I do currently have aging on for Doris that way I can track her score, but I know there are players who just want to do the challenges without having to worry about a tally.
And yeah, plants are almost a necessity. In my first 'test run' I had the Childish trait, and you can talk to the big stuffed toys to raise social. Computers are also pretty important until your Gardening skill is up higher, since Chat and Troll Teh Forums will help resolve it. Doris also has Insane, since I had that on another Sim who would talk to decorations and light fixtures while eating to raise social.
Giving her Neat was a horrible idea. In such cramped surroundings, she's getting uncomfortable every time she waters plants. Luckily I shelled out to get a better stove from the get-go. Escaping a fire would not be easy.