Let’s be nice and call it April Gotcha Day. It just sounds better and besides, you probably really like the person you’re about to subject to the gullibility test.
My First Friday Freebie, however, is the real deal (in more ways than one) –
I know that a great majority of my readers look forward to celebrating Resurrection Day soon. This year it falls on April 17th. I thought this bit of word art would be a blessing and add a great touch to your seasonal décor as this holiday tends to be another that gets overloaded with “fluff” and we need a reminder of the Reason for the season. It’s a great find from Hobby Lobby.
This wooden reminder of why we celebrate measures 10” wide at the base and is 5” tall and ¾” in depth. The surface of the letters is raw wood and can be left as is or painted in a fun spring color to match the rest of your décor. The dark edge treatment makes the statement stand out.
To enter to win the “He is Risen” décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying exactly that, “He is Risen!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, April 1, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you get excited about winning freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, April 1st, by leaving a comment which says, “He is Risen!”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
Take joy in the Good News and celebrate it along with every fresh, new spring day that lies ahead. They are gifts that remind us that we have a hope and a future. The world and all its problems we hear on the news every day are in Good Hands.
Do you have a favorite way to celebrate? Leave a comment – I’d love to hear how your family makes the day special.
I fully disclose that as a Certified Lifestyle Coach I do, at times, receive monetary compensation as such. See The Fine Print on the “About Me” page of this blog.
I mentioned in my last post that I was about to get a little nutty on ‘ya and today’s the day. I came up with this recipe myself after scanning over several others that didn’t quite meet up with what I had in mind. Then, I had myself a little think and came up with this great super-simple recipe.
Usually, when I post a recipe here at Midwest Storyteller, I furnish a free printable to go along with it. However, this one is so short and sweet that you can either remember it or jot it down in under a minute so I don’t think a printable is necessary. It is worth it, though, to have this one in your book of favorites!
For those of us eating according to the Trim Healthy Mama plan (or those who practice clean eating in general), nuts can be a great snack, but trouble arises when you perform that necessary task of reading the back label. What started out as a healthy fuel is almost often roasted in an oil that we un-affectionately refer to in THM as “frankenfood”. Almost all the oils out there, even those touted by ads and even your doctor as good, are either a trans fat or they’ll turn into one when heated. Then, some nuts are laden with table salt (bad stuff) or sweetened or even “candied”.
I love cashews almost to the point of needing a twelve-step program to deal with their hold on my life, so I needed to find a healthy source. Plain, raw cashews will do in a pinch, but are not quite what I prefer.
It being one of my better days in the kitchen, I nailed this one on the first try. Add that to the fact that prep and baking time came to a whopping ten minutes and clean-up amounted to putting a bowl in the dishwasher throwing a piece of parchment paper in the trash and you have something even Drive-thru Sue can cheer about. I shared these with the members of my weekly THM group session and they’ve been asking for the recipe.
Ready? Here goes! Be sure to see the notes at the end of the recipe.
Coach Barb’s Roasted Chili-Lime Cashews (S)
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a medium to large mixing bowl, melt 1 tablespoon extra-virgin coconut oil; stir in 1 teaspoon lime juice and 1/8 teaspoon each of the following: mineral salt, chili powder, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes.
3. Add one 26 ounce bag of raw cashews to the bowl and toss until well coated.
4. Spread the cashews onto a large cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 minutes, watching closely!
Notes: The extra-virgin coconut oil gives an ever so slight hint of sweetness. I’ve tried this with the refined, unflavored oil and it’s good, but this is just a tad better. Feel free to add more lime juice and seasonings as you please. You could even make these super hot ‘n spicy, but I choose not to so that everyone can enjoy them and not just the hot-heads. I use the Glenda’s raw cashews from Sam’s Clubmost of the time, but you can also find the raw cashews at Natural Grocers and most likely at any bulk food store. Remember, all ovens vary, so don’t wander off! Stay right there and peek through the window every minute or two. As you can see in the photo, some of the nuts do get dark tips in even just eight minutes and they’ll burn easily. Also good to know – just after roasting, the cashews taste weird and have a completely different texture than they will when they have completely cooled, so be a little patient with them while they achieve their full glory.
If you need support in your journey to better health and weight loss, head to the Contact page and let me know. I’ll give you all the info on group sessions which I conduct locally in person on a weekly basis. Private coaching can be done in person or by phone. Share with friends and let’s see how many are ready to get Trim & Healthy!
The Trim Healthy Mama Plan is a great way to lose those pounds if you need to, but it’s benefits in balancing blood sugar and hormones and restoring your health are just as important. No food groups are off-limits here and we love our healthy snacks like these tasty cashews.
Do you have a favorite grab ‘n go healthy snack that fits the THM plan? Leave a comment. I love new ideas and being reminded of old ones!
You’ll be needing great snacks and quick prep in the days to come because it’s springtime! Smuffy and I will be planting, getting our outdoor spaces into shape and romping with Lil’ Snookie, so quick meals and snacks to go along with fresh air and sunshine are just what we need.
Spring has sprung! That’s as exciting an announcement as the winner of my latest First Friday Freebie! Hyacinths are blooming, daffodils are getting just a little daffy, tulips are waving their greens as a pre-show and this Freebie is in the hands of –
Eva from New Franklin, Missouri!
Congratulations, Eva!
Eva won the multi-strand “Blessed” bracelet and I think it goes really well with the necklace she’s wearing in the photo.
Enjoy this great accessory this spring, Eva. Eva enters to win fairly often. She does that by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month. The bracelet is a great find from Factory Connection. . If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller yet? Let my Freebies entice you to become one – they’re for email subscribers only.
NOTE: Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings. This is my only means of notifying winners. If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Computers, tablets, smartphones – they all give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”. Confirm your subscription when the email arrives. If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people. Would you believe that a very small percentage of the world’s population out there have even heard of Smuffy? That’s sad, isn’t it? Join me in sharing his stories and all my recipes and other fun and informative articles here. When you share with all your friends via MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
On April 1st, you’ll see the new Freebie. Enter to win that day. A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight. Then, check your email in the days following.
Smartphone reminders might help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, April 1st, 2022.
Welcome to the month of March. The weather may be more unusual than usual around here, but at least you can count on the First Friday Freebie.
Let’s see what you might win –
Looking for an update for your accessories? This multi-strand bracelet is a pretty mix of textures and elements. I always love a mix of fancy and casual – like jeans and a lace top. Here we have the look of pearls, leather, hammered metal and brushed gold all in one piece. I think this lends it to being worn with almost anything. The charms give a remind you that you can always count your blessings and where they come from. Turn on the news for five minutes and you’ll be reminded of how important it is to remember that. It’s a great find from Factory Connection.
To enter to win the blessed bracelet, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I am so blessed!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, March 4, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you get excited about winning freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, March 4th, by leaving a comment which says, “I am so blessed!”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
I appreciate you all and enjoy blessing you each and every month!
A good dose of silliness never hurt anybody. I feel sorry for those who are overly straight-laced or take themselves too seriously.
There are two eras in my life that will always be my most joyful times and those are when Pookie was at the carefree age of wonder and learning and right now when Lil’ Snookie is right in that same stage.
During this stage, everything is a delight, every thought and feeling can be expressed, every question can be asked and nothing is embarrassing. This comes right before THAT stage – you know the one – where everything is boring, thoughts and feelings must be hidden, they’re too awkward to ask questions and everything is embarrassing.
Games, giggles and goofiness – and it’s all guilt-free.
My favorite part is listening to the comments of children who are trying to figure out life, grown-ups and how things work. My mom enjoyed this and kept a record of many of the things that gave her the giggles over the years.
I’ll share some now and save a few for later. I have a feeling they’ll remind you of some of your own stories that you can share with me in the comments. Wouldn’t it be great to write a book with all our combined giggles?
When Snookie was little, she enjoyed her Sunday School class very much and by age three she pretty much had all the songs memorized. She often went about the house singing “Jesus Loves Me”, “This Little Light of Mine” and many others. One day, as I heard her singing, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart…”, I noticed that she had advanced to adding the consecutive verses. The next thing I heard was, “I’ve got the peace of Captain Thunderstorming down in my heart…” Why bother with the peace that passeth understanding when you’ve got good ‘ol Captain Thunderstorming? I suppose I’ll never know who she thought he was or why she thought her Sunday School teacher wanted to sing about him. Hmm…
Mom always got the giggles when she thought of how Pookie interpreted the subject of dentures. After a significant weight loss, Mom had to be fitted with a new pair and I drove her to and from her appointments. Pookie always rode along, absorbing all our discussions in the car. When she asked why we sat in the waiting room without Grandma, I explained to her that Grandma was getting new teeth and we would have to bring her back again when they came in. One day in the following week, Pookie came to me looking just a tad pitiful and asked, “How long till Grandma’s teeth grow back in so she can come eat supper with us?” Just when you think you’ve got things explained…
My Lil’ Snookie lives by the motto, “Speak early. Speak often.” Don’t let anyone tell you that boys will be less verbal than girls! He began with “DaDa”, “bye-bye” and “book” at eight months and hasn’t stopped. His doctor had said that by the time he turned a year old, she’d be in hopes of his having learned ten words, so I decided to write down the words he knew how to use before the one-year check-up rolled around. We were able to furnish that surprised doctor with a list of 110. If he hears a word, he’ll try to master it. His favorite phrase from the start has been “I do”. It is the affirmative answer to any question and the expression of desire. One day as I prepared lunch when he was just under 18 months, he began to pace the floor, chanting “Tattoo!” I had no idea what he meant because most of his words were pretty clear. I almost always knew what he was trying to say (and there’s no way he’s getting this Grandma’s blessing for one of those at any age.) His cries for “Tattoo!” grew louder and intensified until the poor little fellow was going in circles, arms waving, as he hollered, “Tattoo! Tattoo! I do! I do! I do! I do! I do! I do! Tattoo! Tattoo!” Desperate to alleviate his distress, I scanned the kitchen and began to watch his eyes, trying to track down what had him so worked up. Then, I saw it. I picked up the jar. “Would you like some cashews?” I asked. He nodded with excitement, “I do!” I broke them into pieces on a little plate and had a happy boy at last. The thing is – we’ll probably always call them tattoos now.
My aunt Martha told of the time when they had invited a young mom and her little boy in their new neighborhood over to visit. They got along famously and she asked them to stay and eat, promising them nothing special – just what she had on hand. The little boy was eager to help her in the kitchen as she opened up some canned goods to heat and used a pair of tongs to lower hot dogs into a pot of boiling water. They enjoyed their simple meal and within the next week or two they visited again. Martha offered them lunch again, stating that she hoped they didn’t mind having the same menu as last time. The little boy headed for the kitchen, excited at the prospect, and called out, “I’ll get the weenie tweezers!”
By the time Martha related that story to me, their family had been referring to the utensil as “weenie tweezers” for over forty years.
I know it’s stuck in your head now. Don’t blame me if you spend the rest of your life picking up your tattoos with the weenie tweezers – you came to this blog of your own free will. I’ll never be able to pull those grabby things out of the drawer without a mental nod to that story and now you probably won’t either!
It’s your turn now. Leave a comment with your favorite story or stories from the kiddos. I want to hear them all! Perhaps I’ll share yours in a future fun post.
Next up – March’s First Friday Freebie! See my Freebies! page and share with friends.
I hope you’ve had a laugh. Need another one? Head on over to my Laugh! page where there are plenty more and by all means, check out my Life with Smuffy page. He never disappoints.
Subscribe so you don’t miss future fun!
Make someone smile. Share this post via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and by all means, “Pin it”!
Snow days come and snow days go, but First Friday Freebies – they just keep on happening. Aren’t you glad it’s not the other way around? Here’s to hoping that snow days around here are over for 2022. Three weeks in a row, we’ve had snow or ice that kept folks at home till the temps melted things off. I’m hoping to March on to better days, like the one we’re having today. Now that things have thawed, I was able to get February’s freebie to its winner, let’s meet her –
Ginger from Prairie Home, Missouri!
Congratulations, Ginger!
Ginger won the “Love is Enough” wall décor and considering the colors on this pretty sign, she’ll be able to decorate with it into the spring days ahead.
I hope you enjoy it, Ginger. Ginger keeps her eye on this blog and enters often, so this is not the first time she’s won a First Friday Freebie. She won it by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday in February. It’s a great find from Factory Connection. . If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller yet? Let my Freebies might entice you to become one – they’re for email subscribers only.
NOTE: Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings. This is my only means of notifying winners. If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Computers, tablets, smartphones – they all give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”. Confirm your subscription when the email arrives. If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people. There’s a whole world full of folks out there who haven’t even heard of Smuffy and that’s a shame. Join me in sharing his stories and all my recipes and other fun and informative articles here. When you share with all your friends via MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
On March 4th, you’ll see the new Freebie. Enter to win that day. A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight. Then, check that email in the days following.
Smartphone reminders might help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, March 4th, 2022.
February has come to be known as the month of love. It’s good that it has received a positive association because here in the Midwest February can get pretty tedious. The upside is that I get to use this snow day to write this post and that I don’t have to be out in the deep, white stuff. Lil’Snookie had enough fun in it for the both of us and Smuffy shoveled a path, so I’m just happy to be warm and blessed.
Welcome to the First Friday of February! If you’re not new to Midwest Storyteller, you know that means it’s Freebie Day. And what might I have for you during this month of love? Let’s take a look –
This “Love is Enough” wood plaque is 7 7/8” square and can be propped on an easel or hung by its attached twine. The ivory background with a pale sage leafy floral design has a slightly distressed look and the lettering is done in a dark gray. Its colors are neutral enough to fit in with your Valentine décor and it can be used year-round as well. It’s a great find from Factory Connection.
To enter to win “Love is Enough” plaque, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I love Midwest Storyteller!” See how I did that? I know how to get my Valentine wishes, don’t I? You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, February 4, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you get excited about winning freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, February 4th, by leaving a comment which says, “I love Midwest Storyteller!”.
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
I love hearing from you and I love blessing you with a free gift. Love is all around!
With this first First Friday Freebie of the new year comes all my prayers and best wishes that you have a 2022 that is blessed, healthy and happy.
I fully disclose that as a Certified Lifestyle Coach I do, at times, receive monetary compensation as such. See The Fine Print on the “About Me” page of this blog.
Have you made peace with the fact that life is full of surprises? That, I believe, is a great step we all must take if we’re going to reach any measure of maturity. Going with the flow, rolling with the punches – whatever you choose to call it – we may as well face up to it – anything can happen and on any given day, it usually does.
I’ll tell the whole story soon, but you’ve probably already gathered that we had an unexpected Christmas surprise of the ugly, scary variety. The preparations for the big event came to a screaming halt. The duck was in the oven. The homemade orange sauce simmered on the stove. The “Happy Birthday, Jesus” cupcakes awaited their frosting. Then came “the thing” and the call to 9-1-1 and the responders who hauled my Smuffy out the front door and into the ambulance.
None of those special preparations mattered anymore. Pookie turned the oven off and threw things into the fridge. I found shoes and a sweater, hopped into the front of the ambulance and what was to have been our family Christmas celebration turned into hour after hour of uncertainty and prayer in the emergency room.
On the way to the hospital, I called some close friends for prayer and asked them to call others. Then, a thought occurred to me. How long would this ordeal last? I would go without food or water before I would leave Smuffy’s side and I might get shaky or not be able to think straight if this went on and on. I remembered something I had made up ahead and called Pookie, asking her to bring me the container of Chocolate Berry Boost Bars (a THM “S” treat) I had in the fridge and a big cup of water. If I needed sustenance, I’d have fuel that was protein filled and be able to hydrate myself and stay right by his side rather than wander around looking for a vending machine full of sugar-laden junk.
Home from the hospital, I needed to give Smuffy extra care and set my phone alarm to give him meds every three hours around the clock. He needed food and I needed food and (wouldn’t you know it?) I started getting sick.
I have never been so glad to be a food prepper in my life! I’ve always done some prepping, but eating according to the THM plan has really honed my skills. Rather than scrounging for junk, over-cooked and sodium loaded canned soup or boxes with frozen dinners, I was able to warm up whichever homemade, nutritious meals I had prepped ahead and frozen. Although we wouldn’t have been excited about the flavors in anything, this was a lifesaver!
We were able to have Egg Roll in a Bowl, Sweet Potato Oat Soup, Sunny Southwest Trimmy Bisque and more, just by taking it out of the freezer and reheating it. We didn’t have to impose on Pookie to come by and do cooking marathons or to do endless drive-throughs. She had enough Florence Nightingale duties to perform and she did them cheerfully.
I’ve learned to love to prep ahead because of the time, stress and mess it saves, but early on, I questioned myself a lot. Why would someone who is supposed to be an empty-nester need to be doing all this? Now, however, I’ve had a strong reminder of how anything can happen – and will – and how valuable this practice can be when it does.
It’s a new year and if you’ve had that gnawing feeling that you really could improve in this area, check out some of my earlier helps, such as make-ahead packets here.
Soups are one of the greatest prep-ahead meals. Make a big pot, have it for your meal and immediately dip it up into containers to freeze. I like to save my large containers from Fage 0% Fat Greek Yogurt, my very favorite yogurt in the world. This way, all my containers are the same and all the lids fit interchangeable and the 33.5 ounces is just right to thaw out and serve up for a meal for Smuffy, Lil’ Snookie and myself with some leftover. I also do a few single-serve containers for times when that’s all I need to thaw.
Here is how I prep and label soup to freeze. You may think you’ll remember what’s in that container, but don’t count on it! I use the super-sticky full-adhesive post-it notes to write the name of the soup and whether or not it’s an “S” (satisfying) or “E” (energizing) meal so I can easily plan what I’m having on the side. This Sunny Southwest Trimmy Bisque from the “Trim Healthy Table” cookbook is one of our favorites and Smuffy asks for it.
Trim Healthy Mama has not only helped us to eat healthier and lose weight, it has helped to mature me so much in the area of planning ahead for taking care of my family when they need it most.
You probably don’t need a resolution or a goal for this year as those tend to be abandoned pretty quick due to their loftiness. What you might really need is a turn-a-round. How about just going in a new direction in a healthier, better way and taking one step at a time?
If you need support in your journey to better health and weight loss, head to the Contact page and let me know. I’ll give you all the info on group sessions which I conduct locally in person on a weekly basis. Private coaching can be done in person or by phone. Share with friends and let’s see how many are ready to get Trim & Healthy!
The Trim Healthy Mama Plan is a great way to boost your immune system and we all need that right now, don’t we? Leave a comment and let me know some of the simple ways you like to prep ahead for the busy days and the unexpected change in plans
I’m so thankful to the Lord for answering the multitude of prayers for Smuffy that arrived at His throne on Christmas Day. Smuffy and I are filled with hope for the year ahead and gratefulness that we are still together! I’m so happy to have him back with me, healed and whole, and I’m happy to be a prepper!
Do you see a pattern here? December went out with an unpleasant bang for us as I alluded to in my last post and I don’t even remember how I managed to get to the computer and offer up the January First Friday Freebie. Then, wouldn’t you know it, the winner had her own set of troubles causing delays in my connecting with her so that she could actually receive her gift. Well, we are on to better days now so let’s meet January’s winner –
Vikki from Boonville, Missouri!
Congratulations, Vikki!
Vikki can now cozy up with this huge scarf if she has to brave the cold but I hope she doesn’t have to do that. I hope she is hunkered down as we are because I happen to know that a humdinger of a winter storm is headed her way. I can hear the stuff pelting down right now and later it promises to become deep, white and difficult to navigate with low temps falling below zero when you see this post on Groundhog Day. I don’t think anybody will be casting any shadows for a day or two around here.
Vikki is shown here holding the blush and gray scarf she won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday in January. Enjoy it, Vikki! It’s a great find from Factory Connection. . If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller yet? Freebies might entice you to become one – they are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: If you enjoy entering to win, make sure you subscribe with an email you intend to keep and will be checking the week after the drawings. This is my only means of letting winners know they’ve won and so if your email isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
The subscription area is easy to find on the “CONTACT” page. After subscribing, confirm your subscription when the confirmation email arrives in your inbox. If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers don’t miss what’s new here on the blog. They get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people we wouldn’t want to deprive anyone of a good Smuffy story, would we? When you share with all your friends via MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
Next up: Some meal prepping tips and February’s First Friday Freebie.
On February 4th, you’ll see a photo of the Freebie and you can enter to win at any point all day that day. Don’t forget to check the email that you used to subscribe for notification that you’ve won.
A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing.
ONCE AGAIN (because you tend to forget): Pay attention to the email issue mentioned above. Check your email often in the week following the drawing to keep your prize from being offered to someone else. Smartphone reminders help with that.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, February 4th, 2022.
Do you ever feel blah in that space in time following Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations? Does it seem sometimes that nothing bright and cheery is happening until Valentine’s Day or maybe even till spring?
Well, we had a Christmas we won’t be forgetting anytime soon! It can all be revealed in an upcoming post, but the super-short version is that I came within a gnat’s eyelash of losing my beloved Smuffy and Christmas didn’t get celebrated until weeks later. New Year’s is a blur and Lil’ Snookie and I even ended up having our birthday parties together because of all the “stuff of life”. The bright side is that I’ve still got my Smuffy, he’s miraculously his old self and has provided me with fabulous fodder for the ultimate non-fiction story and if it all hadn’t happened and shaken up our world, I’d have never gotten to have a Baby Shark birthday party.
The frenzy of holiday preparations had me a little behind in announcing my First Friday Freebie winner and then when the stuff happened, it flew out of my mind like one of those snake-in-a-tube prank gifts.
Anyhow, let’s re-wind the holidays and make life festive again. Meet December’s winner –
Eva from New Franklin, Missouri!
Congratulations, Eva!
This girl has a smile that will cheer you up no matter how gloomy the weather. Perhaps it’s because she can now offer up cheesy goodness in style.
Eva is shown here with the black and white cheese server and spreader. She has the option of removing the black ribbon and replacing it with a seasonal one for a Valentine party or spring event. It’s a great find from Factory Connection. . If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
If you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: If you enjoy entering to win, please make sure you subscribe with an email you intend to keep and will likely be checking the week after the drawings. This is my only means of letting winners know they’ve won and so if your email isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Look for the subscription area. It’s easy to find on the “CONTACT” page and after subscribing, confirm your subscription when the confirmation email arrives in your inbox. If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribing is the best way to avoid missing what’s new here on the blog because you’ll get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people who may not have heard about this blog and we wouldn’t want to deprive anyone of a good Smuffy story, would we? When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
Next up: January’s First Friday Freebie winner because not only am I playing catch-up, but the winner was under the weather and…Oh, well, you get the idea. Hello, “Normal”, I’d like to make a reservation for 2022…”
Then, February’s here so that means that this coming Friday, there is yet another Freebie! You’ll see a photo of the Freebie and you can enter to win at any point all day that day. Don’t forget to check the email that you used to subscribe for notification that you’ve won.
A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing.
ONCE AGAIN (because you tend to forget): Pay attention to the email issue mentioned above. Check your email often in the week following the drawing to keep your prize from being offered to someone else. Perhaps a reminder in the good ‘ole smartphone would help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, February 4th, 2022.
