Articles written by Vanessa Cowley

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About me - Vanessa Cowley

I've spent many years as a corporate writer and editor, but have been dreaming of freelancing. Now that I have backed off on my day job in order to make time for my family, I thought this might be a good time to "dip my toes in the water." I don't know if

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Celebrations & Holidays > Christmas Archives Christmas 2008: Uncommon ways to save money at Christmas: 2 of 28
It is quite common for Christmas spending to get out of control, leading to a January spent in repentance as you tally up the bills, and taking on a second job to pay off the debt. We've all heard about shopping the sales and the mythical "cutting back this year", but how do you actually accomplish a Christmas that meets your... More..
Travel > Canada Great day trips from Vancouver, Canada: 1 of 6
Vancouver is one of the world's most scenic cities. It is rich in natural and cultural history that will engage any tourist for several days. The many well-known tourist attractions in the city are only the beginning of many days of exploration and discovery.Bowen IslandSitting just off shore in Howe Sound west of Vancouver i... More..
Society & Lifestyle > North American Culture The identity of Canada: 2 of 11
Canadian soldiers were a vital part of the allied forces of World War I. Entering in 1914 as a Dominion of the British Empire, and emerging four years later as a nation , with a sense of national identity as defined by their distinctive presence on the front. Recognized by the Germans to be a fierce corps and a dangerous enem... More..
Home & Garden > Cleaning Kitchens Tips for defrosting your freezer: 2 of 7
Housework is, let's be honest, utterly tedious. In this modern world full of engaging distractions, why on earth would you choose to waste a perfectly good morning defrosting your freezer? It's not like laundry or dishes, where, once the machine is set, you can walk away and deal with it after a nice walk in the park or some ... More..
Sports & Recreation > Skiing How to cross-country ski: 2 of 5
I was first introduced to cross-country skiing around the age of 11 or 12, however, within a few years, I tried downhill skiing and the addictive adrenaline rush had me hooked. The three-pin cross country boots stayed in the closet for more than 10 years, as I spent my earnings on downhill ski passes. At $50 - $80 a day, it w... More..
Jobs & Careers > Career Path & Goals Would you sacrifice family for career?: 10 of 24
I was raised by a liberated mother. As I entered puberty, I wasn't even allowed to get a bra! I was told again and again that a woman must be strong and independent and able to look after herself. I was directed to get a career in the sciences, although I suspect that was because female students were not permitted to get scie... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Wedding Budget Tips for a great but low budget wedding: 14 of 32
Tips on Cutting Wedding CostsA wedding is a magical time, but it is also loaded with expectations on the part of both families. In planning to make this day a special one, people often fall victim to the assumption that the more money you spend, the more memorable the day will be. Your first guideline to keeping the cost of y... More..
Sports & Recreation > Hiking & Backpacking Getting ready for your first backpacking trip: 1 of 2
You've seen the images standing atop a majestic mountain top, healthy faces glowing with the satisfaction of knowing that they arrived under their own power, everything they needed on their backs. You've bought yourself some sturdy boots and you've even been on some long day hikes, but now you think you might be ready for you... More..
Society & Lifestyle > European Culture The significance of the British community pub to society: 9 of 17
Before Facebook, There Was The British PubAs a first generation Canadian, born to British parents, I've had the benefit of an outsiders perspective on the role of the pub in British culture. Britain has the benefit of thousands of years of relatively stable cultural history, entrenching its institutions in the social conscien... More..
Computers & Technology > Software (Other) Tips for selecting fonts: 4 of 5
Selecting a font is an often overlooked part of designing a document. If you are 'just' typing a letter, you may not think you are designing a document, which would explain why this task is so frequently overlooked. The truth is that the choice of fonts is a key part of laying out a document and needs to be done with a certai... More..