As I pack up and head back to Illinois, I’m reflecting on my third season as a snowbird—and wow, it’s starting to really feel like home down here in Florida. It’s not a four-month (ok, almost 5 months!🤪) vacation anymore; it’s just life, lived under palm trees, in sunshine, and surrounded by the happiest, most active people I’ve ever met.

This community? It's a vibe. Everyone’s outside, moving, connecting, having fun—and I love that energy.

☀️ My Florida Routine = My Happy Place

My days had a rhythm I absolutely loved: wake up, hop on my bike, and ride a mile to the fitness center. I’d get in my FASTer Way workout, then hit the pickleball courts (which are conveniently right next door). After a solid hour or two of play, I’d bike back home, shower up, and spend the afternoons working. It’s been the best of both worlds—structure with flexibility, fitness with fun.

Oh—and I’ve been walking to the golf driving range too. Don’t be fooled though… I may walk like a golfer, but my swing is not going pro anytime soon. 😂 I’m truly just there for the sunshine and laughs.

🌴 What I’ll Miss

There’s so much I’ll miss, and not just the 80-degree days (although, let’s be real—that’s a big one). I’ll miss the ease of outdoor movement. I walk more. I bike everywhere. The fitness center is a destination, not a basement corner. I’ll miss Blossoms, our casual outdoor bar and grill where we zip up in a golf cart, and I’ll miss Publix (seriously, what is it about that grocery store?!).

Amazon Prime hits different in Florida—lightning fast deliveries, unlike my rural Illinois life where I feel like I’m back in the Pony Express days. 😂

And, most of all, I’ll miss the friends I’ve made. I’ve got a group of golf gals I play with most Tuesdays, and we’ve had some of the best times together this winter. The seafood here is unbeatable—grouper, sushi, you name it—and I’m already craving my favorites and I haven’t even left yet.

Thankful these ladies took me under their wings! :)

🌷What I’m Looking Forward To in Illinois

But there’s a lot I’m excited about back in the Midwest, too. My pickleball crew is waiting for me, and I can’t wait to get back on the courts with them. Spring flowers, planting my garden, pulling our boat out of storage—those little joys of home.

And the biggest news? My oldest son is moving back to our hometown to work with my husband. We are over the moon to have him close again. That alone makes the return trip feel extra special this year.

🧳 Snowbird Tips & Real Talk

Seasonal living is magical. Now, winters fly by instead of dragging. I will say—I need to schedule a dermatologist appointment ASAP. All this outdoor activity has me looking very sun-kissed, and let’s just say I’m not always the best at reapplying SPF. 😬

Packing for two homes? I still don’t have it down after three years. I leave toiletries in Florida, but not makeup or many clothes. It's a delicate balance and honestly… good luck. 😂

We still drive because of our 11-year-old chocolate lab, but once she’s no longer with us (ugh, my heart), we’ll likely keep a car in Florida and fly back and forth. Having security cameras and a home-watch person here makes managing two homes easier, but it’s still a lot.

I will say, Florida life feels more stress-free. Maybe because we’ve hired more help down here, or maybe because I’m just naturally more relaxed when surrounded by sunshine and zero lawn care.

🚶‍♀️The Florida Effect: Movement Matters

According to my Oura Ring, I average 3,000 more steps per day in Florida. That says it all. It’s not even intentional—it’s just the lifestyle. My goal is to keep that movement going when I get back to Illinois. No excuses, just more walking—wherever I can fit it in.

💛 Feeling Grateful

Year one felt like kindergarten again—meeting new people, finding your place. But each season gets easier, and now I’ve truly found my people.

I’m so grateful. Grateful for the flexibility my job gives me in my 50s. Grateful to my husband for being a rockstar financial planner so we could make this dream happen. Grateful for sunshine and community and health and purpose.