponsors a welcoming forum for Trixies to gather with other Trixies after work, order only the finest and most expensive vodkas and gins in your cranberry and tonic-based drinks, and watch your alma mater college teams fail in various televised playoffs. Finally, the Pub provides a place where you may drown your sorrows in alcohol. After Becka, your roommate and "best friend," steals your real estate lawyer boyfriend, you'll find the Pub bar staff extremely understanding and supportive in your time of need.

3.) Do successful-looking men live in the neighborhood? (See number 2 above.)

4.) Is the building pet friendly? Apartment buildings which accept pets are very important. An active Trixie must have a pet, preferably a large dog--either a black lab, golden retriever or, for the truly independent Trixie, a Rhodesian Ridgeback. We name our dogs after Indianapolis landmarks (Ayres, Butler, Riley, Irvington or Kessler) or our favorite drinks (Bailey, Cosmo(politan), Belevedere.) We're just creative that way!! Cats are acceptable but dogs are much preferred: what better way for a Trixie prove her busy professional status than by hiring a dog walking service to take precious Sambuca down to the Canal twice a day? Preferably, the ideal pet-friendly building will have a nice grassy strip directly in front of the door. This allows the Trixie to "walk" the dog on cold winter evenings by letting the beast out through the door via Extend-o-leash; meanwhile, the Trixie stands warm and safe inside the foyer among the dried flowers and glazed vases from Cost Plus. The grassy strip also acts as a convenient repository for dog "nuisance." A true Trixie never touches poo.

5.) How big is the apartment? Here is a toughie. Obviously, larger would be preferable but ultimately floor space is irrelevant as long as it is within the confines of Broad Ripple. Luckily, Trixies have few personal interests inside the home such as painting, writing, sewing or anything that would require extra space. What precious extra floor space we do possess, however, we are willing to sacrifice to large entertainment systems and treadmills. A Trixie needs very little personal living space. We are slender, elf-like creatures after all!! Likewise, the type of apartment is irrelevant: garden apartment, crowded coach house or non-air conditioned studio on the top floor of a four-story walk up. It simply doesn't matter as long as it's in Broad Ripple!!

6.) What is the rent? Without exception, the Trixies polled felt this should be the least of your concerns. Rent should be provided for by a Trixie's husband/boyfriend or parents. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case: many Trixies are forced to temporarily support themselves until better opportunities arise (i.e. an investment banker, trader, trust fund, etc.) This is where you might have to bite the golden bullet. $900 a month for a studio may seem like a lot of money but think about the benefits; status, being seen, blissful homogeneity, sushi -- the list is endless. Simply use your credit cards as a safety raft to float you to the nearest Island of Financial Security!

Understandably, some Trixies working entry level jobs at Bank One or Simon & Associates find living solo too much of a financial burden. In this situation, we recommend moving in with several Trixie roommates. Old high school friends and sorority sisters will suffice, as will work acquaintances. Regardless of personal habits, attempt to choose roommates who look as much like you as possible. This will practically guarantee someone will meet a cute financial analyst at the local Pub (see number 2 above.) The density of Trixies Per Apartment (the TPA ratio) varies upon the number of bedrooms. The following guidelines are BRTS tested and approved but please feel free to use your own exquisite judgment: two Trixies can live harmoniously in a studio, up to three Trixies and one large dog in a two-bedroom, and four to five Trixies and two large dogs in a three-bedroom. While some would consider these living arrangements unacceptable, a Trixie is a trooper; living in such conditions allows one to practice tolerant, fake smiles, the theft of contact lens solution and the gratuitous use of the term "best friend" when referring to your roommates. But all Trixies must remember: the real estate in Broad Ripple is obviously worth it. Otherwise it wouldn't be so expensive. If you wanted larger bedrooms and fewer than three roommates, you'd live in more dangerous neighborhoods like Irvington or Fountain Square.

The board members, and the Society at large, sincerely hope this guide helps you chose the most geographically prestigious, if not the most comfortable, apartment possible. And one final tip for the apartment-seeking Trixie: often Trixie-approved buildings have a TrixieStar discreetly placed somewhere on the facade -- in a stained glass window above the door, in the Terra Cotta architectural details, or even carved into the bole of a tree out front with a Jetta key. Keep your eyes open!! We wish you the best of luck!

How Can I Start a Trixie Chapter in My Own Town?

2008-10-22T12:52:00.005-04:00

Dear Ashley,

I live in Stilton, Arkansas. How can I form my own Trixies Club, right here in my hometown of 812 people? Unfortunately, we don't have a Starbucks within 300 miles of us, but we do have a Circle K. Most of the people here drive pick up trucks. Do those work in this society?

Please advise. Thanks!
Mary Jo Mazurek

Dear Mary Jo,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write to the Society. I mentioned your e-mail to another member over lunch today, and we were both touched by your ambition to create a fabulous social club in your small little town.

Please note that we are a society, not a club. In addition to the sense of belonging a society provides, we strive to support our members and promote the uniquely wonderful Broad Ripple beliefs and lifestyles.

With that in mind, I have suggested that the Society lobby our Village Council member to create a sister city, much like many towns do with small African or Eastern European villages.

I would recommend that the Broad Ripple example could do much to end some of the poverty and sense of abandon I gather that Stilton must endure.

Before I contact the Council member, however, I just want to make sure that Stilton hasn't been adopted by a more fortunate city or town elsewhere. As I'm sure you can understand, we need to cover all our bases before we can give the Society endorsement.

Thank you again for your sweet message. By the way, my accountant Jay keeps a pickup truck at his Lake Wawasee getaway for hauling the Ski-Doo. Though I wouldn't recommend driving a pickup in our Village, I am sure in yours it looks so quaint!

Sincerely,
Ashley Tucker-Stansfield

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

Society Member Kristin Harris Reports Uncomfortable Situation at ATM Machine

2008-10-17T13:30:00.002-04:00

Thursday October 16, 2008 -- 5:50 PM

An incident was reported today by Society Member Kristin Harris.

Ms. Harris reports that she was stared down by a strange-looking man after withdrawing cash at the 5th 3rd Bank ATM on Broad Ripple Avenue between the McDonald's and Fed Ex Kinko's. "The man stared at me for a long time. It made me very nervous," Kristin told police. "He then got in his dumpy little car and pulled into the McDonald's drive-thru. I don't think he belongs in Broad Ripple. I've never seen him before and he appeared seedy and dangerous."

Jenny Forbes, who was driving past on the street with several friends after having cocktails at La Jolla on the outdoor deck with twelve coworkers also reported that she witnessed the strange looking man staring Kristin down. "We need to stick together," Ms. Forbes said. "If we are not vigilant, Broad Ripple could turn into something like the West Side .... and that's a sad situation."

Further details will be reported on this disturbing case as they develop.

A police report was filed in this incident.

Don't Go to the Bathroom Today!

2008-08-03T08:59:00.000-04:00

To All Trixies:

“Don't go to the bathroom on August 6th!!! CIA intelligence reports that a major plot is planned for that day. Anyone who takes a poop on the 6th may be bitten on the ass by Terrorist Alligators. Reports indicate that organized groups of Fundamental Terrorist Alligators (FTAs) are planning to rise up into unsuspecting American's toilet bowls and bite them when they are doing their dirty business.”

Ashley, I usually don't send emails like this, but I got this information from a reliable source. It came from a friend of a friend whose cousin's uncle is dating this girl whose brother knows this guy whose wife knows this lady whose husband buys hot dogs from this guy who knows a shoeshine guy at Nordstrom who shines the shoes of a mail room worker who has a friend who works in the CIA building.

He apparently overheard two guys talking in the bathroom about alligators and came to the conclusion that we are going to be attacked. It certainly must be true because I could find no reference to it NOT being true on Snopes.com.

Debby Mulcahey
Indianapolis

Dear Debby,

Are you sure this is really true? Well ... better safe than sorry ... that’s my motto. I will pass this warning on to our Trixie Constituents for review, and to all of my best friends over gossip at Starbucks on Saturday morning.

-Ashley

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

Unspeakable Horror - Disgusting Jetta Vandalism

2008-07-14T12:57:00.007-04:00

Question:

Last week, I double-parked my brand new Jetta in the alley behind Rock Lobster on Broad Ripple Ave and I ran into La Bamba to pick up some tortas and a mini burrito on my way home from work. In the brief time I was in La Bamba, someone vandalized my brand new Jetta VR6. They shoved a condom into the "VW" symbol on the front of my car, and glued it into place with some sort of industrial adhesive. There was no way I was touching that thing, so I couldn't get it off. I had to get downtown, and since I think cabs are just too dirty, I decided to drive my vandalized car. I could tell people were staring at me, and laughing behind tinted windows.

When I arrived downtown, I saw a group of my boyfriend Chad's co-workers walking around, and they all burst out laughing. I jumped out of the car, and shouted that vandalism could happen to anyone ... and how would they like being a victim of a hate crime! I felt one of the guys was looking at my legs, so I cursed him and jumped back into my car and drove away. Ashley, can I sue the city for this horrible act of vandalism, and perhaps get compensated for not only the trip to the garage to get the car fixed, but for my emotional hardship as well? -- Laura S.

Answer:
Oh my ..... I really don't know what to say. This may certainly be beyond my legal capabilities. But Laura, I've seen many clients experience similar acts of vandalism in the city. Please try to understand ... that's what you get for living in the city. While you certainly don't deserve the financial and emotional burdens an incident like this may bring, you also have no recourse against the city or the Village.

However, I would suggest you file suit against whomever insures your Jetta, for at least two million ..... if not two and a half million dollars. Do not hesitate. You deserve it, after seeing the terrible damage you incurred, not to mention your emotional suffering.

I thank you for sharing today,
Ashley

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

Society Member Laura Samuels Reports Devient Sex Crime to Her Jetta in Popular Alley

2008-07-09T10:10:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, July 08, 2008 - 5:06 PM

Laura Samuels briefly double-parked her brand new Jetta in the alley behind Rock Lobster as she stopped at La Bamba Mexican restaurant to obtain carry-out.

During her time inside the restaurant, witnesses reported seeing a "sketchy" man vandalize the new Jetta VR6. It is reported that the bearded male inserted a condom into the grill of the vehicle and glued it into place with a strong industrial adhesive.

"There was no way I was touching that thing, so I couldn't get it off," Miss Samuels told Detectives. "I had to get downtown, and since I think cabs are just too dirty, I decided to drive my vandalized car. I could tell people were staring at me, and laughing behind tinted windows," she continued.

"This type of disgusting behavior is unacceptable in the Village," Miss Samuels claimed. "I don't feel safe anymore after this! How would you like being a victim of a hate crime!?"

Multiple police reports have been filed in this matter.

The Magic Lipstick Treatment - "The Schmear"

2008-04-20T11:50:00.001-04:00

- by Amanda Brooks Baker

The way I see it, I was innocent, and the guy in the Pathfinder was negligent. Very negligent!

The damage that he caused was beyond belief, and caused me so much trouble and emotional distress, that he should have to pay. They should not let men drive. At least I think it was a guy ...

I was driving east on 86th, just west of River Crossing Boulevard, right near Sullivan's (very overrated, if you ask me, but nice to have as a status symbol in the neighborhood). I had the green light, and proceeded to pilot my Jetta across River Crossing where it changes to Union Chapel Road, right by the lovely green iron trestle bridge by Flemming's and LuLu's. This idiot in a big black Pathfinder pulls off Union Chapel and hangs a right turn in front of me. As I tailed him down 86th, I gave him the "Magic Horn Treatment". After exactly 55 seconds of lounging on the horn, the guy stops, right in the middle of the street! Unbelievable!

Well, if he was willing to get out of the car, so was I. So I jumped out, gave him a nasty glance, and slowly approached his car. I screamed at him that he cut me off illegally and almost caused an accident. He started laughing, almost uncontrollably. I quickly swapped my angry face for a curious smile, and asked this fellow what was so funny. He starts pointing right at my head and cackles that I have lipstick all over my face. I turn and look at my face in the fine, waxy sheen of my Jetta ... and in fact, I do have lipstick streaked across my face! It was all his fault, and he was going to pay! He was going to pay for making me do this to myself. Before I could exit my stupor of disbelief, he quickly hopped back into his nasty truck and took off.

I discreetly tailed him around the neighborhood until he pulled into the parking lot at the Fox & Hound Pub (maybe he needed more beer so he could go out and terrorize more Trixies). After he left his truck, I quietly parked the Jetta right next to it, got out and proceeded to use my lipstick to draw an enormous greasy Trixie Star across the windshield of his truck, as well as several places around the body.

So, girls, if anyone notices a black Pathfinder with a Trixie Star smeared in several places on it, give the guy the horn treatment and a nasty glance for me.

Good luck this week navigating your way around our lovely Village!

The Trixie Gifter ... Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T12:20:00.001-05:00

While most girls are satisfied with a nice romantic dinner on Valentine's Day, Trixie Society members hold their significant others to a much higher standard.

Are you tired of that weathered, snow salt-stained Kate Spade bag? Did your cubicle-mate get a supple leather jacket that puts yours to shame? Why not ask that special someone for a new, trendier bag or a new pair of shoes from Sak's??

But how can you make sure your boyfriend will buy the right gift or make reservations at the right restaurant? Don't let him ruin your perfect Valentine's Day! Your boyfriend doesn't want you to turn into "Hannibelle Lecter" and neither do we!! So don't settle like all the rest of the girls ... use the Trixie Gifter Guide because you deserve the best!

The Trixie Gifter is an innovative new technology funded by the BRTS Foundation as part of its effort to improve the appearance and quality of life for deserving Trixies throughout the Village.

Using the Trixie Gifter is a quick and easy way to get exactly what you want ... and know you deserve!

Simply print out this list on your computer printer and place a check mark by the appropriate choice for your Valentine's Day wish. Fold it neatly into a red envelope, spray it with your own brand of sexy perfume and leave it on the pillow of your boyfriend/fiance/husband!

Gift choices:
New Mini Cooper (limited edition)
Chanel Bag
Louis Vuitton bag
Prada Bag
Starbucks gift certificates
Illy Limited Edition Red Espresso machine
ISO Season tickets
Extra cash allowance
At least 2 dozen roses
A black lab puppy
Godiva chocolate 20 lb gift-pack

Take Me To:
Out to dinner at ________________
Oceanaire downtown
Ralph Lauren flagship store in Chicago
Indianapolis Auto show to pick out a new SUV
Zoobilation Black Tie Fundraiser this summer
Forget going out, just get the gift!

Trixies ... hard to figure

2008-02-03T14:17:00.001-05:00

Question:
I had a date with a Trixie the other night. I met her at a 28th birthday party for my friend in the Marrot Condo building at Fall Creek & Meridian. She and I hit it off at the party. After exchanging flirtatious looks at each other, I got up the nerve to approach this smokin’ hot beauty. We chatted at length about our mutual interests in running on the Monon Trail, bangin’ cocktails at Blu Point, shopping at the Fashion Mall and antiquing at Midland downtown. Kismet, right?

Okay … me? Southern-&-7 (Yeah + Fist-Pump!); Her? Cranberry and Vodka. It was about an hour later that she told me about this website, and that she was a "Trixie". After convincing myself that "Trixie" was in no way related to "if you want to take me home it will cost you", I felt more at ease. I picked her up for dinner the following evening, and then we shared a few cocktails down on Mass Ave at Mac Nevins (mistake 1). Next, we cabbed all the way up to Sullivan’s at Keystone Crossing (mistake 2). After that -- back to her place (mistake 3), where she continued on the theme of the night -- Herself. Don't get me wrong, we did “mack” a little on the couch, but I left feeling …. oh, disappointed! So was I wrong? If you want to take a Trixie out -- oh boy will it will cost you ….. time. Please let me know there are better Trixies out there to date. I am a 4th year ER resident at Methodist, I graduated from Harvard Med, I am a good looking guy, in shape and all that .... Where did I go wrong? I mean I don't have a nice car yet, but isn't there a certain "medical" vibe given off by those who can assuredly rely on future earnings? Or did I just meet the wrong Trixie? Is there anyone out there worth my time? Please see above mistakes and tell me my error(s).
Thanks.
Tim in Broad Ripple

Answer:
Remember doctor, while as a 4th year ER resident you have income potential, you are still a resident, and therefore an overworked, underpaid dog. Trixies respond better to tangible signs of wealth than to signs of Future Potential Wealth. I predict that in a year, when your salary goes from $40K to $250K, you'll have more luck. If your credit is good now and you have been diligent on your student loans, you should be able to get a bank loan this very week to buy a Porsche Cayenne or the venerable Mercedes G-Class G550 4MATIC. I advise you to do it immediately.

Most Trixies respect the G-Class. It is a notable up-market GL series that carries the right “social gravity”. Although the exterior styling could best be described as "functional" and the interior very un-Trixie-like in it’s spartan utility, the G-Class has a certain minimalist appeal that rings loudly in the Village as well as Williams Creek. And, as most Trixies know, “minimalist appeal” is code for old money, New England Prep and therefore EXTREMELY Trixie-like. Welcome to the Village.

~ Ashley

Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

The Magic Horn Treatment

2008-01-28T13:39:00.003-05:00

- by Amanda Brooks Baker

On my way back from the athletic club this afternoon, I was making my way across 86th Street driving west. I was in search of some food to pick up on the way to my spa appointment. I only like to eat healthy food after a vigorous work out, so I chose to stop at one of those wraps stores that have opened up all over the town recently. They cater to "Trixie In Training" level girls who just moved into the Village and haven't a thing to cook in their small kitchens. Most of the ladies of my caliber usually cook in our large, expansive kitchens, and only take out when we're on the run, and can truly benefit from it.

Anyway, as I was turning left onto Westfield at 86th Street, this guy in a big nasty beater car runs me off the road! Thinking quickly, I jammed my hand onto the Jetta's horn, and took off after him.

I believe strongly in the horn treatment, which is carried out by staying on the butt of someone who does something stupid to you on the street, and laying on the horn for at least one minute, if not longer. At about 30 to 40 seconds, the offender starts to get extraordinarily pissed, which serves them right for messing with you.

Just make sure not to give the horn treatment when there is a cop around, because he might mess with you for causing a public nuisance, even though the real nuisance is the idiot who you were honking at in the first place.

If a cop hassles you, give him the Sweetheart Treatment (which, for the benefit of you younger Trixies, is exactly opposite from the Magic Box treatment) and he will let you go without any problem (unless he is a she ... in which case this usually results in a ticket).

That's all for this week's Jetta Column.

Good luck this week navigating your way around our lovely Village!

The Trixie Table - by Rory Fitzgregor

2008-01-24T12:53:00.008-05:00

The Trixie Lifestyle often includes exquisite dining experiences and brushes with some spectacular wines. Our village and outlying Indianapolis neighborhoods are literally overflowing with options to feast on world-class cuisine, and chase it with some of the best-crafted wines, beers and spirits known to man.

I recently left my job as Senior Content Manager for a major consulting company to pursue the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Program at The Chefs Academy. I have always possessed a God-gifted palate, and I am so excited to share my extensive knowledge and experience with those of you who may not be so fortunate!

From time to time as my busy social schedule allows, I will review a new restaurant from the uniquely BRTS perspective and report my experiences back to you. Additionally, being a wine connoisseur, I will give you the low-down on the best wines for any occasion.

Bon Apetite & Cheers!
Rory

Latest Reviews:

Trixie Cellars 2006 Bin 404 Merlot
This is the second release of the limited Trixie Cellars Bin 404, the BRTS Foundation's signature wine from the "Sonoma Semester Sisters" program. All of the grapes for the 2006 vintage were grown in a single plot from 10 year old vines, and harvested by hand in September of 2006. Only 38 cases were produced and most was auctioned at the Trixie Stars ball in 2007. There may be a limited selection of the Bin 404 remaining at Kahn's Fine Wines (ask Jim) or at Fresh Market on College.

The Bin 404 derives its name from the epicenter of a Trixie's world, 404 Broad Ripple Avenue -- the triangular intersection just a few feet from the Vogue where Broad Ripple Ave, Westfield Blvd and College Ave intersect. The Bin 404 will not distract your palate with overly complex characteristics. This wine can be enjoyed on just about any occasion and with any cuisine. This particular tasting was accompanied by a chicken & avocado burrito (with everything + extra hot sauce) ordered as carry out from La Bamba and the Merlot in no way interfered with the flavor of the food.
I give this wine 3 out of 4 Trixie Stars. ***

La Bamba - Burritos As Big As Your Head

To coincide with the tasting of the Trixie Cellars Bin 404 Merlot, my fiancé, Brett, and I knew that we had to accompany the enjoyable wine with traditional Broad Ripple late night fare. So, a quick flip through my Rolodex before the drive home from work brought the venerable late night south of the border fare of La Bamba.

La Bamba is a sloppy, greasy Mexican gut-bomb shop right on the strip playing a traditional Mexican music blend of mariachi/hip-hop/fusion head pounding beats with a tile floor setting that is simply off the hook. But, this night, we needed the solitude of Brett's bungalow on Kingsley to concentrate on our first tasting. So, we popped by for a carry-out order after having waited in the bumper-to-bumper trudge down Keystone to our lovely village of tranquility.

The carry-out experience was really great. I got a good feel for the "flava" of the place from Rafael, the friendly kitchen guy who threw all our ingredients on the searing hot griddle as we waited. After a bit of a language barrier, we got our order shoved into the paper sack with plenty of little hot sauce cuplets.

Brett said the inside of the place reminded him of Tijuana, with all the cheesy, dated minimalist decoration and the thumping brass horn music. Brett got drunk in TJ once while visiting his frat brothers at San Diego State, so he would definitely know! He was so inspired by the authentic hippity-hoppity mariachi atmosphere that he poured a bit of his wine on the white tile floor to give props to his peeps. Rafael just laughed.
We give both atmosphere and service 3 1/2 out of 4 Trixie Stars. ***1/2

Peace!
Rory

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Trixie Guide to Finances

2007-10-20T13:49:00.001-04:00

Contributed by Mackenzie Miller

For many Trixies, its just hard to exist on $45,000 a year, while spending $1,000 per month on an adorable pre-War bungalow near the Canal, a few outfits from Saks and trying to keep a Jetta on the road. But these items are important to Trixie Happiness. So therefore, we offer these key guidelines to make your life more enjoyable:

NOTE: Most of the situations described below expect that you have a boyfriend, husband or similar significant other. If you don't have one to call your own, stop now, go out and find one, and then finish reading.

1. If someone else is willing to pay, let them.
This works in many situations. Of course, when you're out to brunch with three or five of your best friends, who also are stretching their funds, you all have to chip in equally. But if you're out with co-workers, and one of them happens to be a manager or equivalent, you should expect them to offer to put the tab on their American Express card. They'll get reimbursed for it, because you did talk about work, right?

2. If you're out with a guy, make him pay.
If a guy is nice enough to hold the door for you, then he's nice enough to pay to have your company for dinner.

3. If at a bar, someone else always pays.
So, you're out at the Vogue or the Mineshaft after work with two or fifteen of your best friends/co-workers after a long day. Your pocketbook is running thin, because you just paid rent, your car and insurance payments ... and you're saving $200 for those new Pumps that you're planning to buy at Frankeys after your morning jog on Saturday. So what do you do? Any smart Trixie will know how to locate a small to meduim sized group of TrixieMales and charm them into supplying your whole group (or at least you and your closest, cutest friend Mandy) with drinks for the evening. Simple chatter about work and the Broad Ripple neighborhood works best, with a few comments about athletics thrown in for good measure ("Ohh! I just love to play volleyball with my old sorority friends at the park!").

4. When engaging in a financial transaction, always bring an attractive friend.
Let's say you're buying a new car, opening a bank account, or even buying a new condo. The first rule of thumb is to always bring along an attractive, yet quiet, best friend. This trick always works, because the guy on the other side of the desk is always going to give you better service and better deals when he has attractive Trixies in front of him (unless he's gay of course). You always thought you'd have a good opportunity to smile and make someone happy -- now you have the chance to get something out of it! This simple trick is even easier for the Trixie who practices the fine art of the fake smile. It doesn't matter if you're sincere or not -- this is a quick and easy one-time solution! You won't be seeing this guy around again (at least you hope you won't).

5. Always bring up your needs and desires at the best possible times.
You need a new bike, a new car, or a new Chanel handbag, but the pocketbook says no. Well, there is usually a quick and easy solution for the smart, on-the-ball Trixie. It's easy. Just know when to bring up subtle comments: At a dinner party where your boyfriend's boss or other influential parties are present, out to dinner when the waiter is at your table ("oh, thanks for the compliment on my new dress. I'm just waiting for Chad to buy me the matching Chanel bag and shoes!").

It's all good.

.

The Man Who Did Not Belong ... In A Yellow Porsche

2007-10-01T15:15:00.005-04:00

- by Amanda Brooks Baker

Today I was heading over to my favorite Starbucks at 56th & Illinois in my black Jetta, which I purchased at Park Place motors in Carmel (since it's got the Park Place plate frame on it, no one will know that I only pay $199 a month for the next 96 months). Anyway, as I was driving south after just passing Westfield Boulevard, I approached the left turn onto 56th to park in the lot behind the Starbucks. Now, let me tell you something about this parking lot. It serves three of the most popular stores on my daily list: Starbucks, Kincaid's Boutique Butcher Market, and 21st Amendment Liquor Shoppe. And with those three fine establishments, you can bet there are lots of other Trixies in their new $199 Jettas vying for the same parking space that I am.

As I'm about to turn left into the parking lot, this guy driving a canary yellow Porsche pulls out of the lot, and waits to turn onto 56th. He is blocking my entrance. As I pull to a stop and prepare to shoot him a nasty glance from beneath my Ray Bans, I take a good look at him. I figure that he looks good enough (and not to mention the car!) to have a lot of money, or at least be someone important, and possibly worth knowing. So I quickly decide to snap on a smiley face and proceed to grin at him. He looks back at me, and I gesture that I want to turn in. The guy gives me the middle finger. Can you believe that?! And this was someone I was planning to be friendly towards (which is rare in itself!).

I quickly slide him one of my very best nasty glances, as he finally pulls out of the lot. I quickly jot his plate down, so that I can have a police friend of my fiance's look up his address. I just love to send bad drivers a copy of my column detailing their idiotic driving.

As I run into the Starbucks to get my coffee, I remember that I failed to wipe the nasty glance off my face... but they probably all deserve it anyway ... they're just retail workers ... and what can they do for me, anyway??? But thankfully, I don't meet anyone I know -- or anyone worth knowing -- inside the Starbucks.

Good luck this week navigating your way around our lovely Village!

~Amanda

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Trixie Member's Jetta Accosted at Starbucks - Fingerprints Found on Plate-Glass Window

2007-10-01T13:39:00.001-04:00

Saturday, September 27, 2007, 9:01 AM

Society member Jenny Wilson was at the Starbucks at Broad Ripple Ave & Guilford happily perched in a large, brown overstuffed chair drinking an extra-shot chai half-decaf skim soy latte when an unidentified man made several unwelcome advances toward her through the plate-glass window.

Jenny immediately went to complain to the manager. She had to fight her way to the front of the line, and when she got back to her chair, the keys to her Jetta and her iPhone were missing from the table.

Jenny quickly ran from the store out onto the street, where she noticed the same man rummaging around in her double-parked Jetta across the street at Jimmy Johns Subs. With the able assistance of the friendly Jimmy Johns staff, the man was quickly evicted from the Jetta and Jenny's keys recovered. Unfortunately, her cell phone was lost, presumably stolen by the yet-unidentified man. Jenny also discovered a banana peel and several wadded-up Burger King wrappers littering the floorboard of her car after the incident. She is certain that these items were not there prior to the incident with the creepy man.

A police report was filed in the matter.

Meet Taylor Anne Smith - Independent Arts Consultant!

2007-09-20T07:05:00.003-04:00

Although she has been extended membership offers many times, our Independent Arts Consultant, Taylor, has remained steadfastly "independent". When asked by the Board why she has refused the honor of Trixie membership, Taylor has explained that she feels she can better serve the Society's membership on Arts related matters from a critical distance.

Taylor graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington but, unlike most girls at Major Midwestern Universities, she did not immediately settle down to a consulting or PR job and begin searching for a husband. Taylor jetted off to Europe to further her art studies, snow ski in Switzerland and participate in world events. She lived in Europe for six years and after subsequent moves to other major metropolitan areas back in the USA, she settled again in Broad Ripple. This is a fabulous benefit to our Society! Taylor also covered the political beat for Rolling Stone Magazine from Berlin, painted masterpieces for contemporary galleries in Italy, France and Spain, and crashed a new Mercedes Benz into a fully-loaded street car in Nuremberg resulting in a one year driving ban in the EU (European Union).

Taylor's role as a non-affiliated, independent consultant to the Society is to provide art acquisition advice to Trixie members and their boyfriends/husbands. Taylor has not only provided sound, consistent investment and acquisition advice to hundreds of members over the years, but her abstract contemporary paintings grace the buttery, creamy walls of the finest homes in Broad Ripple, Meridian-Kessler and Williams Creek. Her art has a contemporary, dark edge to it that brings to mind the drunken rage of Jackson Pollock, the witty obscure commentary of Andy Warhol and the systematic, fractured sentences of chemical scientists. Like her semi-sordid past, it is disturbing and pleasurable all in one joyous instant.

Trixies interested in contacting Taylor for a private appointment or to view her current work may contact her through her slick website. Taylor's studio is downtown in the fab Stutz Building.

www.AbstractModern.com

Society Member Kendra O'Reilly Terrorized by Large, Mangy Canine

2007-09-09T14:45:00.001-04:00

Thursday September 06, 2007 -- 6:20 PM

Kendra O'Reilly was out for cocktails in the 6300 block of Guilford Ave  with her friends Cheryl, Jason and Tiffany at the Corner Wine Bar.

While the group was sipping Merlot, guzzling Guinness and people watching from one of the coveted outdoor tables, an inappropriately-dressed man came by and took a long overt glance at Kendra's legs. Then -- seemingly out of nowhere -- a large, mangy dog leapt towards their table, grabbed their flatbread pizza appetizer right off the table, and ran down the street. Then the man left.

Kendra promptly shouted after him, but that didn't help to return their stolen appetizer.

Kendra's friend Jason -- a new associate at Baker & Daniels -- theorizes that the dog must belong to the grimy man, and between the two of them, this was definitely a well-thought-out scam to steal food from well-to-do Broad Ripplers like themselves.

A police report was filed in the matter.

The Man Who Did Not Belong

2007-07-22T10:49:00.008-04:00

- by Amanda Brooks Baker

Today I was driving down Illinois near Westfield, on my way to get some coffee and then off to my spa appointment at Studio 2000 in the Circle Tower building downtown. As I approached the intersection, I noticed that my best friend Melissa was going the opposite way up Illinois.

Now let me tell you a little something about Melissa. She is my best friend in the world. We both moved to Broad Ripple after graduating college. Melissa loves to drive her boyfriend's Range Rover all around the village for hours. Typically she will drive the Kessler-College-86th Street-Westfield rectangle, with little stops here and there when she notices a nice boutique or a Starbucks.

I quickly honked the horn of my Jetta, and waved at Melissa. But when I stopped the car for just one second or two to ask Melissa if she and her boyfriend Jake were ever going to get married, this irate man in a big truck, who was just behind my Jetta, started to honk. Now, let me tell you, this guy did NOT look like he should be in Broad Ripple, much less honk at me for any reason! I turned my head around quickly and gave him a dirty glance and then proceeded to tell Melissa that I'd see her soon at Midtown Grill or somewhere, and that I hoped she had a nice afternoon out in the Village.

Unfortunately, the peace and serenity didn't last more than another three seconds before that idiot in the truck behind me started leaning on the horn again. He must have held it solid for 25 or 30 seconds. How annoying was that?!? I really started to get pissed, and turned around and gave him another dirty glance. The light had changed to red while I was talking to Melissa, so what right did he have to honk at me now? We had missed the green light anyway so we would all have to wait patiently for another few minutes.

Well, you get the story. The moral of this week's JETTA is this: Ladies, don't put up with any crap from people in Broad Ripple who don't look like they belong. How can you tell if they don't belong? Just run down my handy checklist:

They aren't your boyfriend/fiancé/husband, or any of his friends or associates.
They aren't related to you, or they are not friends of your family.
They aren't an identifiable friend of yours or anyone from your work.

The only exception to this rule, in my book, is if someone looks important enough that you would perhaps like to make their acquaintance at a social event.

Good luck this week navigating your way around our lovely Village!

Society Member Kelsey Novotny Reports Poor Service at CT Peppers - Plans to File Charges

2007-07-17T10:06:00.000-04:00

July 15, 2007, 3:30 pm -- Kelsey Novotny, 26, and a group of friends received poor service at CT Peppers located at College Ave and Broad Ripple Ave next door to the Vogue.

"Well, me and Hilly and Abbey all came in Sunday afternoon for a late lunch. And right away this girl was all attitude. I asked her for an ice tea with lemon and she brought the tea .... WITHOUT LEMON. When told her my silverware was dirty it took her, like, three days to bring me new utensils. I ordered the chicken Caesar salad with the lite dressing on the side. She brings the salad without the dressing on the side ... I mean, how am I supposed to eat all that dry greenage? What do I look like? An ungulate? And when she finally does bring it, I'm pretty sure it wasn't lite. I could see the fat just glistening in that little plastic cup. Plus, I'm pretty sure she was looking at Hilly's breasts the whole time. It was just awful. And she was all arty-looking, too, with a lip ring and blue streaks in her hair, all stinky with patchouli. Probably some art major at Herron or something."

"She was just a difficult customer," says server Haley Owen, 21, a visual art major at Herron. "It was my first day and I was still getting used to everything. I made a few mistakes but I was quick and polite the whole time ... even when I heard her call me a "skank" under her breath as I left the table one time. When I brought the check, she asked to see the manager and things just got completely out of hand."

When the manager came over, Novotny demanded free meals for her and her friends.

"The manager offered to comp my meal, but said he wasn't going to comp Hilly and Abbey. I was shouting at him too, giving him my best dirty look. He wouldn't budge. I was all like, f*** this, you obviously don't know who you're dealing with, I'm calling the cops on your ass. So I whipped out my cell phone and dialed 911."

The police arrived on scene and attempted to mediate the  situation. Finally, a compromise was reached: Novotny and her friends agreed to pay only half of the total accumulated bill if Owen was fired on the spot.

"I thought [manager] Dan should've stood up for me," says Owen. "But he just caved in to the cops and these three classless girls. Luckily, my friend Duncan works at the Jazz Kitchen down the street and he says they're hiring so I should be okay. But it's wrong that women like this can just twist everyone to get their way. This experience, as unpleasant as it was, is perfect fodder for my art. I'm working this whole expereince into a centerpiece for my one-woman show, 'The Dildo Diaries: Musings of a Twenty First Century Glamour-Slave' I perform most of the third act of the show entirely nude while drinking Goya coconut milk straight from the can. It's intended to point a satirical finger at expectations of womens' traditional gender rolls at the beginning of the new millennium. It's very insightful."

When told of Owen's comments, Kelsey Novotny replied, "She should really keep her mouth shut. My boyfriend, Jon -- he's a lawyer -- is looking to file a civil suit against her. She's just digging a hole for herself."

"The number of these incidents has been growing in the past few months," says Detective Andy Panozzi of the IMPD. "It's just a sad situation. The service has been getting worse and worse in Village restaurants. Technically, we can't arrest a waitress for being bad at her job -- although, I'll tell you, I wish to God we could sometimes. Never eat somewhere that you don't feel safe, we say. And, if they do and receive poor service, we tell the girls to just act cool, pay up but don't leave a tip. Lesson learned for both parties. And put the word out on the street about that particular place, 'This is a bad restaurant.' People will go, 'Okay,' stop coming, the restaurant will close, and maybe someone will open up a place with good service in its place. We also suggest that the girls think about shopping at some of the supermarkets that offer prepared foods -- Fresh Market, Whole Foods, that Marsh over near Glendale. That way they can get reliable, restaurant-quality food without the hassle of poor service. Another option is to simply skip the meal in question until you can get home and make a dish of pasta or some popcorn."

"It's ugly, I know, the poor service .... but this is the kind of stuff that happens in a city the size of Indianapolis," says Det. Panozzi. "It's a real disgrace."

Society Member Rianne O'Rourke's bike Vandalized by an Unknown Canine Assailant

2007-05-15T11:53:00.003-04:00

May 15, 2007 -- Society Member Rianne O'Rourke, 30, was riding through the neighborhood on her silver and candy blue 2001 Trek 8000 WSD -- a gift from her husband Rob -- when she became thirsty. Locking up her bike on the sidewalk, Rianne ran into the Starbucks at 56th & Illinois for some bottled water. She returned moments later to discover the front wheel of her bike had been urinated upon.

"It was disgusting," reported a tearful O'Rourke. "A big hot stinky puddle of dog [urine] all over the front tire. I mean, I just love to ride. I'm very serious about it. From May to mid-October I'm out there on the streets two or three times a week. From Butler all the way to Nora along the Canal path and the Monon, from our place over on Kessler up to the Art Center, over to Bazbeaux on Tuesday nights for our girl's night out -- I am all over the Village on this bike! It's brand new! And some jerk just let's his dog whiz like a leaky firehose all over the place. I just don't get it! Why aren't the police watching for these maniacs?"

Several other reports have been filed reporting this type of vandalism. It is unknown if the markings are the work of a single animal, or a pack of dogs working in conjunction.

"The number of these incidents has been growing in the past few months," says Detective Andy Panozzi of the IMPD. "It's just a sad situation. We tell the girls not to leave their bikes unattended -- you know, have a friend or attractive stranger watch the bike. Or, if they're alone we tell them to lock the wheel to the frame of the bike and then throw the entire bike up onto the hood of any old station wagon or crappy pickup truck parked on the street -- then at least the bike is well out of range of your average mid-sized dog, though still vulnerable to your Great Danes and your Borzois, and the occasional Red Cambodian Climbing Hound you see sometimes here in the Village. If there is still a concern, we suggest just driving or taking a cab to your final destination. It's ugly -- I know, the urination and all .... but this is the kind of stuff that happens in a city the size of Indianapolis. It's a real disgrace, but what're ya gonna do?"

A police report was filed in this case. As of press time, no suspects had been arrested.

*Editor's Note: Ms. O'Rourke is not related to the Society's Executive Director, Abigail Kendrick O'Rourke

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Trixie Lifestyle Feature

2007-03-12T12:23:00.006-04:00

A Day in the Life: by Muffie Exeter-Rawlings

06:30 AM	I rise and shine early today, since its Friday. Normally I wouldn't get up so early, but for some reason on Fridays I feel extra peppy. Maybe its because I don't have a lot to do at work on Friday, or because I'm planning to meet my best friends Kate and Kaitlyn out for drinks and dinner tonight
07:00 AM	I take Kegger, my boyfriend's two year old chocolate lab for a run around the neighborhood. Chad is out of town on some bizarre consulting assignment in San Francisco for the next week, so it's up to me to take care of the dog. I just hope Chad doesn't turn gay or anything while in California.
07:42 AM	I'm almost ready to head home when a garbage truck nearly sideswipes me coming out of an alley near my corner. They should put some rules on how and when those idiots can be in Broad Ripple if you ask me!
08:35 AM	After showering and getting dressed, I run into the Starbucks at Broad Ripple Ave & Guilford to get my coffee and something to eat. I have to wait in a line almost eight people deep, and there seem to be some disgruntled construction workers ahead of me. I ponder what the day might bring....
08:45 AM	I try to find a seat in the crowded seating area by the fireplace. I almost spill my Double Tall Latte all over my Banana Republic blouse when I notice the beautiful artwork on the walls! Taylor Anne Smith has work in here and it's pretty darn good! It's nice that Starbucks supports local talent.
10:30 AM	I leave my office near the Fashion Mall and run over to Nordstrom to buy a new outfit for tomorrow night. I just didn't have the time to get to the dry cleaners this week, and I'm running out of clothes. Besides, I deserve a nice new outfit. I'm going out with one of Chad's best friends from college tomorrow and I need to look attractive!
11:35 AM	I'm shocked. I was in the washroom reading Nuvo, and I overhear some senior managers discussing the possible reorganization of my department! After waiting for the shock to wear off, I decide that I need to start formulating a plan to boost myself a few more steps closer to the top of the public relations food chain (where I belong, of course). I have so much to ponder that when I finally left the washroom, I looked at my watch and wow! I was in there for almost 45 minutes!
12:30 PM	I leave the office to meet my friend Emily (from College) at Champps for lunch. I just love that place.. They make the best tuna melt .... it's just sooooo good! We spend an hour gossiping about the last two months living in Broad Ripple . For some odd reason, Emily thinks she wants to move to New York. I try to convince her that New York is scummy and dirty.. That she really has a place here in Indy. Especially since she scored with a cute little one bedroom bungalow near 56th & Primrose.
02:05 PM	After lunch, I run over to Nordstrom again, this time because I forgot to look at the new Ray Bans that I had my heart set on ever since my best friend Lilly showed me hers last weekend. They will look soooo good at the beach this summer!
03:10 PM	Back at office, I find this scummy looking IT guy Jermone in my cube doing something at my computer. I hope he's not downloading child porn or something weird like that. I give him my best shocked/unhappy look to let him know that I don't appreciate people using my computer without me knowing about it. He says he is responding to a call I made nearly a week ago regarding Powerpoint, which didn't have the newest designer templates that one of my coworkers somehow already had before I did. I told him that I was going to the washroom and, like, could he just be finished by the time I got back?
03:30 PM	I take a moment to place a conference call to my best friends Kate and Kaitlyn, both of whom work at a big advertising agency. We quickly discuss our plans for tonight: we're going to meet at 7:00 at the OPT's and play it by ear from there.
04:04 PM	I set out to create my five year career plan, a suggestion from my yoga teacher Jenny, who says that putting something in writing is the only way for the angels up above to see it. I decide that within the next year, I am going to do whatever it takes to oust my boss. I figure it might take that long.
05:45 PM	I always make it a point to stay at the office later than any of my colleagues, just so they notice that I work harder than they do. I feel that subtle hints are better than being direct.
06:00 PM	I head back to the Village by way of Whole Foods in Nora. I need more soy milk and those little chocolate tins from Belgium. And it's already 6 o'clock! Why don't they just put a Whole Foods down in the Village?!? This is sooooo inconvenient.
07:00 PM	I shop at Turandot and the Bungalow and after a while I then pop over to Niche before running into Kate getting out of a taxi across the street by La Jolla. We look at the hottest new dresses together at Niche (everyone wants them, I already have two!) and then head over to OPT's where Kaitlyn is eagerly awaiting our arrival.
01:00 AM	After nearly six hours of drinking, I stagger home. I just love living soooo close!

New York has Grenwich Village. Paris has the Left Bank. We have Broad Ripple! ~ by Jill Sheridan Ransburg

2007-02-10T09:36:00.003-05:00

Established in 1837, Broad Ripple was originally an independent municipality. It was annexed to the City of Indianapolis in 1922. It currently hosts an active social scene fueled by the near presence of Butler University which is an active incubator ground for new Trixies.

And yes, there is even a left bank to hang out along in Broad Ripple. Take that Paris! Broad Ripple is also gathering place for artists, musicians, Starbucks baristas, cute families, upwardly mobile graduates from major Midwestern Universities, and by extension a well-connected and socially active army of Trixies. Watch your back Greenwich Village!

Both the left and right banks of the Central Canal have their own character, but the southern bank has the majority of the shops and restaurants, with the right bank having the housing that morphed from the old summer cottages. The left bank of the Canal is where busy Trixies can be seen jogging, double parking their SUVs for a quick spin into Starbucks, shopping for cute clothes or dining on grilled salmon and avocado salads at trendy bistros like Midtown Grill or Petite Chou.

An early settler who observed that this location along the White River was the widest in the region and that many crocodiles would attack local monkeys swimming in the waters, creating ripples and foaming eddies in the otherwise placid river, apparently named Broad Ripple. (recent member Kaitlyn Ellsworth Binford believes the Monkey’s Tail bar on Westfield may have been named for this historical curiousity) The monkeys and crocodiles are long gone now due to the typhoid outbreak of 1841, but the name stuck. True story. Things have to be named somehow.

Flash forward to present day Broad Ripple and you will find a little settlement that was once an independent village, but in time was absorbed into the city of Indianapolis.

Today's Broad Ripple is a definite put on the brakes kind of place. The housing off the commercial strip reflects the early history of the village. At one time harried city residents used to come out to Broad Ripple to enjoy a boat ride, amusement rides from a long gone amusement park, and spend time relaxing at some of the summer cottages built by well-off residents of times gone by.

Ask any Trixie you see jogging the Monon Trail or power shopping at Pitaya or Niche, and I'm sure you will probably hear that Broad Ripple is very much a place physically and mentally. Physically, Broad Ripple is on a human scale: it's meant for walking, hanging out in bars, grabbing a quick Starbucks, or zooming through in a BMW on the way north to the Fashion Mall.

If you are more inclined for movement to relieve stress and see the surroundings, the Monon Trail, a former railroad line turned running and biking path, and the Central Canal Towpath can take you through the varied scene of buildings and houses to a green landscape and restful waters. Our Village is connected to the Museum of Art on the southwest boundary and the Indy Arts Center to the north. Trixies are virtually surrounded by art, music, bars, cute little bistros, shopping and coffee shops. What a glorious time to be alive!

You can really argue that Broad Ripple is a work of art itself, constantly evolving as it has for over a hundred and fifty years into some place that can be appreciated by the downtown or suburban sprawl-exhausted road warrior or the family looking for a fun way to spend the day.

That is where the mental part of Broad Ripple comes in. Broad Ripple is very much a reminder of more simple times, but unlike the early settlers, we in the 21st Century get to enjoy all the conveniences and few of the problems. Thank you early settlers for taking care of the ugly problems, like Mud and Malaria, before our arrival! If only you could clean up a few sketchy characters hanging out along the Canal by the Monon Bridge and those pesky meter maids who gave my Mini Cooper a ticket last week!

Come and walk the streets of Broad Ripple Village, grab a Starbucks, steer clear of sketchy types and let your mind relax and expand with the variety, going from a ripple to a wave.

Come Ride in my Jetta - the "Rough Area"

2007-01-12T18:15:00.004-05:00

- by Amanda Brooks Baker

Last week, my boyfriend Mark and I went condo shopping together in the "hip" Monon Trail District, just north of our wonderful Village. After an hour's debate, we decided that we were willing to stray slightly north of the Strip in order to find less-expensive housing, and hoping that we could still live within a stone's throw of the Fresh Market on College Avenue (all the girls in the the village shop there). Mark and I hopped into my Jetta and zoomed off north on College toward Westfield Boulevard. Usually, when we're both in the car, and driving my Jetta versus his Lexus, he drives. But today, he wanted to jump out and pick up a Chai Tea at Hubbard & Cravens, so I drove. We stopped at Hubbard, and then Mark popped out with his cute college-educated grin at Einstein Bagels to get us some bialys.

As we approached our first stop, a quaint row of newly-built condominiums along the Monon near the Indy Arts Center, we quickly jetted into a nearby Gas Station on College to review the listing and the map. We decided to make our first stop a new construction duplex with polished concrete countertops and a Jacuzzi bath. As I powered up the Jetta and prepared to leave, I noticed this guy in a gigantic SUV has blocked us in. Apparently, I pulled the Jetta into a gas lane, and he was waiting to fill up. Well, that wasn't my fault, he'd just have to move. I leaned out the window and gave him a quick glance, and yelled out that we wanted to back up and leave.

He yelled back that I should move forward, that this was a through lane. No way, not in my book. There was a big white-trash station wagon right in front of me, and I was not going to wait for them to get their cigarettes and Skoal (or whatever they chew) from the Gas Station's store, and then wait for them to mosey on out. This guy was going to move...

I stuck my hand out the window and signaled that I was going to back up and yelled that he had better back up too. No Go. He sat there grinning at me. How dare he! I looked over at Mark, who was just sitting there. Good help he was in this time of dire need. I look back at the SUV-driving slug, and---can you believe this???---he had pulled out a a camera and started shooting pictures of me and my car through his window. Who knows what he might be planning to do with the pictures?? For all I know, he could be copying down my license plate with plans to vandalize my cute pre-War Meridian Kessler home! I was outraged! I looked over at my other hand, and realized that I was gripping my Starbucks cup so hard that it was beginning to crush. I yanked my hand out the window, looked back at this idiot, and gave him my meanest dirty glance coupled with the best finger I could muster. If he was going to take my picture, I was going to make sure he got me at my best!

After the finger and a few honks on the horn, the guy starts laughing uncontrollably and backs up. I race the Jetta's engine as I screech out of there. Needless to say, I decided at that moment to limit our condo search to the friendly confines of the Lower Village and steer clear of the "rough area" up near the Arts Center.

Good luck this week navigating your way around our lovely Village!

Meet Mackenzie Miller - Finance Director!

2006-12-18T10:47:00.004-05:00

Mackenzie is Amanda Brooks Baker’s best friend, and therefore, was quick to get the job as Secretary on the board. Obviously, not many girls volunteered to take the secretary position, as none of them cared to be associated with being called a "secretary" even though some of them actually hold the title of "receptionist" or "assistant" at their jobs.

Mackenzie is a dynamic young woman, and was recently promoted to one of the most senior positions of the Society. She is a graduate of THE Indiana University at Bloomington, where she instigated a riot at a Hoosier football game after announcing that the local Starbucks would close. Mackenzie also was instrumental in mobilizing community support to close down the Stone Mug biker bar on College Avenue in our village, a major public nuisance and source of bearded, leather drunkenness and loud motorcycle pipe blasting.

As Chair of the BRTS Foundation, Mackenzie hopes to reach out and extend “A Thousand Lights of Hope” to young Trixies throughout the Midwest, preaching the virtues of diversity and opportunity that she learned at IU Bloomington.

One of Mackenzie's favorite things to do is visit her local Starbucks (on Illinois at 56th next to Kincaid’s) during the rush hour, and swish her long blond hair around while waiting in line. She specializes in dishing out dirty glances to anyone who will make eye contact with her (how dare they!). Mackenzie is very happy with her looks and her personality (...or at least she tries to convince herself of that on a regular basis).

Meet Amanda Brooks Baker - Membership Director!

2006-12-16T16:37:00.006-05:00

Amanda Brooks Baker has been the Society's Director of Membership since 2002, ever since she first became a Super Trixie.

Amanda moved to Broad Ripple from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where she grew up and spent her high school years. She proceeded to attend college at Notre Dame University, where most of her friends and classmates from Lake Geneva went too! When she graduated in 1999, she decided it was time to move down to the big city--and surprise, Indianapolis was it. She quickly decided that Broad Ripple was the only place for her and immediately moved into a one room studio right in the heart of it all (she was only making $20k at a sales job in Carmel at the time - haha! poor girl). Amanda proceeded to move from many small, expensive apartments to newer, smaller, more expensive apartments, in search of that perfect Broad Ripple home. She finally settled into a cozy two room coach house over on tony Washington Boulevard, where she lives with three other girls and splits the rent.

Amanda manages all membership activities for the society, including chairmanship of the membership committee, maintaining the membership roster, and evaluating and processing new memberships and applications. As you can imagine, Amanda remains extremely busy!

Amanda now works for a large, high-profile law firm downtown (it is not Trixie-like to name-drop but you would be impressed) in an administrative accounting role, and hopes to leverage her BRTS leadership position to get promoted into human resources.

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Meet Ashley Tucker-Stansfield - Public Relations Director!

2006-12-16T10:33:00.007-05:00

Ms. Tucker-Stansfield lives in a fabulous historic bungalow on Park just south of Kessler with her husband Chad, an options trader, and "MaiTai.dog", their 3 year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Ashley is also firmly committed to our community. In 2004, Ms. Tucker-Stansfield was the founder of Transitions for Traders, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides career counseling and outplacement support for former CBOE, CBOT and CMEX traders displaced from their jobs by technological progress. Transitions has helped thousands of young traders launch new careers in fields such as rock-climbing instruction and wilderness expedition guidance.

For further information about the Society, or to discuss strategic and partnership opportunities, please visit the Ask Ashley section of this blog, or call her directly on her Chicago-area cell phone (which she still keeps for the convenience and subtle “WOW” factor) at 773-404-2827.

Ashley is the Society's Director of Communications and Public Relations, as well as its "Technology Czarina." Ashley currently runs a boutique Internet strategy firm and in 2005 was recognized as one of the hottest 40 women under 40 by the Indiana High-Tech Husbands Association.

Ashley is spearheading a number of technology initiatives on behalf of the Society and its members. She also hopes to mobilize the scores of Trixies who work for internet, advertising and interactive marketing firms, to form a virtual Trixie-Tech army that will revitalize Indianapolis and preserve our city's role as the international technology Über-Hub of tomorrow.

A TRIXIE GUIDE TO HOLIDAY PARTY PLANNING

2006-12-09T20:05:00.001-05:00

Members of the Broad Ripple Trixie Society continually strive to showcase their good taste and impeccable style, and hosting a party is the best way for a Trixie to demonstrate her class and character. There is a vast and confusing array of entertaining functions a Trixie can host -- charity balls, celebrity auctions, and fundraisers, just to mention a few. So how does a Trixie decide which event is most advantageous to her social standing? Well, the Broad Ripple Trixie Society is dedicated to removing the tiring task of thought from the Trixie's daily routine. Our Research and Marketing Department has dedicated countless focus groups to this topic in the past eighteen months. We have narrowed the choices down to the two kinds of parties for the Aspiring Trixie to host in her very own Broad Ripple, Meridian Kessler, Williams Creek or ... if she is unfortunate to be forced to live further north, Carmel Dream House:

* A Gathering for your husband/boyfriend's bosses.
* A Party that recreates a high school/college bash from the ebullient
days of your carefree youth.

It is important to realize that each function represents an opposite end of the entertaining spectrum, and we provide this guide to help the average Trixie employ her talents most effectively in either scenario. We have divided each party into several important categories: Trixie Duties, Attire, Music, Food and Drink, Atmosphere, and General.

A Gathering for Your Husband/Boyfriend's Boss

This function is an investment in your loved one's career by demonstrating taste, elegance, and supreme sophistication…and, of course, you can show off your Northside dream home!

Atmosphere: Sophisticated and simple. Intimate and impressive. Exclusive and expensive.

Trixie Duties: Invite the Boss, his spouse, and no more than three couples to this gathering. Make sure the accessory couples you use are the most sophisticated people you know to ensure the greatest impact on the Boss. Use the following guide to judge the appropriateness of your guests: traders are preferable to dot-commers and investment bankers are preferable to creative-types (e.g., media consultants and designers). Dreamy, well-coiffed real estate gurus (such as Chaz Walters) are preferable to just about anyone else. If those in your immediate circle are not up to the task of dazzling the elite, ask around. Word of mouth works wonders in our Trixie Village, and you'll have little trouble finding attendees of the highest caliber. (If you continue to encounter difficulty, write Ashley Tucker-Stansfield care of the "Ask Ashley" page on this site. The Broad Ripple Trixie Society is always here to help you out!)

Now that we have covered the general duties, let's focus specifically on you. You must become Perfection Incarnate. Charm and bedazzle your boyfriend's boss as a flawless pillar of élan, charisma, and sparkle!

1. Show off your extensive knowledge of Literature -- you've read both Bridget Jones' Diary and The Pelican Brief, after all. Let the Boss know it!

2. Demonstrate your understanding of world matters. Watching Dateline or The View for a day or two prior to the party should really bring you up to speed.

3. Showcase your political savvy. A quick spin through the editorial pages of the New York Times' web site should get your pundit juices flowing. (A tip: when it comes to politics, just remember that all smart young people vote Republican or at the very least Libertarian) However, expressing your distaste over the whole "Iraq mess" and the awful way children are being treated does not necessarily put you at odds with a staunch Republican Boss. After all, displeasure over Iraq and George Bush's ham-fisted politics is all the rage with Democrats and Republicans alike. Simply note that you are truly looking forward to the next election and the difference you hope to make ... for the children.

4. Discuss ART. You were just at the one of those Fab Mass Avenue Galleries last summer, and you saw that Renoir show at the IMA back in '97. Let the Boss know that, and be prepared to discuss the pretty colors of Impressionist works while showing him the Monet Water Lily umbrella your boyfriend got you for Easter last year. In fact, our own Independent Arts Consultant who assists the Society on all relevant arts related matters, Taylor Anne Smith, is herself an acclaimed contemporary artist and you have probably attended several of her fabulous gallery openings. Be sure to name drop!

Just remember, if you take a few simple steps to present yourself as a well-rounded individual, your boyfriend is bound to get ahead!

Attire: This is a dicey choice. Question your boyfriend about his boss's personality.

1. If the Boss is conservative, you're safe with the Formal Trixie pose. The Banana Republic blouse and pants, along with the tasteful diamond-studded accessories that your boyfriend has purchased for you over the weeks you've been together, will let the Boss know just how elegant you really are.

2. If the Boss is a little more open minded, you should "wow" him with your Super Sexy Trixie persona and wear the thigh-high buttery leather boots that are so fashionable this season. If you cannot discern the mien of the Boss, then Formal Trixie is always the safest.

3. Under no circumstances do we recommend you attempt the Casual Trixie approach to the Boss's Gathering. Undoubtedly, you can be just as stunning and charismatic in your cashmere sweater and "7 For All Mankind" jeans, but this IS an executive you're courting here, so decorum is an elemental necessity.

Food/Drink: In addition to complementing your wardrobe, the meal and accompanying drinks should display your boyfriend's good taste and guarantee his right to a promotion. You have two choices for this culinary extravaganza: you can opt to purchase expensive prepared foods from various retailers (the preferred method), or you can prepare the meal yourself.

1. If you're feeling particularly lazy (but still really want to "wow" the Boss), you should visit Oceanaire "To Go" downtown on Meridian for loads of exotic seafood, oysters and desserts or Kahn's Catering in Carmel for delectable little apricot stuffed lamb chops with Madagascar demi-glaze or haricots verts in truffle oil.

2. If you choose to prepare the meal yourself, you must use all of the resources available to a Trixie. The raw materials for your fabulous evening of networking can be found at the Mecca of retail, the 86th Street/Clearwater shopping corridor. You can also purchase the choicest cuts of meat, the freshest seafood, and the most succulent organic fruits and vegetables at Fresh Market in Carmel (oh, we can't wait for the new Fresh Market to open on the site of the old Atlas Grocery at 54th & College!) or at Wild Oats Market in Nora. To let the Boss know you have refined tastes, make sure you use at least two of the following items: wasabi, white asparagus, Chilean sea bass, dandelion greens, goat cheese, ostrich meat, or dill sauce. Judicious use of these "now" items will certainly impress the boss!

3. Assure that you have a lovely table set and a well furnished bar area. You do not want to create any doubt in the mind of your guests that you are not a seasoned and polish hostess. Anything from Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn will do, particularly their up-to-the-moment seasonal lines. Use your individual judgment with Crate and Barrel, which can sometimes offer shockingly low quality sprinkled in with their more refined lines. But avoid Target at all costs for this particular gathering. You certainly do not want to send the wrong signals.

Also, make sure to zip over to Kahn's Wines and Spirits at 54th & Keystone. At Kahn's, you can purchase all of the fine wines, spirits, and gourmet touches that will make your party sing. Consult the local Champagne Wizard at Kahn's for the best bubbly or ask Jim Arnold himself about the finest California wines. (Remember: You can ignore the advice of the wine staff at Kahn's if they hastily suggest a wine priced below what you would consider the "swill" line. Expense equals quality and you certainly demand the very best!) Don't forget to visit Sunflower Organic Market on Broad Ripple Avenue, where Marko Mihajlovich loves to help out aspiring Trixie hostesses with pairings of wine and cheese. Whether it's unpasteurized Irish Durrus matched with peach schnapps, the daring courtship of Manchego and Tab, or the classic marriage of prosciutto and a snifter of warm cream, Sunflower Organic Market's resident foodie Marko will introduce you to the buttery mouth-feels and beefy overtones that will charm your lover into a higher tax bracket.

Music: Nothing says urban sophistication like jazz. Try a nice light jazz station on XM Satellite Radio for calming yet intelligent musical wallpaper or simply pop your up-to-the-moment 5th generation iPod into the home stereo system for an endless selection. If you're feeling more experimental, you might purchase vintage vinyl albums by stellar jazz artists like Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, or the Modern Jazz Quartet to play on your high-end $8,600 ruby-red acrylic Sota visco-elastic polymer turntable. Be warned, however: this "purist" jazz music is really "out there" and might be too much for the subtle laid back disposition of the party.

General: Never clean your plate! Eat peckishly, no matter how hungry you are. We can not stress this enough. A true Trixie does not make a pig out of herself. Also, enjoy a cocktail or a glass or two of expensive Cabernet, but DO NOT under any circumstances DRINK TOO MUCH DURING THIS GATHERING! Again, we cannot stress this enough. Save that excessive alcohol consumption for your next function.

The College Bash

A College Bash is a seemingly unstructured, organic happening that provides a great opportunity to relax after a long week of billable hours. This casual party is the simplest function a Trixie can host and, consequently, requires far less deliberate planning. Similar to the mythical Perpetual Motion Machine, this soiree, once it gets started, continues to roll forward and gain greater speed with little need of outside intervention.

Atmosphere: Casual! Casual! Casual!

Trixie Duties: Invite all of your old college friends and your like-minded co-workers, and make sure to tell them to invite their old college friends who also attended major Midwestern Universities and East Coast prep schools.

1. Throughout your College Bash, you should be prepared to answer the door with hugs and air kisses for your guests.

2. Make sure United Package Liquors delivers fresh kegs as the previous ones are drained.

3. Be prepared to finally make out in the bathroom this year with that dreamy beefcake Alex Novak from Marketing. (You've been waiting for eight months to get your hands on those taut rugby-toned buns!)

4. Also, be prepared to clean up someone's vomit that just missed the toilet by a couple of rooms.

5. Keep your new digital camera ready for those classic party photos - a band of randy young TrixieMales embracing (not in a gay way, mind you) and flipping the camera off in a display of male camaraderie; you and your "best friends" Jenna, Caitlin, and Macy doing lemon drop shots.

6. Finally, around 3:30 a.m., be prepared to have a red-faced, crying fit to get people out of your house because you're tired and single and just want to go to bed (alone) before the sun comes up.

Attire: You've done business formal all week! Go crazy! From "weekend" Kate Spade to J. Crew, anything goes at a College Bash. However, a good hostess will hand out complimentary baseball caps for those who forgot to bring their own.

Food and Drink: Again, keep it casual. Binge drinking is the main course at a College Bash, so the Trixie Hostess need provide little in the way of nourishment. It's simple.

1. For the TrixieMales, set out bowls of chips and salsa, or, if you're feeling generous, you can order a bucket of hot wings from BW3.

2. For your fellow Trixies, a simple (all organic of course) veggie platter with fat-free ranch dip.

3. As for the libations, order at least one keg of beer and clear the fridge for the Chads who will bring six packs of their favorite Goose Island or Bell's Ale.

4. Buy Kettle One and Bombay Sapphire in large half-gallon bottles, and have the appropriate mixes - cranberry, tonic, Red Bull, etc.

5. Provide Cuervo and chilled Jaegermeister for those Broad Ripplers who really know that doing shots it the only way to party.

6. Again, refer to the Trixie Duties above when someone vomits (see Trixie Duties.)

Music: Start the evening playing something "now" but very hip: Snow Patrol, perhaps, or even Pinback if you're feeling a bit more laid-back and progressive ... something to set the mood. As the evening progresses, the musical tastes will begin regressing. First will come Dave Matthews, then Stone Temple Pilots, then Blues Traveler, Van Halen, and Led Zeppelin. Eventually, around 1 a.m. and just before the alcohol poisoning sets in, be prepared to endure a sing-along to Steve Miller's "Joker" as the Chads re-live their high school senior year Homecoming Bash. Party on, TrixieMales! Party on!

General:A Warning: to avoid lawsuits and televised exposure from Eyewitness 13 (the bad, criminal kind, not the good my-boyfriend's-dot-com-just-went-public kind), you might occasionally want to make sure there are less than 60 people on your deck at any time. Believe us, from personal experience, you don't want that deck to collapse, spilling Trixies and Chads onto the roofs of the Range Rovers & Jeep Wranglers parked below. Just imagine the moans of dozens of smart, together, career-minded people pinned under shattered timbers and half-empty pony kegs of Sam Adams. And, let us assure you, the news media WILL sweep in with their cameras and klieg lights, and it's really really embarrassing when that squeeky little Rafael Sanchez talks about the number of people hospitalized at your party.

The Broad Ripple Trixie Society hopes this Party Planning Guide helps you achieve the popularity and increased social standing you so richly deserve. Just remember, all of your friends and contemporaries are judging your every movement with scathingly surgical precision,
so don't fail!

Now ... just relax and have fun! See you at 8pm!!

Happenings in The Village

2006-12-07T13:52:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the Broad Trixie Society. We're Indianapolis' Northside premiere social organization serving young, on-the-move women living in Broad Ripple, Meridian-Kessler, Williams Creek and the "nicer" parts of Carmel. Our Blog provides a wealth of information on living in fabulous Broad Ripple and being the best Trixie you can be!

ABOUT THE SOCIETY

The Broad Ripple Trixie Society is Indy's premier social organization of young, on-the-move women living on the wonderful Northside. Since 2001, the society has provided the backbone and courage necessary for many young Trixies to climb the social ladder, and the society continues to provide the structure necessary to maintain Broad Ripple as one of the most wonderful neighborhoods in all of Indianapolis, if not the nation.

The society was created in early 2001 as a close-knit civic organization of women living in Broad Ripple who realized that they needed a formal organization to better represent their beliefs and lifestyle. In the Society's first five years, it grew slowly and maintained a low profile, gaining new members only by word-of-mouth. In late 2002, when the Broad Ripple population explosion began to accelerate, the Society's board proposed creating an online presence to properly represent the society to prospective members, and provide news and events information to existing members. Unfortunately that did not happen for another 4 years. Since the creation of our web presence, the Society has grown nearly tenfold with the addition of nearly 1,500 new members in a very short period of time. This growth can be attributed to the influx of women clamoring to live within the confines of the Village, where they can instantaneously hitch up with a well-to-do banker, trader, lawyer, or technology consultant.

While it is true that many Trixies earn as much or more than their TrixieMale counterparts, the skyrocketing costs of the Northside lifestyle (such as $320 Tiffany sunglasses and $600 Jimmy Choo shoes) place an especially heavy burden on 20 & 30-something Trixies, spurring them to spread their fixed costs over the larger revenues and economies of scale that accompany marriage. Such a match has provided countless women with the opportunity to advance to the social and financial levels demanded by the Society.

Statistics:

Members: Unpublished
Executive Board Members: 6
Staff: 3
Inception Date: September 2000

Membership in the Society:

Traditionally, Society membership was only open to women living in the Broad Ripple Village proper who met certain criteria established by the membership committee. But in October 2003, the executive board voted 4 to 1 to allow women living in certain other desirable areas of the Northside to join the Society and thus the membership increased five-fold. Trixies from neighborhoods outside of Broad Ripple are governed by the same stringent requirements placed upon true Broad Ripple proper Trixies. For detailed information on the various levels and classifications of membership available, please visit our membership page, where we have an online membership application available for your convenience.

Society Membership

2006-04-06T21:17:00.001-04:00

Membership in the society is a truly coveted asset to many women in Broad Ripple. Membership means that a woman has truly arrived, and immediately raises her social status from nothing to godly. Many young girls attempt to become members before they have achieved the minimum standards set forth by the membership committee. This stems from too many women clogging Broad Ripple and surrounding neighborhoods because they think it's a cool place to live, and that by living there, they feel they have reached the pinnacle of the Indianapolis social scene. Au Contraire! Not until they achieve official membership in the BRTS does a women have the right to behave like a true Trixie (for more information on how a Trixie may or may not behave, please visit our Trixie Lifestyle Guides section).

Past experience shows us that while pre-Trixie girls may possess the personal characteristics necessary to eventually become successful Trixies -- such as cutting people off in their Jettas, or dispensing nasty glances at Starbucks to anyone who looks their way -- they often lack the funds and social standing demanded by the society and it's members. Membership in the society is strictly reserved for those women who have already reached the first stage of Trixie-ism, and are ready to become active members of the society.

Levels of Membership:

There are five levels of membership in the Society. Four of these levels define the four types of Trixies found in Broad Ripple. The fifth level of membership is reserved for Trixie-loving Broad Ripple men.

The Pixie -
The Pixie is a junior level of membership offered by the Society, geared towards college-aged women who have not yet entered the workforce but who wish to begin the Broad Ripple socialization process. Due to it's proximity to Broad Ripple, Butler University has become an active breeding ground for new Pixies. Those girls who are members of more prestigious Sororities will have preference over those who are not. Talented Pixies may be selected for the Society's competitive and prestigious internship programs.

The T.I.T. (Trixie in Training) -
The T.I.T. is the first level of membership. This entry-level tier is reserved for perky, entry-level girls, and once a girl is accepted as a member at this level, she is officially recognized by the society as a True Trixie. This level of membership mainly exists to allow those up-and-coming young members to become actively involved in the society without having a higher status which they probably are not deserving of ... yet. Members at the T.I.T. level may append "T.I.T." to their last name to indicate status. This may be included on business cards, engraved stationery or silk-screened on t-shirts and sweatshirts similar to Greek sorority letters.

The Total Trixie -
This middle tier of membership is actually the highest level of membership achieved by the majority of our members during their tenure in the society. This level exists to provide membership and society benefits to those women who have outgrown T.I.T. level membership (and typically don't look anything like a T.I.T. any longer), but still have not reached the top of the ladder. Members at the Total Trixie level may append "B.R.T." to their last name to indicate status. Again, this may be included on business cards, engraved stationery or silk-screened on t-shirts and sweatshirts similar to Greek sorority letters.

The Super Trixie -
The society's top tier of membership is the Super Trixie. The Super Trixie level is reserved for those women who have made it all the way to the top of the social and financial ladders. Consideration for Super Trixie membership in the organization is made only upon recommendation of the entire executive board (...and these ladies can be mean cookies most of the time). A woman who has achieved Super Trixie status has the ability to do pretty much anything she wants, within the bounds of the law (...if the law happens to be watching at the time). Only Super Trixies may run for inclusion on the executive board. Members at the Super Trixie level may append "S.B.R.T." to their last name to indicate status, aside from anything else they care to add. The world is wide-open to a Super Trixie!

The TrixieMale -
The perfect social accessory for the on-the-move woman who wants to have it all. By popular request and with the support of many Society members, the Membership Committee has introduced a new membership category called the "TrixieMale". This level is meant to serve the men who are either Trixie admirers, or the boyfriend/fiancée/husband of an existing Society member. This level has a separate membership application, which addresses the special needs and interests of the Broad Ripple Male.

For your convenience, we will email a membership application upon request to expedite the task of communicating your interest to the often-too-busy Membership Committee.

You can also share the wealth by Nominating a Friend for membership in the Society.

Meet Jill Sheridan Ransburg - Operations Director!

2005-06-20T12:34:00.001-04:00

Jill is currently the Art Director for a fabulous creative, grassroots PR firm in the Stutz Building downtown. She lives in the Village at 57th & Central in a lovely rehabbed bungalow with two other girls, Jamie and Amanda, and her black lab, McKuen (named after a poet she heard mentioned in her Intro to Lit class at IU).

However, Jill is considering a controversial move to a loft-style condo building down in Lockerbie Square. While this isn't a happening neighborhood yet, Jill considers herself a Trixie Trailblazer in the spirit of her pioneer Trixie fore-mothers who colonized other hip areas of town with new construction condos and loft rehabs. In time she expects downtown to become properly gentrified; at which time she'll be able to sit smugly on her wrought iron balcony, sipping Kahn's most expensive California Chardonnay with Poi Dog Pondering playing away in the background, and know that she has helped annex yet another neighborhood for the Broad Ripple Trixies.

Jill was born right here in Indianapolis and spent most of her formative years toying with jocks and doing art (mainly macaroni portraits of Bono, Sting and the guy from INXS who killed himself.) Ms. Ransburg also developed an expertise in stealing other girls boyfriends and shooting the stink eye at any who would dare look upon her.

She graduated from North Central High School and attended Indiana University. At IU she learned a thing or two about big hemp necklaces, binge drinking and the great music produced by progressive bands like Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, Blues Traveler and Phish. She majored in commercial art, became proficient with such creative programs as Quark and Photoshop and garnered several awards for the montages she put together of her sorority's Spring Breaks in Corpus Christi.

All of this intensive creativity helped unlock the independent artist inside her bosom and she knew there was only one place where she could move after graduating Bloomington and get paid to be an artist -- the Midwest mecca -- Indianapolis!!!!!

Former Executive Director - Leave of Absence

2002-10-01T15:42:00.004-04:00

An Open Letter
from Abbey Kendrick O'Rourke

October 1, 2002

Dear Members and Friends,

I knew this day would come for me. It does for every girl in the village.

On Saturday, June 15th 2003, my fiancé Turner and I will marry. On our wedding night, we plan to conceive our first child. Over the next few months, Turner and I will be very busy shopping for our perfect Meridian-Kessler dream home, planning and decorating the child's bedroom and playroom, and picking out new maternity wear. Therefore, effective Monday, January 6th 2003, I will begin a one-year leave-of-absence from the day-to-day management of the Society. In the interim, I will appoint one of the upcoming board member candidates as my replacement. The woman I choose as my successor will exhibit the same extraordinary Trixie leadership skills as I do, and will aspire to reach an equally impressive social and financial status.

During my period of absence, I will remain as the Board's advisory chairperson, and I will dispense my sagely advice and wisdom as time permits through email dispatches and text messages.

We had originally scheduled the Society's board member elections for Friday, December 13th, 2002. Unfortunately, due to my recent decision, those elections will be postponed to Friday December 20th to allow the existing board to regroup and reorganize.

There has never been a better time to be a Trixie than today. It's hard to believe how far we've come in just a few short years. We've transformed the Society from a small, close-knit civic organization into one of Indianapolis' driving forces of style, grace, and power. Society membership is no longer just a credential for admission to the highest echelons of Indianapolis social success -- it is the prerequisite. But this is only the beginning.

By harnessing the powers of technology and new media, we've been able to educate millions of people about the wonders of Broad Ripple, Indiana -- our urban oasis. We will continue to expand our horizons and conquer new frontiers -- socially, geographically and technologically. Generation Trixie has arrived, right here -- right now.

Abbey Kendrick O'Rourke
Executive Director
Broad Ripple Trixie Society

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Meet Abbey Kendrick O'Rourke - Executive Director

2002-03-27T12:03:00.005-05:00

Abbey Kendrick O'Rourke is the Society's graceful and well-connected Executive Director.

Abbey moved to Broad Ripple from Fort Wayne, where she grew up. She spent her school years in boarding school at the Culver Academy and attended university at Northwestern in Chicago. When Abbey graduated from Northwestern, she decided she was ready to hit the big-time so she moved to Broad Ripple. She joined a well-known consulting firm in the high-tech mecca of Carmel where she has climbed the ladder quickly.

Abbey drives a hot blue 2001 Land Rover Discovery and her favorite drink at Starbucks is a double-cupped skim-soy no-foam Latte with a shot of chocolate syrup and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Abbey oversees all activities for the society, delegating duties to other board members as she sees fit. As you can imagine, Abbey remains quite busy and she is thrilled with her authority!

Breaking News - Abbey Kendrick O'Rourke Takes Leave of Absence