Why I Don't Use Homemade Cleaners

Dear Lissy,
From Tang in the toilet to 101 Uses for White Vinegar, books, articles, and posts on "making your own cleaning supplies" abound.  There is a perception that homemade cleaners are the most economical, safest, and simplest methods of cleaning your home.  

Cash for the Merchandise!

Dear Lissy,
I have a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education.  I grew up in the home of a CPA and financial counselor.  You would think that making and adhering to a budget would be as natural as breathing.  It isn't.  I have a fatal flaw in my brain wiring that doesn't allow me to comprehend electronic debits and credits.  If I'm not dealing in cold hard cash, I fall flat.

Here are a few basic principles for keeping on a cash budget.

Popping the Question

Dear Lissy,
Good morning, Lovebug!  It's taken me many years to learn the lesson I want to teach you today, and I'm still working on it.  

"Hi!  How are you?" is probably the most familiar greeting in our society.  We expect a positive reply in response, and almost always get a "fine" or "can't complain" even if we find out later the person has recently undergone amputation because of third degree burns sustained trying to get their dying mother out of their flaming home.
But there's a better question to ask, and learning how - and when - to ask that question is an art that takes a lifetime to master.

(Neat) Sloppy Joes

Dear Lissy,
I've been cooking with ground beef for 20 years when WHAMMO! a new cut of beef shows up at our grocer that's rocking my recipes to a very happy place.  I am quite smitten with Carne Picada, a shredded beef product that gives the flavor and feel of steak but is less expensive than either steak or hamburger.  I've used it in spaghetti sauce, Philly cheese steaks, loaded nachos, chili, beef stroganoff and now (drumroll, please) Sloppy Joes.  "Neat Joes" are a kid favorite because of their mild, pepper-free flavor.  I like them because the thick sauce makes less of a mess (notice I didn't say no mess).  If you can find Carne Picada where you live it's worth a spin in this recipe; but regular ol' ground beef is almost as good.