This would be the title of my reality show during the 7 weeks that I've been on Sabbatical; a short-term leave option offered by my company during which we are paid a small percentage of our salary so long as we return to work afterwards. I did this to determine my next steps and to see if we could make it on one income.

Out went my nanny--I couldn't afford her.  I was determined to clean the house and care for the kids better than she ever could.

I threw away my planner and swore off the gym and volunteer work for the month. Those things are my vices--my ways of getting away. This time was only for my precious angels--to see if I had it in me to mother the old-fashioned way.

As my sabbatical comes to an end, I'll tell you what I've learned:

I can save $100 per week or more just be being careful. That is almost 5,000 per year: My first initiative was to cut my grocery bill--which was sometimes $150 or more per week. I did this by going shopping multiple times per week--only allowing myself to buy exactly what I need. I stored nothing. I bought as if I were "going to market" in the olden days; without a proper fridge. I became more creative with using what I had at home.Less food got trashed because it sat on the shelf for too long. It was liberating. I cut corners like I never knew I could!

Everyone benefitted from saving: Before our Jewish New year, we buy our children new clothes in celebration. This year, my daughter did not get a few outfits. She got to choose one. My brother-in-law said "don't you feel trapped that you cannot buy for her anything she wants?" "No--" I said, "I feel liberated." I am thrilled that she will know that there are limits to what you can have in this world. She wore that dress and shoes and felt like a princess--relishing every minute she was in them; rather than hoping for tomorrow when she could wear a new dress. There is something great about simplicity. For the first time, I wasn't just working to spend more. I was limiting.

Immediate, positive impact on my children: After the awkwardness of me being around for so long, they drew to me in a very different way. I have always been a very attached parent, putting time and love and energy into my kids--but there was a difference in the way I was playing with them. I wasn't dressing dollies and thinking of my upcoming conference call. I wasn't rushing them to be ready because I had an external commitment. They took charge of our days and  that suited me fine.

So rewarding--so non-stimulating: Day after day, my kids and I have this tremendous love and connection. The kids have become the only important parts of my life. It reminds me of nursing, when I spent all day listening to NPR, nurturing the babies--and at the end of the day, had nothing tangible to show for it. I had to believe that it was all a good investment that would even out in the long run. One coaches themselves that all they give to their kids they will see direct results from; but I won’t lie… the process is busy, exhausting, rewarding but totally non-stimulating.  This is the biggest drawback.

One re-evaluates what they are working for: That and more great topics, I’ll cover tomorrow or the next day.