When we have a "milestone" birthday, it's a chance to reflect on where life has led us and to think about some of the lessons learned along the way in order to make the next decade better than the one before. I turned 50 earlier this year. My 40s were a very challenging period in my life but I've learned a lot about myself in that time. Here are some of the lessons I've learned.

A new study reveals many of us aren't earning enough to keep up with our regular financial commitments with pay-day loans becoming increasingly common. But many people are also looking for non-financial benefits as they seek to better balance their work and personal lives.

Looking longingly toward Nordic cultures for solutions to our problems is practically a cottage industry at this point. Between Scando design principles (more light, less stuff); sustainability initiatives (The Netherlands have figured out how to feed us all); education (Norwegian forest schools, anyone?); and health (Finland invests in public saunas), there's plenty to love. (And if you are a taller, more full-figured lady like me, I implore you to check out Swedish fashion; comfy, colourful, and proportionally smarter than American brands by a mile.)

iOS: Throughout the day, I always know I should be doing things to better my health and overall disposition: Standing at regular intervals, drinking a lot of water, telling my friends they are great and we should hang out, and so on. And while these thoughts hit me on occasion, they're never enough to create a regular lifestyle pattern. Thankfully, the free iOS app Aloe Bud is happy to help out.

Do you feel as though your social life is out of control? Maybe you (or your kids) have events every evening, when all you want to do is spend a quiet night at home. Maybe you feel like you're spending too much time "touching base" and "picking brains" with people you aren't close to, and not enough time with your friends. Maybe your in-laws want you to spend every Sunday having dinner with them, and you... don't.

Parents today are stressed. They have lost old friends. They miss their old hobbies. They're too tired for sex. They feel judged. A few years ago, one study reported that the drop in happiness after having a first kid was larger than when experiencing unemployment, divorce or the death of a partner. Yes, unemployment, divorce or the death of a partner. A lot of factors play into the struggle - economics, social media, the dissolution of the parenting village - but a big one has got to be this: We care a whole lot about fulfilling the wishes of our kids.

You could buy the most expensive and nicest looking dress shirt at the store, but if it doesn't fit right it just looks wrong. This video shows you how to buy dress shirts that look great on you every time.

You probably already have a morning routine, where you get up, clean up, get ready for the day and head out the door. What you may be missing is a morning ritual, or something you do to set the stage for the day and start yourself off on a positive note. Here's what we mean.

It's our responsibility to keep the oceans clean and, so far, we suck at it. Most of us don't know we harm the ocean with ordinary things we do every day. Best of all, they're things that are easy to stop doing, or to do better.

You know how your hair always looks absolutely fabulous after you step out of a salon, but as soon as you get home any chance of replicating it feels hopeless? Me, too. So here's a way to blow dry your long, wet hair and look like you just had it professionally done.

No one likes the "Where do you see yourself in five years?" question, but we all have to figure out some kind of goal for our future. If you're having trouble figuring out what that is, ask yourself what your story is about.

I've been using a standing desk for a few months now and I love it. It makes me feel more productive, keeps me active and cost me next to nothing to set up. Still, I had some growing pains. If you're thinking about setting up a standing desk, here's what I learned so you don't have to.

The term "middle class" has become such common jargon that most of us accept it as both a clearly defined group, and a worthwhile goal. But what defines the middle class is a bit more fluid than you might think.

When you start your career on the bottom rung (as most of us do), "getting ahead" and "doing better" are synonymous. Competing with someone else may not be the best motivator after a certain point, though.

Getting rid of debt is a maths problem. You need to develop a long-term plan that will reduce your debt over time until it's eliminated. However, it's also a lifestyle choice, and that's something you need to anticipate.

The new year is fast approaching, and that means we're all starting to think about resolutions. We want to know what's worked for you. What's your greatest habit-forming success story? Or better yet, what's your biggest habit-forming failure?

Growing more brain cells is possible, and it all comes down to a few simple lifestyle choices.