MCD’s Birthday Giveaway 2016

GIVEAWAY CLOSED. WINNER LUCKY #9

It’s my 43rd birthday today! Every year I like to share my birthday abundance with someone else. In Vancouver I’d often buy a homeless person lunch, but last year – since I was on SSI – I decided to collect a few favourite things into a box and share them on my blog. I liked doing so, so I’ve done it again!

Warning: the giveaway is open for exactly TWENTY-FOUR HOURS. Yep, just the day of my birth.

An overview of this year’s box:

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This year’s box is a mixture of new favourites – Chocolate Arts seasonal caramels (right now, pumpkin), the award winning Hummingbird Chocolate, and a David Lebovitz cookbook – and older (or daily) favourites – three fantastic novels, Manjari by Valhrona, and L’Occitane.

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Honourable mentions (things I fell in love with this year, but can’t really put in a box): 

Rodan & Fields – I’m using Unblemish paired with Soothe and I can’t believe how much better my skin looks after six months (really after a month). My consultant is Anita, and I’m sure she’d be happy to answer any questions you have (No. I don’t get kickbacks for the referral – LOL)

Jamberry’s Trushine gel system – if you follow me on Facebook you might see my occasional ‘nailfie.’ I’m still learning how to apply it, but I’m a pretty big fan of Jamberry’s home gel system. My consultant is Heather. Again, I receive no kickback for this, or any other endorsement, I’m just a fan.

***

Would you like to collect this box of favourites for your very own?

You would?

Okay then!

To enter my birthday giveaway all you need to do is:

  1. Comment below and tell me your favourite thing from 2016 (so far).

Notes/Rules: OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. Each comment will be assigned an entry number. ONE winning entry will then be selected via random number generator. One entry per person. Please make sure to fill out a valid email address in the comment form. Email addresses are not collected for any purpose other than notifying the contest winner.

If you haven’t commented on the blog before, or you comment from a different IP address, the comments are moderated. So don’t worry if you don’t see your entry right away. I will approve it, then assign it an entry number.

Giveaway closes TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

147 thoughts on “MCD’s Birthday Giveaway 2016

  1. My favourite memory of the year (so far!) happened today! Got to spend my birthday with all my family for the first time in 8 years!
    Happy Birthday to you! Hope your day is as enjoyable as mine was! Best wishes from one October 11 baby to another 😘😘

  2. My favourite thing of 2016 is my Mother in Law recovering from a mild heart attack. She has lots of health problems and we sold our house to move in with her this year to help her. I am very happy that we are able to help her out.

  3. Prepping for my presentation on infant/toddler language development and conquering my fear of public speaking!

  4. 2016 hasn’t been the best year for my family. But if I had to pick something, I’d say reading the Harry Potter books for the first time!

  5. Happy Birthday Meghan! The lavender and rosemary growing in my front garden and Aveeno moisturiser which helped me manage the effects of radiotherapy

  6. My employer closing my department… It forced my to step back and evaluate; instead of continuing on with the same status quo and being miserable in my job I’m focused on pursuing something I’m passionate about. 🙂

  7. My favourite thing this year was having Eye surgery, so know I don’t need massive prisms. Awesome. Very Happy Birthday, hoping you have many more.🎉

  8. My favorite thing of 2016 is learning to be retired. I am actually busier than I was when I worked…. and I had long days then…. and I get even less sleep….. and I’m still not doing some of the things I intended to do…. but I see it as a work in progress. I’ll get there.

  9. My favorite thing in 2016? Reconnecting with a childhood friend when she and her family moved back to Kansas City, and being absorbed into her own family unit like no time had passed…

  10. My favorite thing this year hasn’t happened yet. Next month we are cruising the southern Caribbean with daughter number one and her husband. We have really cool excursions planned but just being away from a very stressful job for ten days and spending time with family will be the highlight of my year. Not sure what I will read on this trip since I will be finished with O3 before then. Could be a good time for re-reading Dowser and Oracle Series. Happy birthday Meghan!!!!

  11. My Favorite thing so far this year was some fabulous Canadian Chocolate called Rodgers… It was delish! I am hoping I can find some online to order. If not I know I can order from Thierry which has become my new favorite place for everything there. Happy Happy Birthday

  12. Happy birthday!!! To be honest, going to Bookcon and meeting you and all your wonderful characters. Your cookbook is a staple for me. I adore your cupcakes. I know my comment won’t change my odd of winning. So please know this is from the heart. You and your books has made an impact on my life. Also, Pokémon Go (sad but true), chili-lime watermelon, and NakedWines.com (can’t remember if they are a 2016 or very late 2015 thing lol).

  13. My favorite thing this year was a rock:) My family came to visit me in Alaska. My brother and nephew drove to the Artic Circle. Since I had to work and couldn’t go, my nephew brought me back a remembrance from their trip! So sweet!!

  14. One of my favourite things…..other than your latest Oracle book, is my new Himalayan salt detox lamp. Considering how cool it’s been my normally cold hands are quite happy!
    And wishing you a very happy birthday Meghan! 🎉🎂🎈

  15. Being back home and being able to spend more time with my family. Having moved from coast to coast across the US it’s good to be where it all began.

  16. Happy Birthday! I hope your day is lovely and filled with all your favorite things. I feel so blessed in so many ways it’s hard to choose just one favorite. Perhaps a surprise visit from my out-of-state daughter and 1 year old grandson; perhaps my amazing, beyond words fantastic trip to Antarctica this past spring; perhaps the delicious chocolate cake I just made to celebrate my dad’s birthday (and the fact that he’s still here to celebrate with). Or volunteering a day to judge at a fundraising horse show at my barn and finding out that the owner has gifted me free riding in appreciation! Ooh, and there’s always new releases by my favorite authors! 🙂

  17. My favourite thing this year is Easy Valley Living. A facebook page I started to help people who live in Nova Scotia know where the good weekly grocery sales are. It is becoming more and more expensive to live. I have a knack for shopping on the cheap. It makes me happy to share. People can either shop for the same things and spend less or get more for the same budget they were already spending. Either way….it just makes me happy to share.

  18. Getting a full time role (I was on contract previously) with a great company, doing a job that makes me happy. Work that is fun, allows me to be creative, and pays really well… best thing ever.

  19. Happy Birthday!! So for this year my favorite thing would have to be giving birth to my third child completely non medicated! I wasn’t able to do so with my first two even though I really wanted to so this was a blessing to me. I love Jamberry nails!! I haven’t tried their gel polish yet….so maybe I will :)! I also developed a love of dark chocolate from Jade ;)… Hope you have a very blessed day!

  20. This is super easy…my granddaughter Joslyn born may 27💜💜💜 Happy Happy Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🎁💐

  21. My favorite thing about this year is a tie between two cons. Bookcon in Chicago where I got to meet you and had a blast with a ton of other book people and New York Comiccon where I got to meet so many people and spend time with my two best friends.

  22. Happy Birthday Meghan! Hope you’ve had lots of lovely presents today. My favourite thing this year has been competing in the X Runner 5k obstacle race for charity. It was cold, wet and very muddy. Not something I would have ever thought I would do. But I had great fun 🙂

  23. Happy Birthday, Meghan! My favorite thing about 2016 was celebrating my daughter’s first birthday. I can honestly say it was the best day of my life.

  24. My favorite things this year is happy sons. Last year was a trying year with my oldest leaving the nest and heading to college 11 hours away and my younger son dealing with the suicide of a close friend. I am beyond thankful that the clouds are behind us and my sons are in happy, productive places.

  25. Corny but true, favorite thing of 2016 has been family time. My 1 year old Doesn’t Stop Moving Ever, my 4 year old has a motor mouth and the imagination to go with it, and my 9 year old already acts like she’s grown. It’s always and adventure around here, and they’re all my favorites.

  26. Happy birthday!
    My favorite thing about 2016 has been the changes my family has experienced. Changes cause a great deal of anxiety for me, and we’ve had some big ones this year. Somehow this year I’ve strengthened, and actually learned that changes can often bring joy.

  27. Happy Birthday! My favorite thing thus far has been hiking The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado! It was amazing!

  28. I think my favorite thing from 2016 was electricity. I know it sounds strange, but three days after Hurricane Matthew and still no power, brown water and cold showers, I’m done. Just ready to get back to something good. Supposed to be another week without power, so we just keep on going. At least we’re safe and together.

  29. My favorite part of this year was my husband found a job (after being laid off for 6 mos) and he loves it, which makes me happy!

  30. Happy Birthday! This has not been my favorite year. My family has suffered so much loss, the most recent was my Father. But, despite that, my favorite thing(s) I think was Stranger Things. And Jessica Jones. And Wynonna Earp. And all the wonderful books I’ve read.

  31. Oh man, one favorite? 2016 has been filled with amazing things! Can it be the retreat I’m attending this coming weekend, even though it has not actually happened yet? I’m going to Yosemite (well just outside) with some of my local spinning/knitting friends, to meet up with other like-minded fiber folks for a weekend! I’ve been several times before, but had to skip the last 3. It’s a relaxing weekend, filled with fiber and friends, in a gorgeous setting.
    Otherwise, our family’s early July trip (to the other side of Yosemite – I guess there is a theme here haha. It is a beautiful place.) where I discovered my new favorite place on the planet, and saw the coolest ghost town imaginable!

  32. My favorite things are coming home finally after being in Vancouver for 2 months for medical stuff. My kittens. And seeing how much my husband loves me that he sticks by me through so much.

  33. Happy birthday! My favorite thing of 2016 was just Sunday when I finally got over my fear of seeing pictures of myself and after 10.5 years had professional pictures of myself and my husband done. 🙂

  34. My favourite thing this year is that I have finally been able to take time to heal myself! Sounds weird, but aren’t we all a little broken? Taking time to do things I love. Reading the Dowser series and knitting/crocheting! The best year yet!

  35. My favorite thing about this year has been the birth of my best friends son, my daughter turned a year old and my son turns 3 this month. Too many blessings to pick just one 🙂

  36. Honestly I know I should say my health and such and don’t get me wrong I’m grateful for them but honestly so much more so for my husband getting a teaching position 💖
    Happy Birthday Meghan 🎂🎁🎈🎉

  37. Happy Birthday!! 🎂🎁🎈🎉. My fave part of 2016 so far is a successful surgery for my hubby (another Michael… Michaels rock! 😉). So relieved that he is doing better!

  38. Flying back to island to meet my brand new baby niece! The by product of being home for thanksgiving was just the cherry on top!!

  39. I have three favorite things: my stepson turned 5 and he started kindergarten (he’s doing so well!!!), and on August 19, I found out I was pregnant! I’m 11 weeks now and am so grateful for what this year has given me!

  40. Happy Birthday, Thanks on the tip about the products . I was looking into them last week . My current product (Paula Choice ) don’t live up to what their used to do .
    Now my favourite things are very personal to me . My dog and my bike and my husband of 25 years . Not necessarily in that order . I’m happy healthy mostly because of those three things . Can’t pick one without the other .Again many happy returns.

  41. Omg. Happy birthday. I think my favorite thing has been my family get togethers. That and chocolate… Lol.

  42. Happy Birthday. My favrite they is that my son got a job at yellow stone park for 6 months it has been a good exprince

  43. Happy Birthday 🎉 I hope you have a great day! My favourite thing this year is our baby boy that was born in August ❤️❤️

  44. My favorite thing this year is actually 2 things. My nephew and his wife had twins on June 28. They are such a wonderful gift.

  45. Happy Birthday – I follow you on IG and love your posts! My favorite thing this year was a kind of ‘silver lining in the clouds’ thingy. My 16 year old, 6’8″ son had his knee badly in a college viewing Basketball tournament and ended up having to have ACL surgery. As awful as his missing out on his high school junior year of BB (very important year when you’re trying to get college scholarship!!) , I have been delighted by his emerging sense of strength and patience and his determination to ‘come back’ in the face of this set back. He’s growing into quite a wonderful young man and I’m so proud of him! Cheers!

  46. My favorite thing is my new job, that I started this year. I am happy and enjoy my job. I
    am so lucky after being laid off due to a plant closure to find something that makes me happy.

  47. My favorite thing is- learning I get to move back to Washington State! Ive missed it so much 🙂 Side note- you look more like 33!

  48. My favorite thing? My CUBBIES in the post season. It just proves that everything is possible. You just need to believe!

  49. Starting my job in January and working with done amazing children and co workers! This January coming up will be a year here 😁.

  50. Happy Birthday! My favorite things are Oracle 3 – so wonderful, and my hubby and I moved to New Mexico! My soul feels like it’s finally where it belongs……

  51. Considering that this hasn’t been necessarily a great year for me; I was surprised after only a few seconds of thought that I did have quite a few favorite things and favorite moments about 2016. But the one that stands out the most is my daughter. She’s 33 years old now and at times I thought she would never become the strong, independent and kind person I wanted her to be. Gradually, over the past several years, she has done just that. But just a few weeks ago, she took it one step further. She and my grandchildren are paying for me to drive to Vancouver (and home again) to stay with them over Christmas. Its a gift that I’ll never forget. So that is my favorite thing in 2016.

  52. My favorite thing in 2016 was my boyfriend and I deciding to add to our little family and get a sister for our little Leo. (Our 2 year old cat). She’s a beautiful Russian blue named Luna 😺

  53. My Favorite thing from 2016 , is being able to talk to my dad again. He’s been on medication for seizures for the last 2 years and hasn’t really been himself. Just recently they got his medication just right, and he’s himself again. I thought I lost him for good, but he’s 100% himself again!!! 😀 Oh also, Oracle 2&3 and Dowser 6!!! <3 Happy Birthday Meghan!

  54. Happy Birthday from the East Coast! Earlier this year, I managed to catch a large salmon while fly fishing the Margaree River in Cape Breton. Beat my husband and our best friend to hooking and landing a big one. Girl power!

  55. My favorite thing in 2016 so far is my youngest (just started kindergarten) loves school and seems to be excelling. So many worries put to rest with his happiness.

  56. Happy Birthday Meghan! Hope it’s one of the best yet!!
    I have a couple of favorites this year but my one favorite, and honestly it’s more of an accomplishment, is the fact I decided to go back and obtain my High School Diploma.

  57. It was what I did on my birthday which was feeding lions th the zoo. It was terrifying but amazing at the same time.

  58. Jeesh! Meghan, I’m sorry. I totally didn’t say Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday! I hope that you have a beautiful day and that the sun is shining at your home! Enjoy your chickens, Michael and lots of chocolate!

  59. Every single moment I get to spend with my family. I couldn’t possibly pick one day only when all year is filled with my munchkins.

  60. My favorite thing this year has been this amazing 3-month fellowship in South Africa with Project HOPE, combined with how happy I will be to see my family soon!!! Happy birthday!

  61. The newest design program for my career. All about life safety and suppression. It is called AutoSprink. Happy birthday! I hope it is full of laughs, love, and great memories.

  62. My favorite thing from this year so far isn’t a thing… my husband and I are working on adding to our family by adoption! We applied and are in the onerous paperwork stage to bring our 3rd child home! 😁😁😁😁

  63. Happy Birthday Meghan! I hope you this year brings you much happiness and joy. My favorites things (has to be plural) in 2016 have been attending (by myself) a weekend “Con” done by one of my favorite writers (I survived going by myself and met so many wonderful people as well as actually meeting and mixing with an author I love); I was a beta reader for another author I follow on Facebook, which was fun and exciting; and.anxiously awaiting books from all the authors I love — anticipation is fabulous. Now I just need to find a job and this will be one of the best years.

  64. Happy Birthday! And thanks for this chance to win. My favorite thing of 2016 is the new siding on my house. I wish I could post a picture of it! My wonderful husband, his sister, her husband and myself put log siding up every weekend for the last few months and it turned out better than I could ever have imagined. Have a fabulous Birthday week! 🙂

  65. My favorite thing this year has been my son coming home from Afghanistan. He was not only well, but seemed to have gotten taller, he carries himself differently, and has so much more confidence. Yet, he is still my same sweet son. <3

    Happy birthday, Meghan! Hope the next year will be as productive as this one has been. Thank you for sharing your books with us. <3

  66. My favorite thing so far this year, I would say that I have found a love of Raspberry or even Blackberry and cream Latte. It can even be a decaf, but I absolutely LOVE them!! I like them hot, cold over ice and even blended up like a frappe. They are super amazing and they go really good with dark chocolate sea salt caramels from the same place as the coffee!!!! Just yummy!!!

    1. Ps HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! This is my favorite time of year, because my birthday is this month too!! October 15th, this Saturday, which is also sweetest day here in the states!

  67. Happy birthday. From the imaginings of Tolkien, this would be a hobbit birthday — wherein the birthday boy or girl is the gift giver.

    My favorite thing this year may top the decade. Hubby and I have never travelled for our honeymoon, and he apparently has spoken often and longingly of taking me on a cruise, which we’ve never been able to afford. Well, in February, hubby’s boss of 15 years retired, and she said that in her 33 years of service, her family had measured time as “Before Scott” (aka hubby) and “After Scott” since his presence has improved her work life and by extension home life. To commemorate that contribution, she gave us a gift certificate for a cruise and some spending money.

    We took the cruise in August, and it was all we could have hoped it could be and more.

  68. Best thing so far in 2016 ….
    Visiting my family! I only see them once or twice a year so it’s always a highlight

  69. My favorite thing of 2016 was a vacation where I took my two young boys to Mount Rushmore. It is wonderful to experience new things with them!

  70. Happy Birthday!

    My favorite thing so far this year was a mahi mahi taco I had while on Kensington in Toronto. Unfortunatly, I will not get another for a very long while, but man it was fricken delicious!

  71. The month long road trip that i just got back from through outback Queensland and Northern Territory (Australia ). Best trip ever.

  72. Happy Birthday to you! I hope you find the day full of laughter, love and joy…. lots of joy, all the time. every day of every year!! wow the best thing to happen to me was realizing I had the strength to leave a job of 25 years for a different place, a place that is new. This is my second week, and I didn’t know how constricted I was, how much I had stopped loving where I was working, don’t get me wrong, I know the moment I stopped loving where, I just didn’t know how much I had stopped. So there.=) Please accept my adoration of your writing cadence. *smoooooches*

  73. Happy Birthday, my favorite story weaver! I have had many positive life-changing events in 20q6. I transitioned to a new position at work, which came with an amazing new boss. I started my final year in my MSN program. My daughter is learning to read (my very favorite, so far). And, I was awarded an amazing scholarship from work this past Friday. I feel so blessed! I hope you have an amazing, life-changing year, MCD!!!! Happy brthday!!!!

  74. My favorite thing, in 2016, so far, is girl time with my babies. My firstborn left me for college last year and my younger is a high school sophomore. Missing their babyhood, but loving spending time with both my beautiful, unique girls!

  75. One Happy Birthday,may it full of joy,Two My Favorite thingsof 2016 so far are all of my current grands and great grands are over a Yr old and and I have another on the way

  76. 2016 I celebrated my50th birthday. My husband managed to plan it and keep the secret for several months! He, my sister and his sister coordinated a gathering of family and friends from 4 states without my knowledge! Pretty amazing since he can barely keep Christmas gifts until Christmas Day! AND Oracle 3 right after!

  77. My favorite thing this year was the time I got to spend with my cat Ziggy before he grew too weary to go on. He had cancer, asthma and diabetes and was a real trooper. He was the most loving, gentle, sweet kitty in the world who tolerated all the treatments, surgery, chemo, insulin and pills that he had to have to try and save him. We got an extra 15 months with him. We miss him terribly but still have his brother who has brought us nothing but joy and lots of cat hair! Love our kitties!! Happy Birthday!

  78. Happy Birthday! My favorite thing so far this year is that I got to go to Universal Studios Hollywood and see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with my husband and a good friend!

  79. Happy Birthday! My favorite thing of 2016 so far is the awesome vacation I just took with my husband! The best part was having a whole week together all alone! 😉

  80. Happy birthday Meghan! I hope you have a FANTABULOUS day! 😀

    The best thing this year was giving birth to my son after a difficult pregnancy! Still having difficulties but well worth all the extra & continual hospital visits since I was told for years I couldn’t get pregnant. <3

  81. My favorite thing so far was our family spring break in Santa Cruz California. Nothing like gathering all the people you love in one place…especially if that place is the beach!

  82. Have an awesome birthday!! Finding a way to deal with stress better and be less angry is my favorite thing so far. Plenty of time to find more!

  83. My favorite thing so far this year is all the newly published books just waiting for me to read and finding some old ones, too. My life tends to revolve around reading.
    Have a great Birthday!

  84. Happy birthday!!

    Best thing 2016 has given me- two nieces, and a family member overcoming health problems. Everything else may be on fire in the US, but at least my family’s safe, happy, and growing.

  85. It doesn’t occur until this coming Saturday but I have 9 brothers and sisters and I ‘m having a wiener roast where we will all be together for the first time in about 12 years.

  86. Happy Birthday, Meghan! I hope you had (and are still having) a wonderful birthday-day! 🙂

    I don’t really have a favorite memory, yet. My birthday is in December and it’s traditional for my family to get me the latest Disney/other-studio-animated movie for my birthday. I look forward to it all year so that will probably be my favorite memory. But 2016 will forever stand out in my brain because this is the year I joined Swap-Bot.com and I’m meeting lots of nice people through it and my service puppy-dog is doing a pretty great job for me. 🙂

    Also, October 7, 2016, will forever be remembered as “The Night My Oven Exploded.” Those Fire Department guys sure were nice! 🙂

  87. Visiting the Yucatan, I’ve always wanted to travel and the temples in the Yucatan were one of the places on my list. It’s something I’ll forever ve grateful of.

  88. A few of my favorite things:
    – Finishing up my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
    – Reading so many books including you amazing series
    -Starting to build my kiddo’s treehouse.

  89. So far I like that my twins are starting to talk and they are hilarious; oh and my daughter is very bossy, lol!

  90. Spending quality time on vacation in downtown Vancouver has definitely been a highlight. Spent a week and a half with family in Powell River before that and got a cute whale tattoo while there

  91. Happy Birthday Meghan! I love this idea of YOU giving US yet another gift! You allow us into you fantasy world populated by amazing, wonderful, damaged, entertaining and weird beings and we eat it up! Thank you for these gifts.
    My favourite (I love the Canadian spelling, it makes it seem more special!) thing so far this year was a trip to Boston with my Seeester! Being from Colorado and the wide open spaces, not to mention 7000 feet in elevation, going to a very large, tight city at sea level is very different. The history in the area is amazing. Final resting places of some of the founding fathers of our country, service men, the list goes on and on. But our visit to Salem was the highlight! The witch trials were a low point in our country’s history. Women and men convicted and put to death on accusations of others. As we walked through the area OUTSIDE the cemetery where memorial stones had been placed, the tragedy really sinks in. Our visit was on the anniversary of some of the deaths and there were fresh roses placed on the markers. It was a very spiritual place.
    I had a great time exploring the history of Boston and Salem, attending a private party at “Cheers” with an open bar and amazing chocolate and laughing and being silly with my Seeester (we actually had 4 different people think we are twins!)
    If I’m lucky enough to win I’m opening one of those chocolate bars, taking the bath set and locking my bathroom door!
    But, seriously, thank you for the Dowser and Oracle books. They are great gifts.

  92. Happy Birthday Meghlan!

    My favorite thing for 2016 happens on Sat. when I go visit my grandchildren in California, [I’m on the east coast] AND my granddaughter here is having her 2nd Birthday party Sat., it’s a BIG day. Cannot wait. . .

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