The Satori Blog

Here at Satori, we provide our residents with the newest trends in furniture and appliances. One appliance that residents are raving about is their new front-load washing machine. Not seen in many conventional apartments, the front-load washer is gaining popularity due to its sleek look and unique benefits.

What are the benefits of having a front-load washing machine compared to a top-load? The front-loading washers at Satori of Ft. Lauderdale use 50% less water than top-loaders. This is due to the uniqueness of the wash mechanism. They also spin faster than the conventional machines, so clothes that come out are drier, which results in less time in the dryer and helps to reduce the cost of electricity for our residents.

Another key benefit of a front-load washer is the quality of washer. Conventional washers use agitators that beat clothes back and forth, causing stressed and twisted fabrics that become quickly worn.  Front-load washers use a spinning motion which tumbles the cloths in and out of the water in a much gentler fashion, causing little stress on the clothes. So your cloths last long and look better.

Our residents are looking for the newest and best features in an apartment community and here at Satori, we are providing it for them. Through our research on new technological trends, our management team has provided the highest quality of appliances in every Satori living community. The benefits you find in front-load washers compared to top-load washers are extremely important in our philosophy of creating an easier lifestyle and eco friendly apartment for all our residents to enjoy.

We recognize that everyday life can sometimes be hectic and crazy. At Satori, our philosophy is to create an easy and simple lifestyle for all our residents to enjoy. To help ease the stress of your life, we have developed a unique living environment built around the mantra of zen living, by providing a stress-free lifestyle that focuses on having a reverence for life, and doing the things that you enjoy.

Satori apartments brings zen living to our south florida apartment community through our of eco-friendly living. In a time where the maintenance of our environment is so important, we accommodate and provide eco-friendly living conditions in every apartment. Each eco apartment is filled with a plethora of earth-friendly features that help our residences save money on monthly energy costs. We even provide free concierge and valet services to help with those daily chores and hassles around the apartment. At Satori, we want each resident to spend more time enjoying their luxury apt in ft lauderdale, instead of managing the day to day tasks of living.

A quality life at Satori is what we are all about. We make life as easy and fun as possible with the amenities at our state-of-the-art clubhouse, which offers amenities that you will not find in other Fort Lauderdale apts. Here, residents are able to relax by enjoying a nice cool dip in our infinity-edge pool or recharge at our health spa, which includes a sauna and a full gym. Others can awaken their sense of life by enjoying the serenity of a gentle waterfall or tranquility of a relaxing Zen garden. Either way, Satori residents are able to become one with themselves and the environment they live in.

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.

Satori is pleased to be sponsoring 2009's Pride South Florida Festival (PrideFest) which is a two-day celebration of diversity, equality and human rights for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. A tradition which began with civil rights marches in the 1970's, PrideFest is today the largest gay and lesbian festival in the state of Florida with over 40,000 attendees and 250 vendors. This year's PrideFest will be taking place at Holiday Park, which is located across Sunrise Boulevard from the Satori apartment rental community.

The South Florida Pride Festival is the summit of a week-long rally effort which takes place in restaurants and clubs throughout the state, with weekend activities running from noon to sundown on both Saturday and Sunday. PrideFest 2009 is an indoor and outdoor event, a combination of street festival (with games, food stalls, entertainers and displays) and a conference which includes health and business information as well as exhibition of Florida's largest AIDS quilt. There's also a dance floor, cocktail bar and DJ. After two days full of food, fun and fabulous events, the week's festivities culminate in the After Pride T Dance at the War Memorial Auditorium (located within the park).

This past year was an accomplished one for Satori's real estate management firm, Altman Companies. While celebrating its 40^th year of business, Altman Companies began construction on Satori, its first eco-friendly apartment rental property which is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For this endeavor and other developmental enterprises around the country, President Joel Altman was recently awarded the prestigious Sun-Sentinel Excalibur Award as a Business Leader in Palm Beach County.

Since 1978, the Excalibur Awards have been given annually to standout community businesspersons who represent excellence in business paired with civically responsible service. They are chosen from South Florida's regions to represent a composite reflection of the state's proud work principle and to acknowledge individuals who use their success to benefit others in need.

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.

So you've moved in to Satori and you're living the green life in your eco-friendly apartment in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. But what happens when you're ready to head out to explore the local area, hit up some nearby hot spots to start enjoying your new, laid-back "Zen" lifestyle? Are you going to leave your energy-efficient apartment and take the family car for a drive around the area? What if you're planning to meet up with a handful of friends for dinner and a show in Wilton Manors? How many cars will that event need? And who wants to pay for all that gas? What if we made it a little bit easier to take some of your eco-pride along for the ride, so that you can explore the surrounding community without expelling extra carbon fuels into the atmosphere-and get the golden treatment as you and your friends are chauffeured around town? And what if it were free? If that sounds like a good deal, then put your car keys down and pick up the phone to call The Green Hopper.

First things first: what is ‘The Green Hopper'? The Green Hopper is a privately owned, energy-efficient car gives rides to Wilton Manors guests. Rather than have unnecessary carbon-spewing vehicles clogging the streets of this popular public sector on weekdays, weeknights and weekends, The Green Hopper provides transportation between some of Wilton Manors' hottest destinations. It's 100% electric (the engine charges like a battery) and produces zero harmful emissions. Wait time is typically less than 15 minutes in a coverage area that spans the entire "Island City" area of Wilton Manors. But you can call to be picked up from any location or venue nearby!

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.