Affordable Luxury | Port St. Lucie Apartments

Here’s a way to keep Cool during the Hot Summer!

kitterman — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:46:02 +0000

Interactive Fountain West of the Civic Center on US Highway One

The Port St. Lucie Civic Center interactive fountain is a beautiful backdrop to the Martin Health System Village Square and a source of refreshing fun for old and young alike.

Hours for the interactive fountain are 10 a.m. to dusk, weather permitting.

Bring a picnic basket because there are table and benches, rest rooms, a beautiful arbor.

The parking is plentiful and free, so bring the whole family out, along with your camera, to make some cool memories during the dog days of summer.

Please call (772) 807-4488 for more information.

Jazz Wednesday, May 16th at Botanical Gardens

kitterman — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:58:45 +0000

What a great way to perk up your mid-week blues. The wonderful sounds of the Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society can be heard at the Gardens every other Wednesday night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The next session will be held on Wednesday, May 16. Attendees are invited to bring their own chairs for this outdoor concert. Admission is only $3 per person.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to the beautiful Nature Center at the Botanical Gardens.

The gardens are open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).

General admission is $5 (children 12 and under are admitted for free), unless otherwise noted as in the case of this event.

The Gardens can host weddings, art shows and other special seasonal events. Small office parties, family gatherings and corporate events can also be hosted at reasonable rates.

The Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is located at 2410 S.E. Westmoreland Blvd.

For more information, contact: Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens (772) 337-1959

Poisonous Plants for Pets

kitterman — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:01:51 +0000

JUNO BEACH, Fla. – Curious and playful are the best words to describe little Staffordshire Terrier named “Blue”. His owner admits it’s hard to keep him away from anything. “He’s young and he chews on everything, so it’s definitely difficult,” says Mariah Ward, Blue’s owner. Ward had no idea if the three-month-old puppy gnawed on a sago palm in her house, it could be deadly. “I’ve never heard that before actually. It scares me more because I think, what else do I not know that can make him really sick?” says Ward. Veterinarian Nancy DiMarco says it comes as a surprise to pet owners to keep dogs and cats away from the plant.

“If it’s in the backyard where my dog ran around and my kids played I’d say dig it up and move it, it’s just not worth it,” says Dr. DiMarco. The leaves and berries of a sago palm is toxic for dogs and cats if ingested.
“The toxin gets into the gastro-intestinal track and shuts down the liver,” says Dr. DiMarco. The lily you may have picked up for Mothers’ Day could be fatal for your feline. It’s on the top ten most poisonous plants list according to the Animal Poison Control Service. “Increased thirst and urination because the kidney function isn’t ideal and then nausea and vomiting and loss of appetite, just feeling rotten,” says Dr. DiMarco. Cats may not show symptoms for days, which is dangerous.

“By the time your start to seek help, their kidneys could be too far gone to recover from,” says Dr. DiMarco. Dr. DiMarco suggests getting the lilies out of your house. She says if your cat gets ahold of any part of this plant – the pollen, petals or leaves, it could be life-threatening for your cat, or even fatal. “Having cut flowers safe from a cat is extremely difficult, because cats will do almost anything to get to what it is they want,” says Dr. DiMarco. DiMarco says she sees a couple cases every year where pets were exposed to the lily or sago palm. Although they make nice gifts, few owners know they’re a hazard. “Now I will not bring Easter lilies in the house either,” says Steve Waldman, who has owned dogs and cats.
“I’d feel horrible if there was something I didn’t research, and it made him sick. There’s no way I could live with that,” says Ward.

TOP HAZARDOUS PLANTS: (According to Pet Poison Hotline)

Autumn Crocus Azalea Cyclamen Kalanchoe
Lilies Oleander Dieffenbachia Daffodils
Lily of the Valley Sago Palm Tulips and Hyacinths

For more on a list of hazardous plants head to:

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/basics/top-10-plants-poisonous-to-pets/

By: Marissa Bagg

Water Park in your own backyard

kitterman — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:59:30 +0000

Swimming pool at Sailfish Splash Waterpark.

" />Photo by Hobie Hiler, special to Treasure Coast NewspapersThe 50-meter Olympic-size swimming pool with stadium seating at Sailfish Splash Waterpark.

" />Photo by Hobie Hiler, special to Treasure Coast NewspapersMartin County Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Abbate walks down the stairs of the water playground as he gives a tour of Martin County Parks and Recreation’s Sailfish Splash Waterpark on Wednesday.

STUART — Martin County’s new $9 million Sailfish Splash Waterpark faces its first test this weekend when thousands of season pass holders are expected to take a dip.

The long-awaited aquatics complex will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, and the first patrons will zoom down the four-story water slides, float along the Lazy River, frolic in the spray on the water playground, dive into the competition pool and swim in the lesson pool.

“Season pass holder weekend is about the enjoyment of these amenities,” said Martin County Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Abbate. “They want to get on the River ride, the playground and the water slide.”

Before the fun starts, Martin County officials will have a park dedication at 9 a.m. The aquatics complex has been discussed for a decade and took almost two years to build.

The 8,400 season pass holders will be able to visit the water park for a week before it opens to the general public on April 28.

Here are the highlights of a tour of the facility.

The two four-story water slides, which are among the tallest structures in Martin County, are an important attraction, Abbate said. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall.

“The blue slide is our speed slide,” Abbate said. “It’s a dark slide, meaning you can’t see in (or out). This is a very fast ride. A lot of it depends on how you ride out the ride. If you lay down with your arms crossed and you ride on your heels, you’ll make it to the end every time.”

The slide levels out at the bottom where riders come out of the tunnel and splash to a halt in a runout area.

“The other one is an open flume ride, which is a little bit more tame,” Abbate said. “You see where you are at all times. You can anticipate the turns.”

The slide dumps riders into a 3-foot-deep pool with a rubber pad on the bottom.

Lifeguards equipped with walkie-talkies will be stationed at the top and bottom of each slide so that the next rider doesn’t start his or her descent until the previous rider is off the slide, Abbate said.

Children who are not tall enough to ride the large slides can get in on the fun on slides in the water playground, Abbate said. The play structure has four slides and there is a standalone slide for tots.

The water playground is designed in the theme of a shipwrecked galleon. The depth of the pool surrounding the play structure ranges from zero to 18 inches.

“This will be a very, very busy attraction,” Abbate said. “There’s a lot of interaction here. Everywhere you go, water is spraying out on the deck. If you’re going down the slides you’re landing in water.

“There are a lot of steering wheels,” Abbate said. “If you turn this valve it turns on that water curtain. There are water blasters. There are rope pulls that turn the showers on.

“The highlight is the 300-gallon tipping bucket,” Abbate said. “A bell rings and 300 gallons of water tip down onto the roof and then everyone usually stands underneath it for some fun.”

The Lazy River also is expected to be popular, Abbate said.

The 1,000-foot-long pool has two entrances where lifeguards will provide riders with clear blue plastic tubes, Abbate said. It is surrounded by a rope fence to prevent people from just hopping in.

There is an island in the middle of the Lazy River where families can relax in lounge chairs under umbrellas, Abbate said.

Speakers are placed strategically throughout the water park so patrons can listen to music and hear announcements.

Artists are painting murals on most of buildings’ walls.

The 2-acre recreation area is separated from the two swimming pools by a building containing the ticket office, administrative offices, kitchen and cafeteria, restrooms, locker rooms and the mechanical room with the pumps and chlorination equipment.

A tunnel featuring a mural of underwater life will connect the two sides of the facility.

Bleachers with seating for up to 800 people overlook a state-of-the-art 50-meter pool complete with diving boards and starting blocks. There also is a large scoreboard. This pool will be open during specific hours, and also for a masters swimming group that residents can join.

So far, the Treasure Coast Aquatics Club has arranged to rent lanes in the pool, Abbate said. The county’s three high school swimming and diving teams are also expected to use the facilities, but the deal is still being discussed with school officials.

The 40-foot-wide pool deck is large enough to accommodate portable shade canopies, Abbate said.

A 25-yard-long learn-to-swim pool will also be used for water aerobics and other activities.

The cafeteria offers hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders, fries and Coca-Cola beverages. Ice cream and flavored ices will also be for sale.

Concession stands will not be serving hot food for the season passholder weekend, but drinks, ice cream and other snacks will be available, County Administrator Taryn Kryzda said. The county hopes to have the kitchen and concession stands fully operational in time for the opening the the general public on April 28.Only season pass holders will be allowed into the water park during the first week of operation, Abbate said. It will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and from 4 to 7 p.m. April 23 through April 27.

The water park will open to the general public on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 28 through May 20. Summer hours start on Memorial Day weekend.

Treasure Coast News

Pet-Lovers Alert

kitterman — Sat, 12 May 2012 16:04:46 +0000

Pet-Lovers Alert: Turn Your Space Into a Posh Pet Place

As many pet owners will attest, their four-legged friends are part of their family. To help Fido or Fluffy feel more at home in your apartment, there are many ways you can cater to their needs, including safety, designated play areas and décor.

Pet-Proofing Your Pad: Because safety is a primary concern for pet lovers—especially young pets who aren’t fully trained—we’re going to dig a little deeper into this topic, including checking for dangers in seemingly ordinary places.

Pets and Plants That Don’t Mix: Many common plants can present dangers to your four-legged friend. Ordinary houseplants, organic decorations and outdoor flowers can cause everything from stomach upset to central nervous system damage, liver failure and even death. Some common culprits include tulips, poinsettias, holly and certain types of lilies, but the list is long. If you have a pet in the apartment, ensure all your plants are out of their reach, regardless if it’s an indoor or outdoor play area.
Forbidden Foods For Four-Legged Friends: Many pet owners share table scraps with their furry friends as a treat or reward. However, it’s important to understand which human foods are harmful to your forever friend. Be mindful of the dishes you leave out. It may surprise you to know many of the appetizers and candy you set out for guests or use as decorations can present serious health risks to animals. For example, chocolate can be fatal for dogs and cats and the contents of your fruit bowl may cause various medical problems
Protect Pets from Perilous Play: Both dogs and cats, especially kittens and puppies, often see electrical cords as fun, chew toys. But munching on a yummy electrical cord can not only be harmful to your pet, it can also be dangerous for the whole household as slightly damaged cords may create invisible fire hazards. Tape electrical cords to walls to limit access, spray with bad-tasting pet deterrents or stow behind furniture and appliances.

A Dog Don’t Give a Doggone About Decor: Let’s be honest, your pet doesn’t care what their living space looks like. In fact, dogs and cats are both largely color-blind, so the color of those pillows, blankets and scratching posts matters more to you than to your furry friend. Take this as an opportunity to match pet accessories to colors that you enjoy. Your pet will care far more about having familiar and comfortable items surrounding them.

Don’t Freak Out the Feline by Fine-Tuning Their Play Area: Animals are creatures of habit, comforted by predictability and familiarity. They might get excited when you introduce a new toy, but knowing what to expect and where to find it is important to their sense of security. Keep toys put away in a predictable, accessible, open container or corner. If you’re going to replace toys, blankets or other items your pet has grown accustomed to, do it one item at a time. Otherwise, you may leave your fuzzy buddy feeling disoriented by uprooting their designated play area and special place.

Creating an environment that is both inviting and secure for your pet is a worthwhile investment. Not only does it help create a happy home for you and your furry friend, but it also discourages destructive behavior.

www.apartmentliving.com

KITTERMAN WOODS……

kitterman — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:09:19 +0000

Relax this weekend by one of the refreshing pools……ahh the weekend.

GREEN LIVING www.greenlivingapartments.com

kitterman — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:16:54 +0000

GreenLiving Tips for Your Apartment Home

Welcome to GreenLiving Tips! We know that you would always “do the right thing” for yourself and the planet if it were convenient, fun, inexpensive, and made you feel good. Being green doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult! Below are some simple tips to help you live in more planet-friendly ways:

You can make a difference!

Energy

  Unplug the “secret energy addicts” in your home: TVs, VCRs, DVD players, cable TV boxes, computers and printers, video game consoles, microwave ovens and AC adapters for cell phones, digital cameras and other electronics. Most electronic equipment, including anything that uses a remote control, is designed to consume energy when it is turned off. That “off” setting is actually a “standby” or “idling” mode. Standby power in the average household consumes 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. That’s enough energy to power an entire home for two months, or more. The solution? Unplug anything that isn’t being used.

  Swap out incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs. CFs use about 66% less energy and last up to 10 times longer.

  Turn down your thermostat by two degrees in the winter (and up two degrees in the summer). You’ll save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide this year!

  Switch to cold-water washing and save 80% on laundry energy.

Cool Off with ICE CREAM!!!

kitterman — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:57:14 +0000

Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag

By: The contributors of Kaboose.com, plus additional recipe testing and photography by Christina Stanley-Salerno

Difficulty: Very Easy

Parental supervision is recommended

Click to view larger

–>Milk can become homemade ice cream in five minutes by using a bag! This homemade, creamy treat is a summertime delight for kids and adults alike.

What you’ll need:

1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup milk or half & half
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
6 tablespoons rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes

How to make it:

Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag.
Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully. Enjoy!

Tips:

A 1/2 cup milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don’t increase the proportions more that that — a large amount might be too big for kids to pick-up because the ice itself is heavy.

BOGO Pet Fees…1st pet fee $100 2nd pet fee $50!!!!!

kitterman — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:58:00 +0000

Friday Fest in Downtown Fort Pierce: TONIGHT, 5/4/12!!

kitterman — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:54:22 +0000

Don’t forget! Tonight from 5:30-9pm in downtown Fort Pierce, It’s Friday Fest!

Check out the live music from band, Category 5 and the Storm Horns!