The Satori Blog

The Satori apartment rental community provides you with a wealth of recreational amenities just steps away from your front door. But when you rent an apartment at Satori, you're getting so much more than the clubhouse, spa, pool and other fun features. The community itself is located central to all of the best attractions in South Florida. For example, would you enjoy a night out on the town seeing comedy acts and musical theatre performances? Well, the eco-friendly urban village is less than two miles away from Parker Playhouse, which provides a range of seasonal shows year-round.

For more than 40 years, Parker Playhouse has been a fixture of South Florida, providing plays, musicals, revues, concerts and family programming to the Fort Lauderdale community. The primary goal of the 1,167-seat theatre is to bring together the local populace by providing quality entertainment and education for all ages. Parker Playhouse is currently managed by the Broward Center of the Performing Arts, and affiliated with both the Miramar Cultural Center and the Miniaci Performing Arts Center.

Upcoming shows at Parker Playhouse include "Journey" by the Meg Segreto Dance Centre, a kid-friendly Smart Stage series including the popular tales Stone Soup and Charlotte's Web, the Kosher Comedy Tour, and a Beatles tribute band called The Fab Faux. Ticket prices vary, but you can learn more by calling the Box Office (954-462-0222) or Guest Services (954-468-3285) for more information. You can also become an ENTOURAGE member to receive exclusive updates, priority seating and other great benefits.

To support your community and experience the diverse live performances at Parker Playhouse, simply exit the Satori apartment rental community and head west on Sunrise Boulevard and make a right onto NW 8th Avenue.

When you rent an apartment at Satori, you'll be living in an environmentally beneficial environment from floor to ceiling. Overhead, enjoy solar and reflective paneling that helps cool your home while conserving energy. Below, tread on zero-VOC carpeting and bamboo floors. A few weeks ago, we talked about why low-VOC amenities are important to new apartment rentals. But why bamboo? Because it's the most eco-friendly material known for flooring, which is why it's also today's hottest trend in eco-conscious living.

An article by Scientific American confirms that the popularity of bamboo flooring is not just hype. Flooring made from bamboo is better for the Earth because it's easy to grow, renew and sustain in almost any climate. Unlike synthetic flooring materials, bamboo can be accrued rapidly and naturally without harming the environment. And unlike trees, bamboo can grow quickly with little water and no pesticides or fertilizers. Not only is it fast-growing (up to 20 times faster than trees) and efficient to convert into flooring, it's also stable, moisture resistant and harder than almost any wood. As an added bonus, bamboo releases 35% more oxygen into the air than a tree grove of the equivalent size. It's also an incredibly attractive option that rivals the aesthetics of expensive hardwoods.

The positive impact that bamboo utilization can make on the environment is so vital that it's not only being used to create flooring. It's also being explored as an alternative material for clothing, textiles and paper. As technology improves, the future applications of this remarkable plant are limitless. Bamboo could be, quite literally, world-changing.

The Satori rental apartment community is dedicated to researching and implementing ways for its residents to live green, with minimal impact on the planet. As a tenant, you're participating in a lifestyle you can be proud of each and every day. From top to bottom--from ceiling to floor--immerse yourself in eco-conscientious living at Satori.

When you rent an apartment at Satori, you're immediately thrust into all of the excitement of South Florida's ongoing entertainment and attractions. Fort Lauderdale is known for hosting numerous performance venues, which means that concerts, operas, ballets, theatre performances and other touring events often pass through, providing Satori residents with ample access to the hottest engagements-such as Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco, which will be performing at the Bank Atlantic Center from May 27^th to June 7^th, 2009.

Saltimbanco-which literally translates to ‘to jump on a bench'-is a show about life in a modern metropolis. Audiences are swept into a dreamscape through which they view the daily happenings of a typical urban environment in a new, metaphorical light. The show incorporates whimsy with observation; it enacts objective commentary through acrobatics and dance. Both in the imaginary city that is recreated onstage and via the show itself, audiences witness the strength of humanity-of physical intensity and emotional integrity. Live, original orchestrations narrate the colorful characterizations and buoyant choreography on stage. Saltimbanco uses urban diversity to demonstrate the shared human experience, leaving voyeurs with an overall sense of fellowship and hope.

Along with eco-friendly amenities and appliances, Satori provides its residents with a healthier and more Earth-conscientious lifestyle by supplying zero VOC-emitting carpeting and low VOC-emitting paints. But what exactly is a "VOC" and why are these two little details so important?  

VOCs are volatile organic compounds that can emit greenhouse gases that help destroy the ozone. They can be found indoors or outdoors, with the EPA estimating that VOC concentrations can be up to ten times higher in enclosed areas. VOCs can lead to both short- and long-term health risks including asthma, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and liver failure or damage to the central nervous system. Because these dangerous compounds can be found in common sources such as paints, varnishes, carpets, solvent cleaning products, inks, and adhesives, VOCs are especially prevalent in new building constructs and developments, making it a concern for new apartment renters and homeowners-unless they're moving into the Satori apartment rental community.

When you rent an apartment at Satori, we don't draw the line at eco-friendly construction and energy-efficient appliances. We care about what goes on inside your home, and how our one-time choices will affect the long-term health of our valued renters. That's why we've selected carpeting that emits absolutely zero VOCs to install throughout common buildings and your homes. As our resident, you'll also be privy to wall paints with very low VOC emissions. Plus, your customizable options (flooring, paints and countertops) come from a selection not only designed by Steven G. to be stylish and complement your Zen lifestyle-they have also been approved by our high standards for reducing these harmful pollutants.

What can you do to further limit VOC in your new Satori rental apartment? Avoid furniture (especially wooden pieces) that may have been treated with formaldehyde; look for untreated wood or wood alternatives. And avoid cleaning products that may emit carbon compounds, especially those kept in aerosol cans (the same goes for air fresheners and beauty products); and curbing your dry cleaning habits will significantly reduce VOCs close to your skin. You can choose low-VOC paints, sealants, dyes, and inks, but it's also a good idea to keep very small quantities of these items stored in your house at any given time. And you can purchase bedding and window treatments that are organic, which are certain to contain little to no pesticides or harmful manmade chemicals. The simplest thing you can do is keep your house well-ventilated with fresh and circulating air, which is easy to do when you rent an apartment at Satori thanks to air conditioning units with programmable thermostats and the steadfast South Florida climate, which allows you to leave windows open throughout much of the year.

At Satori, we want you to live Zensationally. Lowering VOC in your home when making choices about your décor and personal habits can help you lead a more healthy and stress-free life. We've already given you a head start by choosing zero-VOC carpets and low-VOC paint to benefit not only you and your family, but also your house guests, future Satori residents, and the greater worldwide community.

When you think of the time it takes to move into a new apartment, you don't think of all the small details you need to take care of. Picking up the keys, reserving the elevator, or setting up utilities are all time consuming tasks that take time to set up. With Satori, we offer convenient eServices to help you manage the mundane details quickly and efficiently so you can spend more time enjoying your new luxury apartment.

Whether it is a new tenant looking to rent an apartment or a current Satori resident, the eService environment is easy to access and easy to use. Inside the eService portal, residents are able to access all their payment or request needs directly online.

Schedule Move-in
 
With Satori eServices, you can simply plan your move-in by going online. All your necessary needs will be met directly in your eService portal. Scheduling an elevator for move in, and setting up utilities can all be done by simply one click. Each of these items can be managed directly in your Satori eService portal.

Utility Connect

New residents have the ability to connect utilities and subscription services all in one easy process. Each resident can manage the following:

• Telephone
• Long Distance Calling
• Gas
• Electricity
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• U.S. Postal Service Address
• Renters Insurance
• And more

New residents simply enter zip codes from new and old addresses, select current provider information, and shop for new services. Satori residents no longer need to wait in long lines, or actively search for new providers--instead Satori eServices solves all of these problems.

Maintenance Request

Current tenants who need to file apartment maintenance requests can do so online with Satori eServices. Residents will need only to logon to their eService account and submit the request directly online. Residents can detail the problem, provide permission for maintenance personnel to enter their unit, and even provide pet alerts as part of the request submission process. This eService takes the hassle out of visiting the leasing office to schedule maintenance.

Online Rent Pay

Satori residents no longer have to worry about turning in their rent checks. Satori eServices allow residents to pay rent online by using either a credit card or electronic check. Residents also have the ability to access current balance information, view payment history, and make either one-time or recurring payments.

Renting an apartment within a Satori community not only provides you with an extra ordinary type of living, it provides you with an easy way to live. With an understanding of great living, Satori finds new ways to develop trends for its residents and the environment they live in. The eServices we offer play a dynamic part of each residential living community. It allows each person time to enjoy the amenities and stylish apartments at a Satori rental community and not have to spend time paying bills or filling a maintenance request. Our Satori eServices provides new or current residents the ability to live an easy life by managing their living with one simple click.
 

With eight locations in three states, Blue Martini is quickly becoming known as the martini lounge to patronize for fantastic drinks, live music and social networking. And with one of those premier locations five minutes away from their rental apartment community on Sunrise Boulevard, Satori residents are able to enjoy Blue Martini's famous cocktails, tapas and ambience any night of the week.

Along with Seasons 52 and The Capital Grille, Blue Martini is one of the fine dining establishments located at the Galleria Mall (all of which are just steps away from the Satori Leasing Center). Blue Martini is the ideal venue for Satori residents to grab a drink on their way home from work, with a burst of activity hitting after 5pm that ebbs slightly just before dinnertime, only to pick up when the evening crowd arrives. Each Blue Martini restaurant is open well past midnight, seven days a week, so guests can kick back and relax from happy hour cocktails to their final nightcap, with plenty of engaging performances, dancing and delicious foods to fill the time in between.

Three different dining options create three very distinctive moods for Blue Martini visitors. For a casual evening, guests can sit outside at the patio bar, where chatter and tunes waft from inside, giving the impression of being separate but never isolated. Couches and lounges can be found outside as well, with premium seating next to the faux heated fireplace. Indoors, guests can choose either a bar stool, high-top or low-top table to immerse themselves in good music and great company. For a more exclusive evening, such as a special occasion, guests can witness the nightly on-goings (such as Martini Networking events or Ladies' Night Wednesdays) from a reserved, private VIP area.

The Blue Martini menu consists of 25 specialty martinis, such as "The Palm Beacher," "Agave Nectar Margarita," "The Good Life," "Three Chocolates" or the house signature "Blue Martini." A full bar of liquor, liqueurs, wine, beer and champagne is also available. For dinner, guests can start with a light treat such as fresh shrimp, bruschetta or a European-style fruit and cheese plate followed by an array of high-end entrees which range from seared tuna to miniature lamb chops to sliced beef tenderloin. Small, refined portions make it easy for diners to save room for dessert. Nothing exceeds the sweet decadence of Blue Martini's "Vesuvius Cake," which layers brownie crust with New York cheesecake, topped with chocolate ganache, chocolate truffle and chocolate mousse, and then sprinkled with chopped walnuts and white chocolate chips.

Whether those who rent an apartment at Satori are intrigued by the expansive martini menu or look forward to dancing the night away to live entertainment, Blue Martini is certain to be a popular locale for all Satori guests.

When you rent an apartment at Satori, what better way to celebrate your arrival than with an eco-friendly housewarming party? Here are some tips on how to throw a unique party that's fun for guests and great for the planet:

• Avoid paper invitations. Paper invitations are notoriously wasteful as they're only read once and then discarded. Instead, call your friends on the phone, send virtual invitations through Evite.com, or communicate through a social networking site. This is not only better for the environment, but it will make you look tech-savvy, too! If paper invitations are an absolute must, print them recycled paper and include a message encouraging guests to re-recycle their invitations.

• Get creative with party decorations. Rather than stick with the stigma of crepe paper and plastic balloons, use personal photos, plants and recycled materials to create one-of-a-kind party decorations. Your creativity will earn compliments from your guests while you enjoy a personalized, green housewarming party.

• Serve organic hors d'oeuvres. Organic products make stellar appetizers for any party. Organics eschew chemical products such as pesticides and hormones, and are grown using soil and water conservation techniques. You can also seek products that are locally grown to reduce the carbon emissions used to transport food. This also means fresher and tastier treats for your guests. With a Whole Foods grocery store right around the corner from the Satori apartment rental community, shopping green is a piece of cake (so to speak) for Satori residents.

• Use formal dinnerware. Using silverware, ceramic plates, and cloth napkins reduce the trash that is typically left over from a big bash. You'll save money in the long run by not replacing paper or plastic utensils every time guests are over. Plus, who doesn't love an excuse to break out the fancy china and show it off once in awhile? When the party's done, you can skip rinsing and throw dishes directly into Satori's high-power, energy-efficient dishwashers, which allow you to effortlessly conserve water during your super-easy clean-up. Ditto with the cloth napkins and tablecloths in the GE Energy Star washer and dryer.

• Turn down the lights. During the day, hold your party in mid-afternoon with all the shades raised to let in the natural sunlight instead of shrouding your friends in artificial light. In the evening, create ambience by using candles and votives to light your party as you create an intimate social atmosphere.

• Invite guests outdoors. Better yet, take advantage of South Florida's temperate weather and invite your guests to join you outside in Satori's inviting outdoor venues. Socialize by the pool, share a toast under the cabana or meet in the Zen garden for a truly green party that introduces your loved ones to the community. With your new apartment close to the beach and across from Holiday Park, there are plenty of outdoor options for all of your celebratory gatherings.

• Make it an eco-themed event. Combine all of the above tips for an eco-themed event. Altogether, you'll reduce costs, make a greater impact on the environment and most importantly, set an example for your guests. You can inform friends and family about all of the benefits of going green as you welcome them to your new environmentally conscientious home. Guests can even dress green for added festivity.

Because you've decided to rent an apartment at Satori, we know that you're invested in living green, setting an example, and doing your part to save the planet. Why not start your new green lifestyle on the right foot by hosting a one-of-a-kind housewarming party that shows off your eco-awareness and conservation skills? Finding ways to introduce eco-friendly elements to every aspect of your party is a challenging, fun, and cost-efficient way for you to kick off your new lifestyle at Satori.

With predictions of clear blue skies and temperatures in the mid-70's it seems that the weather this weekend will be ideal for the 21^st Annual Las Olas Art Fair - Part II. Although it's barely spring in South Florida, residents are going to be graced with the picture-perfect atmosphere one craves when they imagine themselves strolling up and down scenic Las Olas boulevard to peruse art stalls, enjoy a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade and meet with some of South Florida's most creative and inspirational artists.

This Saturday and Sunday, residents and tourists from all over Florida are expected to flock to Las Olas Boulevard to survey paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more. With the Satori apartment rental community just two miles away, tenants will have the benefit of being just around the corner from this vibrant social event. At Satori, we support every opportunity to go out into the community and support local talent, so we enjoy engagements like the Las Olas art festival-and sharing them with you. We want you to know what's going on in your neighborhood so you can schedule some time in your busy schedule to just relax and infuse your life with art. We especially encourage those who have never before been to make sure they head out this weekend to see the spectacle; it's a twice-yearly event which we know you'll introduce as part of your annual ritual.

Since 1925, Florida Power & Light (or FPL) has been helping Florida homeowners conserve energy, save cash and benefit the environment. Even though you're moving into Fort Lauderdale's premiere eco-friendly apartment rental community when you rent an apartment at Satori, there are still even more tips and tricks you can apply to help you reduce your bills and feel good about doing good for the planet. FPL suggests:

1) Cool your home at 78̊ or warmer. (82̊ or warmer is ideal for when you're not at home.)

Last Thursday, Satori and Altman Companies sponsored the South Florida Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC) Founder's Reception. The event took place outside of the Satori Leasing Center, which is located at the Galleria Mall next to Neiman Marcus. When guests of honor began arriving at 6:00pm, they left behind the mall parking lot and passed through an inviting archway of blooming cherry blossoms and bamboo to discover that the street in front of the leasing center was transformed into an exotic enclosure. Tall green plants lined the perimeter and oriental lamps dangled down from the trees above to give off an ethereal glow, as upbeat music filtered through the well-heeled crowd. Adding Zen ambience to the scene was a rotating slideshow of exquisite scenes from the Far East, projected onto the billowing white backdrops that created an essence of intimacy and privacy for the GLCC guests.

GLCC members were treated to hors d'oeuvres from Galanga Thai Kitchen and Sushi Bar (a Satori-recommended venue located in Wilton Manors) and an open bar featuring "Satorinis"-a green-hued martini made with imported Saki and green tea, served in recyclable martini glasses. High-top tables were spread throughout the enclosure, featuring lotus blossom centerpieces situated in crystal vases that glowed from LCD lights concealed at the base. There were also tables set up to collect contributions and provide more information about the GLCC agenda-promoting equal rights, social activeness and networking amongst Fort Lauderdale's GLBT residents.