The subway is the fastest way to get around, and whenever I opt for a cab or Uber, I realize (at the end of the trip) that I would have made it faster on the train. But there are drawbacks. For instance, yesterday, after an evening appointment with a seller in Flatiron, I decided to treat myself to a haircut and hot towel shave at my favorite downtown barber, which was nearby (I have another favorite uptown near my apartment).

I immediately fell asleep during the haircut, as I normally do, so when it was time to walk to the subway, I was quite chill and serene. I made it to 42nd Street on the F train only to hear, “No uptown B, D, F, and M trains are running due to an electrical outage.” I got out and walked the two long blocks to 8th Avenue in bucolic Times Square (that is sarcasm for those of you that don’t live in NYC). I boarded an A train, waited 10 minutes in the station, and then heard, “Due to a power failure, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H….” I walked off the train before the conductor could finish the alphabet soup of subway line outages. It was almost comical; I think he was even announcing letter trains that don’t exist.

I also surprised myself by not getting too angry (yet). I mean, what can you do? So, I needed to walk 40 blocks home (the equivalent of two miles). However, my taxi karma was working, and I got a cab after a few blocks of schlepping. Only $25 later (versus $2.90 for the subway fare), I was home.

Aside from patting myself on the back for not being too angry, I thought about the new congestion pricing that we are now paying, which is supposed to be used to improve our transit system and got a bit New York annoyed. But I quickly veered away from the negativity and was grateful that I was dressed warmly for the walk in the cold weather. I also thought about all the tired and cold commuters who had to travel much further than me to get home. I was grateful that I am healthy enough to walk 40 blocks in the first place, even though I bailed after just 10 of those blocks. I was grateful that I had the $25 to pay for the cab, and I was eternally grateful for the superbly delicious meal that was prepared and waiting for me upon my arrival home (one of the main reasons I jumped in the cab!).

The moral of the story is, of course, gratitude. I am grateful for a lot, including all my clients, which is why I always have a car and driver for apartment tours! I am grateful for that wonderful resource, too!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a reach that expands across the globe and back in time. Its collections cover everything from First Century Chinese pottery to Medieval armor to masterpieces of Impressionist painting. Now, for the first time, part of the collection has gone underground. 

As part of the exhibit "Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–Now," see three site-specific installations inside local subway stations. The artworks, commissioned by MTA Arts & Design, "are critical to the story of the ongoing reception of ancient Egypt within Black communities," Met officials explained. Though the pieces are off-site, they are considered part of The Met's exhibition. If you want to get a full understanding of "Flight into Egypt," on view through February 17, you've got to check out the museum's exhibit and the subway art, too.

Art in the subway is nothing new. Since the 1980s, the MTA has commissioned permanent artworks for the public transit system. But for the first time, the MTA and The Met worked together to highlight three existing works inspired by ancient Egypt at subway and Metro-North railroad stations. All three of the featured subway artworks are located within a two-mile radius of Harlem.

Partnering with Air Wisconsin, the roundtrip service will be the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs and dog parents on a larger plane (a CRJ-200) with double the capacity and fares under $1,000.

The flights, which kick off on February, are part of the company’s goal to make dog-friendly air travel more affordable and offer its signature “white paw” service, which includes a dog-centric cabin configuration, treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, a beverage of their choice and more, according to CBS News.

Each ticket, which is priced at $950, actually goes to the dog and comes with a pass for one human. Of course, there are additional passes you can purchase if more humans want to tag along.

Why is this new route to Florida? It’s based on consumer demand—humans and their dogs are going on their winter getaways in sunny Florida, according to Bark.

The company launched Bark Air in May 2024 with flights to and from Los Angeles, New York, London and Paris. Miami/Fort Lauderdale is the newest flight path and marks a “significant” reduction in flight price.

“Since May 2024, we’ve had the honor of flying dogs and their families together, and we’ve listened to their feedback and learned how best to serve our passengers,” said Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bark, in a statement. “Working with Air Wisconsin marks an exciting step forward, allowing us to accommodate more passengers on a larger aircraft while significantly reducing our prices. These flights are a major milestone in bringing our dream of dog-centric air travel to even more families.

”

You can book your flight with your best friend now by visiting air.bark.co.

New York’s many art galleries are still putting together their slates for 2025. But museums, which have years-long lead times to arrange their biggest shows, have begun to announce what’s coming. And with post-renovation re-openings from the New Museum and more, there’s plenty to look forward to on the art calendar in 2025.

“Whether you’re drawn to historic masterpieces or contemporary innovations, there’s something extraordinary for everyone,” wrote art advisor Megan Fox Kelly in an email.

Here’s a look at some of the top shows worth seeing this year, in chronological order of their opening

Condo | Brooklyn Heights

A stunning Penthouse in Brooklyn Heights - Love Lane Mews, 9 College Place.

An opportunity to own the crown jewel at Love Lane Mews, 9 College Place in prime Brooklyn Heights. Penthouse 5A has every key feature necessary to satisfy the most discerning luxury condominium seeker including parking!

The entrance to PH5A is the sole primary entrance on the 5th floor.

Upon entering this tremendous loft, a foyer sweeps you into the great room measuring an impressive 20 x 22 feet with soaring 12-plus-foot ceilings. This glorious room boasts a wall of picture windows with sunny western exposures overlooking the quaint gardens and historic brownstones, with the downtown Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.

From the great room you have access to a fabulous terrace that stretches the entire length of the residence, providing your first glimpse of the extraordinary outdoor space of this penthouse. There is abundant space for comfortable living and large dining, all situated around a lovely working fireplace. Recessed lighting and stunning modern fixtures add to the style of this designer home. Entertain in style and enjoy comfortable living in this incredible room.

The open floor plan includes a chef’s kitchen featuring newly customized cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances including a Viking fridge and six-burner cooktop, a Viking wall oven and convection microwave, and a Bosch dishwasher. Soapstone counters perfect the modern, stylish look with a large island ideal for casual meals and morning coffee.

Two of the bedroom suites are situated in a separate wing of the loft. The generous primary suite measures over 14 by 18 feet with serene and sunny western views. A set of massive closets, including one large walk-in, are all outfitted with California closets. The incredibly large en-suite primary bath is a luxury, featuring a custom vanity with double sinks, a deep soaking tub, and a separate rain shower.

The generous second bedroom features western exposures and abundant closet space. The renovated second bath features a custom marble-clad vanity, a deep soaking tub, and classic white subway tiling. The third bedroom is situated off the foyer, making it an ideal spot for a home office or nursery, featuring a beautiful skylight and generous closet space.

The icing on the cake is the beautifully appointed private roof terrace with open views, abundant space for multiple seating arrangements and a separate dining area. The terrace is equipped with water, power, and abundant space for multiple furniture plans, landscaping, and storage!

Other features of this perfect home include solid wood floors, custom built-in cabinetry, abundant closet space all outfitted by California closets, motorized shades, a washer/dryer, and garbage disposal. Located in one of the most desirable buildings in Brooklyn with guaranteed valet parking accessible in the building, this one is not to be missed.

Set on a quaint cul-de-sac in prime Brooklyn Heights, Love Lane Mews is a remarkable condominium boasting a 24-hour attended lobby, a resident manager, fitness center with Peloton Bike, bike room, an attended indoor garage, and a recently updated lobby. The building is located within the Brooklyn Heights Historic District proximate to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, sprawling waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the area’s incredible cafés and shops. The 2/3 train is a stone’s throw, and the nearby 4/5, A/C, F, and R trains put the rest of the city within easy reach. 1% capital contribution payable by purchaser.