Blog Freebies

A Freebie in the Land of the Free!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

Welcome to the first Friday of June. That always means there’s a freebie for you, should you be a subscriber, comment as instructed and be so blessed as to have Smuffy pull your name out of the random drawing. It’s a one day only type of thing, so do it now before you forget! Subscribing is easy and every bit as free as a freebie.

We are on the one-month count-down now to Independence Day!  I’d like to issue a reminder right now for you to begin referring to it as just that, especially in front of your children and grandchildren, rather that “The 4th”.

How often have you been asked, “What are you doing on ‘the 4th?'”  Every month has one, after all.  Let’s really celebrate the birth of our nation this year with the kiddies, the grand-kiddos, the cousins, in-laws and others with renewed appreciation for what it means.  In the light of everything going on in the world right now, we need a fresh look at freedom and the founders who wisely and prayerfully mapped out a course for us to follow in order to maintain it!

Smuffy shares his birthday with the Good Ole’ US of A.  Needless to say, he’s gone about the day in the full spirit of the thing all his life and we’ve never been short of fireworks around here.

This special First Friday Freebie is one that I’ve offered before.  Considering our nation’s challenges and the likelihood that the majority of our citizens genuinely need a deeper knowledge of its roots and their own freedoms, I may start doing this every year.  I would have offered it in July, but I wanted you to have it before the big day!  If you happen to be one of my fellow citizens of the USA, you are privileged to live in the finest nation on earth!  It may not be perfect, but it’s the best!

Now here’s June’s First Friday Freebie!

The U. S. Constitution

Nobody’s perfect.  Nothing this side of Heaven is perfect.  But the U.S. Constitution is as near to a perfect document as has ever been crafted by humans (and, I believe, with Divine Guidance).

Most of us studied it in school, but, let’s face it – we did it to pass the dreaded Constitution Test, not because we were overly fascinated by it.

I’d love to send you these three copies of the U.S. Constitution –

US Constitutions Set of 3 www.midweststoryteller.com

It’s time to give this little booklet another read.  This little forty page book outlines our freedoms.  People all around the world wish they had the liberties outlined in these pages.

There’s a copy for you, one for the kiddies (whether they be children or adults) and another for the grandkiddos.  If we do not teach the generations to value this precious document, we will lose it!

To enter to win all three copies, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I love the USA!”

SHARE this post through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest or send the link in an email to all your friends so they can enter to win!

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.   Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “I love the USA!”

And now, here are the complete rules: 

  • First Friday Freebies are available to SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.  That means if you have come to this post through social media or someone has emailed you a link to it and you haven’t become a subscriber yet, you’ll need to hop on over to the right sidebar and do that really quick.    If you are on a phone or tablet, the easiest way is to go to the “About Me” page.  All it means to be a subscriber is that you’ll receive an email each time Midwest Storyteller has something new, which won’t likely be more than once or twice a week. It keeps you from missing out on all the fun and FREE STUFF!  And, I’m not sharing your emails with anybody.
  • IMPORTANT:  After subscribing, you MUST check your email to confirm the subscription or it will not appear.  Then, sadly, you won’t be eligible to enter.
  • To enter the drawing, scroll back up to the top of this post (or all the way to the bottom, depending on your device) and click on “Leave a Comment”.  Subscribers who comment as directed before midnight on Friday will enter the drawing, provided they are already on the subscribers list and live within the continental United States.

Three simple steps!

What are you waiting for?  Go!  Go!  Go!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, June 5th! 

April’s First Friday Freebie: A Triple Offer!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 10 Comments

Much has changed in our world over the last month.  Here in the United States we grapple, as so many other countries do, with shut-downs, social distancing and concerns for loved ones.

Each month, I try to offer, as a First Friday Freebie, something I think my readers would enjoy.  This month, I believe I’ve found something that qualifies in three categories – a free gift for you, a book review and an opportunity for reflection.

As we enter Holy Week, my prayer is that this will be a blessing to you, no matter your faith or lack thereof.

Although it is not my blog’s “theme”, I’m sure most people have gleaned that I am a Christian.  I not only enjoy, but depend upon, spending daily time in prayer and Scripture studies.  Often, I read other books by Christian authors that offer extra insight into a particular area of study.  Although I’ve never read a book by these authors before, I had heard rave reviews about history books they’ve collaborated on.  I don’t know quite how it happened, but I stumbled across it and found myself immersed in the book I’m offering as April’s First Friday Freebie –

It just seemed that still, small Voice tugged at me, telling me that this was the perfect time of year to get a better grasp on the whole of world events surrounding the one event in human history of which it can be said, without dispute, changed everything!

“Killing Jesus” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard had me hooked right away.  The third in O’Reilly’s “Killing…” series (after “Killing Lincoln” and “Killing Kennedy”), it takes a detailed look at the life and death of Jesus purely through the lens of world history.  Various sources including Roman writings and records, the detailed, first-hand historical accounts of Josephus, archaeological evidences, and other sources which provided records of the current events of the time are woven in with the historical record provided in the four Gospels to give a thorough picture of not only what happened, but what drove what happened and what it was like to live through what happened.

Despite my first instinct to find the book lacking and to have the tendency to pick it apart, I found myself educated and enthralled to comprehend the driving forces that motivated Herod, Pilate, Caesar, the Jewish hierarchy as well as Jesus’ followers.  The efforts that the authors undertook to in order to convey the sights, sounds, smells, economy, political atmosphere and customs of the time and place transported me to Bethlehem, Galilee, Nazareth, Jerusalem and the other places Jesus lived, walked and taught.

This book is not preachy.  In no way does it seek to validate miracles or prove the Messianic claims of Jesus or induce you to become His disciple.  It merely lays out the historical events in ways that will familiarize you with the backgrounds, motives and sometimes the personal issues of all the people involved.

To discover what the records have to say about Herod’s health issues, the total depravity of the Roman rulers, the financial interests and investments that probably motivated the Temple priests more than service to God and where the kick-back from the money-changers’ tables really went was eye-opening.

“Killing Jesus” is an enthralling and easy read for anyone.  Even if you are not a follower of Jesus or perhaps you’re even a card-carrying atheist, this book will, without coercion, educate you as to what all the fuss was about concerning this one Man who lived and died in this small geographical area all those years ago.

Here we are, in modern times, tuning into the news each day to find that people all over the world are not giving up on their Messiah because of pandemic and isolation, but looking for innovative and meaningful ways to recognize on Friday, April 10th that He was, indeed, condemned to death by the highest authorities within his own religion and given over to the Roman executioners to be tortured and put to death by crucifixion.  They’re looking for ways to connect, as best they can, to celebrate on Sunday, April 12th, their belief that He rose from the dead and is still alive and will return.

I hope this First Friday Freebie offers you all three:

            1.  A free gift you’ll enjoy.

            2.  An honest book review.

            3.  An opportunity to reflect on who Jesus was, what His life and death were really like and who the people are who follow Him.

It benefits us all to understand other people groups and their faith and traditions, so, non-believers, this will help you do that.

Parents, this book would not be appropriate for anyone who is not yet ready to be exposed to the detailed horrors of crucifixion methods or the lengths Roman emperors and their cohorts went to indulge their vile imaginations, even at the expense of innocent children.

If you’d like to win this free copy of “Killing Jesus”, you’ll need to comment on this post, saying, “Send me the book right away!”  You’ll need to do that now, because the deadline for entering the drawing is midnight tonight, April 3rd.

The winner will be chosen at random from those who comment as directed and this month, we will do that as quickly as possible so that I can get this book into your hands during the coming Holy Week time of reflection.

For the complete Freebie rules, please click here.  Winners are notified using the email they used to subscribe, so be checking that in the coming days to see if you’ve won.

Each month, there’s a new Freebie – SUBSCRIBE so that you don’t miss out!

Why not SHARE this post through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest or send the link in an email to all your friends who might like to enter to win?

Midwest Storyteller’s previous freebies can be found on my “Freebies” page.   Take a look.  You’ll get an idea of the greatgifts subscribers can win!

REMEMBER:  A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Send me the book right away!”

Three simple steps – Subscribe, comment as directed and check your email!

Now hurry!  Go!  Go!  Go!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, April 3rd!

First Friday Freebie: Rushing Spring!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 10 Comments

The March winds are blowing here in the Midwest and they might just be blowing a Freebie your way! They’ve certainly been howling around my house and doing this curly-girl no favors at all in the Good-Hair-Day department.

Spring-like weather puts a smile on everyone’s face and even thought there are over two weeks to go until it’s official, I say we should pretend it has arrived, put the turtlenecks and fleece away and decorate with pastels and things that remind us that we will soon be enjoying the outdoors and its “bloomery”.

Let’s get in the mood with March’s First Friday Freebie –

Linen Table Runner www.midweststoryteller.com

This 48”X16” table runner from Signature Collections by Sullivans will give you a start on your décor. It’s perfect to lie flat on a larger table or you can let the ends hang over on a smaller table as shown in the photo. Made of a soft green linen, each end is trimmed in burlap and embellished with embroidered patches that remind us of the garden herbs that will adorn our gardens and porch pots just as soon as we can get their little toes planted in the soil. The cute little button on the “herbs” patch is a nice detail. (See inset photo.)

If you’d like a chance to win the table runner, all you have to do is enter TODAY! You have until midnight to become a subscriber, if you are not already, and comment on this post, saying: “I’m ready for spring!”

For the complete Freebie rules, please click here. Winners are notified using the email they used to subscribe, so be checking that in the coming days to see if you’ve won.

Each month, I like to offer my readers something that makes life just a little sweeter and I always seem to find something that’s a little difficult to part with! This runner would go well in my dining room, but I’m sticking with my decision that it is for YOU!

Why not SHARE this post through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest or send the link in an email to all your friends who might like to enter to win?

Midwest Storyteller’s previous freebies can be found on my “Freebies” page. Take a look. You’ll get an idea of the great gifts subscribers can win!

REMEMBER: A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “I’m ready for spring!”

Three simple steps – Subscribe, comment as directed and check your email!

Now hurry! Go! Go! Go! Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, March 6th!

February’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

We’ve been trudging along through single digit temperatures here again, hanging on to the promise of a pleasant weekend starting today.  One has to look for the bright spots in life.  Here’s one!  Remember that Mystery Freebie?  Did you choose what was hidden inside Beautiful Valentine Box #1 or Box #2?  It’s time for a reveal.

February’s First Friday Freebie winner is –

Freebie Winner Carol www.midweststoryteller.com

Carol from Boonville, Missouri 

Carol chose Freebie #1 and, in turn, Smuffy drew her name at random from the qualifying entries. 

Congratulations, Carol, on winning this wood and metal wall art from Hobby Lobby.  Appropriate for including in your Valentine décor, this plaque can either be hung on the wall or propped on an easel.  Mixed media home décor is being used in so many great decorating schemes right now and I hope the galvanized metal on wood ads a bit of rustic charm to your home.  You can’t go wrong with the sentiment either!

And what, you may be wondering, was inside Box #2?  That remains to be seen.  I think I’ll keep that Freebie for another First Friday.

You can see the original freebie offer here.

Carol subscribes to MidwestStoryteller.com via email  and that is Step 1 in entering to win First Friday Freebies here on my blog.  The only other thing you’ll need to do is check your email for the post on the First Friday of the month and comment as directed in the post.  It’s always a quick read and tells you how to comment  “as directed” so that you don’t forfeit your entry. 

Freebies are my way of reaching more people with the stories, recipes and more.  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.  It’s one of those “I win – You win – We all win” situations!

Freebies happen every month.  My Freebies page features past winners and the free gifts they’ve won, so if you haven’t subscribed and entered to win yet, you might want to see what you’ve been missing.

 March’s drawing will take place on Friday, March 6th.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing by leaving a comment as instructed in the post. 

REMEMBER:  Should your name be drawn as the winner, you will be notified via the email you used to subscribe.  That means you’ll need to check your email often in the week following the drawing so that you can respond and keep the prize from being offered to someone else.

Be sure to take a moment make yourself familiar with the Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday March 6th, 2020.

Leave a comment!  If you’ve won one of my Freebies in the past, why not let me know how you liked it and whether you kept the little goodie to yourself or gifted it to someone special.

Let Your Heart Decide on Your Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

We all need a little fun and games in the middle of winter, don’t we?

Reader's Choice Freebie www.midweststoryteller.com

It’s First Friday Freebie Day and I’ve decided to make this month’s freebie a surprise.  Valentine’s Day is on the way and I love my readers!  My token of love for you is either inside box Number 1 or Box Number 2.

It’s a little like “Let’s Make A Deal”, only you have nothing to lose and you don’t even have to dress up like you’re ready for the asylum.  Although, should you prefer to do so, please send a photo – that would make this so much more fun!

Truthfully, my idea stems from the fact that could not force myself to decide between two freebies that I have for you.  I decided to escape from my decision-making dilemma by letting you decide.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, saying either “I’d LOVE Freebie #1” or “I’d LOVE Freebie #2”.  All appropriate comments will be entered into the drawing and Smuffy will do the honors.  Should you be the freebie winner, you’ll get the surprise gift you chose! (If you haven’t gotten to know Smuffy yet, he has his own page here on the blog.)

You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, February 7th, 2020! 

Remember:  Comments on Facebook an Instagram are excluded.  You must be an email subscriber to Midwest Storyteller and your comment must be made on this blog post.

Important:  Once you’ve entered, you MUST check the email address you used to subscribe or you may not know you’ve won and have to forfeit your free gift.    

My Freebies last for one day only – on the First Friday of each month.  Tell your friends and family TODAY through social media, send them the link in an email or just tell them, “It’s Freebie Day!”   

Leave your comment now before you forget! 

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.  You’ll find a subscription area in the right sidebar or you can use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already. Confirming your subscription through the confirmation email you’ll receive is absolutely necessary, so don’t forget that!

The Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest icons on this page are there to help you share.

Want to see past winners and their gifts?  Check out my “Freebies” page.

TO RE-CAP:  A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says either, “I’d LOVE Freebie #1” or “I’d LOVE Freebie #2”  

I send Freebies to any winner who lives within the continental United States.  For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, CLICK HERE. 

Glitches happen.  If you subscribe and do not receive a confirmation email for some reason, please email me and let me know at barb@midweststoryteller.com

Are you ready for Valentine’s Day?  I’d love it if you’d share some thoughtful and inexpensive ways you’ve shown someone that you treasure them, so leave a comment and give us all some great ideas.  People need a little love, you know!

‘Tis the Season for a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 12 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been baking cookies!  Lots of cookies!  By the time I get through the Christmas season, my kitchen needs a little help.  Of course, if you’ve been keeping up with Smuffy’s kitchen makeover, you know mine needs a lot of help!

The smallest thing can add a bright spot during the holidays, so I think you’ll really enjoy December’s Freebie.

Tartan Oven Mitt & Potholder Set www.midweststoryteller.com

This oven mitt and potholder set will liven up your kitchen.  Who wants to have people over for a festive gathering and show them all the potholders and mitts you’ve wrecked and scorched in the days and weeks leading up to the event?  This set from “Handmade Holiday” was a great find at joann.com

I’ve really fallen for all the bright plaids that are on trend right now and this red tartan set is beautiful with its embroidered wish for a “Merry Christmas”! I suppose you could use it as a gift for someone else, but – awww…go on! Keep it!

I find so many great things at Joann. They offer great Doorbuster sales, wonderful coupons and are often times willing to combine them. For those of you who think they are just a store for crafters or those who sew, you might want to check out their great selection of home decor.

To win the Tartan Plaid Oven Mitt & Potholder Set, all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post saying, “Merry Christmas, Midwest Storyteller!”

You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, December 6th, 2019! 

Important:  Once you’ve entered, you MUST keep checking the email address you used to subscribe or you may not know you’ve won and have to forfeit your free gift.  Also, remember that this particular comment must be made here on the blog post and not on Facebook or other social media sites. 

My Freebies always happen on the First Friday of each month and last for one day only.  Spread the word to your friends and family TODAY through social media, send them the link in an email or just tell them, “It’s Freebie Day!”   

Make your way to the comment section now before you forget!  ‘Tis the season, Dear Readers, for having so much on your plate that you begin to forget everything.

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.  You’ll find a subscription area in the right sidebar or you can use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already. Confirming your subscription through the confirmation email you’ll receive is absolutely necessary, so don’t forget that!

The Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest icons on this page are there to help you share.

Past gifts and their happy winners are on my “Freebies” page.

Remember, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Merry Christmas, Midwest Storyteller!”   That’s one way to get your Christmas greetings – right? The greatest gift you can send my way is to share Midwest Storyteller with all your family and friends. It really makes a difference in my unseen cyber-world.

I send Freebies to any winner who lives within the continental United States.  For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, CLICK HERE. 

Glitches happen.  If you subscribe and do not receive a confirmation email for some reason, please email me and let me know at barb@midweststoryteller.com

I wish each of you a blessed Christmas filled with family and friends.  I’m with George Bailey – it truly is a wonderful life when you focus on what matters most.   If you’re out of touch and don’t know who George Bailey is, I’ve just given you a great start on watching Christmas movies!

September’s Freebie Dangles Just Within Your Reach!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 11 Comments

I’ve been feeling artsy again, and one of my original designs might just be yours if you’re the winner of September’s First Friday Freebie!

Perhaps you remember an earlier post here in which I discussed my handmade “paper jewelry”.  My newest creation is in a lattice design that I think you will love.  The photo does not do them justice. They are high gloss, with each little opening in the lattice shimmering in the light. These earrings measure 1 3/8” long (2 1/8” with the hook included).  Though they have the appearance of metal under glass, they are light as air with a crystal clear coating for durability that adds depth and beauty to the distressed pattern underneath.  The smoky stone in the center adds just that bit of extra sparkle to catch the eye.  The hinged clasps flip up to secure the hooks so you don’t have to worry about losing them.

Whether you wear them with now with summery clothes or with fall outfits that we’ll all be wearing in the next couple of weeks, they’ll be a great addition to your overall look.  Not a jewelry wearer?  Go ahead and enter to win!  What a unique handmade gift idea for someone on your gift list in the coming holiday season!

To enter to win the Paper Jewelry earrings, all you need to do is comment on this post, saying, “Free jewelry gives me joy!”  (I know it does for me – I’m somewhat of an addict.) You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, August 6th, 2019! 

Important:  Once you’ve entered, you MUST keep checking the email address you used to subscribe or you may not know you’ve won and have to forfeit your free gift. 

All my Freebies occur on the First Friday of each month and last for one day only, so share with all your friends and family TODAY through social media, send them the link in an email or just look them in the eye and say, “Hey!  It’s Freebie Day!”   

Make your way to the comment section now before you forget!  The road to winning is paved with good intentions.

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.  You can subscribe by going to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already.  Confirming your subscription through the confirmation email you’ll receive is absolutely necessary, so don’t forget that!

The Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest icons on this page are there to help you share with friends.

See past gifts and their winners on my “Freebies” page.

Remember, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Free jewelry gives me joy!”

I send Freebies to any winner who lives within the continental United States.  For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, CLICK HERE. 

Glitches happen.  If you subscribe and do not receive a confirmation email for some reason, please email me and let me know at barb@midweststoryteller.com

Enjoy this last few days of summer. Coming up – another glimpse into my exciting Life With Smuffy.

Who Will Win the Freebie? “Whoo – oo!”

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 11 Comments

Owl Freebie www.midweststoryteller.com

Here I am, in turmoil again, as the First Friday Freebie takes flight. If there had been two of these in the store, there would have been no problem, but I’m mustering up my courage to part with this one, because it is meant for you!

It’s October and most of us are in the mood to decorate for fall. This adorable owl wall plaque from Hobby Lobby just begs for a place among your fall leaves, candles and other autumn décor.

Here it is, propped up on my mantle where it sat begging me to give it a forever home.

Owl Mantle Decor www.midweststoryteller.com

My personal preference would be to have him sitting and not hanging, but there’s a hanger on the back so you can do whichever you like. Did I say “he”? I suppose it could be a “she” or, as they say in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”, a “little gal owl fowl”.

The owl measures just under eight inches tall and is seven inches wide, so it’s just the right size to slip in with your other decorations and set things off really well.

If you’d like to enter to win the owl plaque, you’ll need to “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m the one WHO wants to win!” and you’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, October 5th, 2018!

Remember, you must be a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller in order for your comment to be entered into the drawing. Therefore, it would be WISE to head over to the right sidebar or use the menu to get to the “About Me” page and do that if you haven’t already.

Help Midwest Storyteller reach your friends and family by SHARING this post through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest or by copying the link into an email so they can enter to win and begin enjoying everything else on the blog as well!

Take a look at past freebies on the “Freebies” where you can see the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “I’m the one WHO wants to win!”

And now, here are the complete rules:

Freebie Rules www.midweststoryteller.com

Three simple steps!

What are you waiting for? Go! Go! Go! Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm in your email and comment to enter before midnight tonight, October 5th!

Coming up next – It’s that time of the year for hot and hearty comfort foods. I’ll take you on my journey through the wonderful world of that delicious (albeit embarrassing) and nutritious topic – BEANS – and you’ll get two great from-scratch recipes to please your whole family!