It seems like I’m constantly getting email notices from Apple about my various subscription fees—for apps, streaming services, online news portals and publications, business tools, and more. Half the time, I don’t even recognize the provider on the invoice.

A realtor friend of mine from New Jersey decided to cancel her credit card altogether—effectively terminating all her subscriptions—just to start fresh, rather than trying to sift through the endless list of unnecessary services to figure out what she actually needed.

I haven’t gone that far (yet), and I don’t think I’d want to start over by canceling a card. But it did make me think. I have too many subscriptions—including Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and SoundCloud—all probably delivering the same music and podcasts. Do I really need four music apps? I’m almost writing this as a public admission just to motivate myself to clean it up.

And as real estate agents, we’re constantly bombarded with “timesaving” tricks and tools to better serve our clientele, so maybe I’ve subscribed to more than most because of that too.

The average user pays $33.58 per month for all their app subscriptions combined—nearly double the 2018 monthly average. That includes streaming services like Netflix and HBO. Since that’s the average, plenty of people are paying even more, especially considering that some apps can run $20 to $50 a pop. Everyone wants constant entertainment and content these days!

Do you remember when you had to buy a physical product to enjoy something to read or watch? Those days are mostly gone. It’s just too easy now to download digital content or subscribe to a streaming service. The platforms make it seamless—and often irresistible—to dive into TV shows, movies, audiobooks, music, video games, and more. Before you know it, your subscription charges start creeping up.

And while many of us (yes, me included) still enjoy the “real” movie experience in a theater or tuning into studio-produced shows on a proper TV, the quality of streaming content is often first-rate.

Of course, there’s still free content—especially on social media platforms—which are increasingly competing for your limited entertainment hours (which, for some people, can be upwards of six hours a day!). These platforms offer endless content, algorithmically tailored just for you. But let’s be honest—you’re often doom-scrolling through junk to find something worthwhile, which brings you right back to… paying for content.

Speaking of free content, real estate brokers offer some of the best free content out there. (And I’m not just saying that.) I hear it all the time from clients—people love to scroll through real estate listings and dream about their fantasy home purchase. As realtors, we’re one of the few industries that offers beautiful content—filled with gorgeous photography, carefully crafted prose, and professionally produced videos of stunning apartments and estates—all for free!  

Cherry blossoms tend to steal the spotlight this time of year—and deservedly so. But another pastel flower is worthy of our attention, too: the tulip. These colorful flowers are about to make their seasonal debut, emerging from bulbs deep underground that have survived the winter freeze.

One of the best spots to see these botanical marvels is at the West Side Community Garden, a hidden oasis of springtime splendor that is home to more than 10,000 tulips. The volunteer-run garden will host its 47th annual tulip festival from April 12–April 27. Best of all, the massive festival is free and open to all.

Enter through a wrought iron gate on West 89th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues to find the secret garden, open daily from dawn 'til dusk. Inside, weave through paths packed with plants. How many exactly? Well, volunteers plant about 13,000 tulip bulbs every year! 

A new weekly karaoke series lets participants belt out their favorite show tunes with actual Broadway singers.

The free event includes a rotating cast of professional performers at Baby Grand karaoke bar on the Lower East Side.

Harry Whelchel, a West Village resident, got the idea for the series back in December while attending a karaoke night hosted by his friend’s company. When he arrived at the venue, in K-Town, he learned there were several Broadway singers present who had been booked to sing with attendees.

He hadn’t planned on staying long, but said that when the karaoke started, the energy was “incredible.”

“I ended up staying for like three hours,” he said.

During the evening, he spoke with some of the performers and learned that many weren’t getting booked for private events as much as they’d like — hardly at all, in fact.

“I said, ‘Well, let’s see if people want to do more of this,” Whelchel said.

The answer was yes. Whelchel quickly accumulated a 300-person waitlist for a pilot version of the series, which he named Sing With the Stars. About a month ago, he pitched it as regular programming to Baby Grand, and the owner loved the concept.

The American Museum of Natural History will unveil nearly 70 dazzling spectacles on Friday, April 11th, and collection includes the High Jewelry Maison founded in Paris’ Place Vendôme in 1906. Sure the pieces are 119 years old, but trust us, they only get more dazzling with age.

Whether you’re interested in astronomy or turn to the sky for answers via astrology, you’ll find a lot to love about these accessories: necklaces that depict rockets in flight, gem-encrusted pendants with inspiration from distant nebulae, and watches that follow planets’ movements. It’s proof that even distant galaxies can have an impact on our fashion and expression.

Welcome to 315 West 23rd Street, Apt. 3E, a rare and expansive corner loft boasting nine oversized windows that flood the space with natural light from three exposures. This stylish and sophisticated home offers the option for two generous bedrooms or one enormous primary suite, two full bathrooms, high ceilings, a washer/dryer, and an impressive 30-foot living and dining area, making it ideal for both comfortable living and grand entertaining. Finding a downtown loft of this scale and flexibility in a full-service Chelsea cooperative is truly a rare opportunity.

Upon entering, a gracious, windowed gallery leads seamlessly into the corner living and dining room, where abundant natural light highlights the grand proportions. Whether hosting large-scale gatherings or enjoying a cozy night in, this space is designed for ultimate comfort and style. A renovated full bath is conveniently located near the living area—perfect for guests.

The open chef’s kitchen is both functional and stylish, featuring custom white Shaker cabinetry for ample storage, sleek Caesarstone countertops, a striking marble-blended backsplash, high-end stainless steel appliances, and a generous island for casual dining and additional prep space. The island creates the perfect transition to the living room, establishing a highly sought-after open floor plan.

A gracious hallway, lined with the full-sized washer/dryer and a massive walk-in closet, leads to the bedroom wing, creating the perfect separation of space. The corner primary suite is a true sanctuary, with three large windows and two walls of custom built-in closets offering incredible storage and flexibility. This spacious suite easily accommodates king-sized furniture and a home office. The spa-like, windowed primary bath features floor-to-ceiling marble, a pedestal sink, and a deep soaking tub.

Other key features of this residence include newly refurbished solid wood floors, 5 closets in total including a huge walk-in, custom built-ins adding additional storage, and perfectly skim coated and painted walls.

The Broadmoor is a well-established, full-service cooperative where shareholders enjoy a 24-hour attended lobby and resident manager, two landscaped rooftop decks with stunning panoramic city views, a laundry room, and bike storage. The building is pet- and pied-à-terre-friendly, with guarantors and co-purchasing permitted.

The location is perfect. Live in the heart of Chelsea’s vibrant energy, just steps from world-class art galleries, top-rated restaurants, charming cafés, and high-end boutiques. Enjoy easy access to the High Line, Chelsea Piers, and multiple subway lines, making city living effortless.