Factory Connection Finds

August’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

As we’re entering into September, it’s time to meet the winner of my First Friday Freebie for the month of August.  If you take a moment to check out the First Friday Freebie Rules at the link below, you’ll find out how simple it is to enter to win.  This is a special monthly gift for my email subscribers only.

Let’s meet –

August Freebie Winner Shirley https://midweststoryteller.com/

Shirley from Boonville, Missouri.

Shirley is modeling the sunflower earrings she just won and the more I see them on her the more I want a pair just like them.

Shirley was one of my very first email subscribers. She consistently enters to win and therefore she has had her name drawn more than once! She did have to comment as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrived in her inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Shirley won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

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!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  You can easily navigate in the menu under “CONTACT”, fill in your email and hit “SUBSCRIBE”.  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.  You’ll also receive encouragement, healthy recipes, short stories, lots of laughs and updates on the books I write.

Again, comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies enable me to reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On September 6th, 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 help.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, September 6th, 2024.

Smuffy always says that this time of year brings him into a seasonal shift even if the weather doesn’t have that hint of autumn crispness quite yet.  Thoughts of his pioneer ancestors fill his mind and he gets the urge to meander through forests and read the diaries of Lewis and Clark.  I’m sure Lil’ Snookie will want to spend as many days playing at the park as he can possibly manage.  What thoughts inspire you in the month of September?  Leave a comment.  We might get some interesting answers to that! 

It’s Never Too Hot for a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 9 Comments

I know I have readers all over the place, but if you’re in the Midwest or somewhere like it, these are the dog days of summer.  I’ve often wondered about this weird phrase and discovered that it’s been in use for centuries and has astrological origins that have something to do with the Dog Star bringing uncomfortable heat and suffering on humans but even more so on dogs that seemed to run a much higher risk of going mad from it.  I was surprised at this elaborate explanation.  All my life I had pictured nothing more than our farm dogs, using the sense God gave them, crawling under cars, trucks and machinery to roll in the cool fine dust and nap until the sun went down.

If you are so blessed as to have air conditioning, and I hope you are, you don’t have to go out and lie under your car when the temperatures are nudging themselves toward triple digits and the air is so thick with humidity you can chew it.  You can stay inside and get online to your favorite blog and enter to win a First Friday Freebie in cool comfort. 

This month’s Freebie is just the thing for August and into September.  Let’s take a look –

Wooden Sunflower Earrings https://midweststoryteller.com/

These wooden drop earrings feature a laser cut sunflower inside a teardrop loop.  The overall length is 3 ½ inches from the top of the hook.  I really like the look of them “as is” because they are raw wood, but I couldn’t help but think that it wouldn’t take much more than a steady hand for someone to take a bit of colored stain on a small brush and tint those petals gold and possibly the rims of the teardrops green.  Just a thought.  They are by Accessory Connection and a great find from Factory Connection.

To enter to win the wooden sunflower earrings, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Spread a little sunshine!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, August 2nd, 2024.

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.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.  You’re not officially subscribed until you confirm by email.

You’ll find plenty to smile about on my “Life with Smuffy” and “Laugh!” pages.  Summertime is a great time to read about Smuffy’s river adventures. Try a great recipe from my “Food Freedom” page.

Remember to be sure to share the content you enjoy here on your social media such as Facebook, Instagram and “X”.  If you save things on Pinterest like I do, 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, June 7th, by leaving a comment which says, “Spread a little sunshine!”  

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

I don’t know how your summer is going, but I have given up on being outdoors much for now and am using the heat as my best excuse to stay at my desk and write.  The first book in my “Morgan’s Landing” series is coming soon and I am deep in the process of editing the sequel so I can get it to the publisher.  I’ll keep you posted on that as well as the screenplay, which is now finished.  Poor Smuffy is out in the miserable heat every day working on a number of projects.

Stay cool.  Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities.  Some great ideas can be found in my last post here. As my mother always said, “Come January, we’ll be wishing for this!”

A First Friday Freebie for May!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

My great hope has been that this post would make it to my subscribers at the right time and on the right day. My internet has been down and the fixers arrived and reported that wasps have some inexplicable desire to gnaw at fiber-optic cables and had done so to the one leading to my house. They repaired the nibbles and now my first-world problem is solved. That means there’s a freebie for you!

Beaded Charm Bracelet Freebie at midweststoryteller.com

 [Bracelet]

I usually find that May’s calendar is just about as packed as December’s. Everyone is out and about at one event or another. There are picnics, barbecues, bridal showers for all those June brides, graduations and vacations. I thought perhaps you needed a new accessory for some of these events. This gold-tone beaded bracelet is elasticized and features a charm-holder in the style of a safety pin (although the pin does not open). There are three rhinestone studded charms attached – a cross, a star and a heart. Since it is stretchy, it should fit most wrist sizes.

To enter to win the safety pin charm bracelet, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Charmed, I’m sure!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, May 3rd, 2024.

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.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.  You’re not officially subscribed until you confirm by email.

Subscribers often tell me how much they enjoy my humor non-fiction here at Midwest Storyteller. I am convinced that true family events provide the greatest stories possible and I love preserving all the things relatives have shared with me over the years. The clients I coach and others who just want to eat healthy food and be happy doing it love the recipes here.  However, no one will get to enjoy it all unless you share it with your friends and family through all your social media, so if you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to share and if you save things on Pinterest like I do, 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, May 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “Charmed, I’m sure!”   

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

If you’ve fallen behind, maybe it’s time to catch up by checking out all the tabs and exploring the pages here.  You’ll find plenty to smile about on my “Life with Smuffy” and “Laugh!” pages. Try a great recipe from my “Food Freedom” page.

Enjoy every day in May!

January’s Freebie Winner

~ Midwest Storyteller

It’s time to meet 2024’s first First Friday Freebie winner.

She’s local, so I got to deliver her gift to her in person at a luncheon we were both attending.

Let’s meet –

Freebie Winner Carol www.midweststoryteller.com

Carol from Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Carol!  I hope you enjoy the bracelet set and find all sorts of ways to wear it, either all five pieces at once, one at a time or in various combinations.  Carol told me she has an upcoming special event that will be just the right time to accessorize with these pretty bracelets.

Carol had her name drawn after she commented on the freebie post as directed in the post.  I do have to make it just a little tricky each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

You don’t have to be in my neck of the woods like Carol to be a winner.  I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S.

As long as you’re an email subscriber, you can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of each month.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Carol won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

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 each 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 enable me to reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

Coming up on February 2nd, 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 help.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.

We’re heading not only for the next Freebie, but for the month of love.  I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to trade snowflakes in for red and pink hearts.  January around here was difficult to love in certain spots.  If you’re needing a mid-winter boost, try this quick read: The Underused Four-letter Word.  

2024’s First First Friday Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 9 Comments

It’s time for my First Friday Freebie, of course, and I confess I nearly forgot it.  Maybe this one will serve as a reminder to both you and me to stop and smell the roses this year.

As I like to say every year here on the blog, I’m in protest about the timing of celebrating the new year.  Even though we are having a mild winter so far here in the Midwest (though I may have to scold the meteorologists concerning their loose talk in reference to next Tuesday), I am generally not in favor of having winter at all.  Aside from not wanting to deny Lil’ Snookie the joy of building a snowman and throwing himself into the stuff to make angels, I could skip the whole thing.  I think we’d all feel so much better if we could run around shouting “Happy New Year” around the third week in March when spring actually arrives, but one of you is going to have to be the one to bring this to the attention of the proper authorities.  I’m too busy with edits.

I can, however, have my say in regards to the First Friday Freebie, so here it is!

Rose Bracelet Set www.midweststoryteller.com

This set of five bracelets will bring sparkle and shine to your dull winter days.  It’s by Trelu Accessories and is great Factory Connection find.  All the  bracelets are stretch-to-fit and can be worn separately, mix ‘n match or all together.  Since all of them are neutral, they’ll go with any of your outfits and work for all seasons.   

To enter to win the bracelet set, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Brighten my new year!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, January 5th, 2024.

And fellas – you can enter also and gift this to your favorite lady!

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.

Haven’t subscribed yet?  You’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.

Be sure to share my blog with friends and family through all your social media.  They’ll never know about it unless you do.  If you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”. Hey!  The world needs to know.  People have enough news every day to drag them down.  Give them something smile about.

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, January 5th, by leaving a comment which says, “Brighten my new year!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy the season.  Play out in the snow if you can.  Stay warm and cozy.  Read books.  One of these days, you’ll be reading mine!   

Meet the Freebie Winners!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

What a hectic summer!  It’s been that way for all of us.  So much so that getting First Friday Freebies to their winners became delayed due to their vacations and other events.

Here they are at last, so let’s meet the May and June winners  –

May and June First Friday Freebie Winners www.midweststoryteller.com

Ginger from Prairie Home, Missouri and Vikki from Boonville, Missouri won the months’ free gifts respectively.

Congratulations, Ginger!  From the photo, it looks like you’re enjoying the earrings.

Congratulations, Vikki!  I hope you are enjoying the bumblebee kitchen helpers and managed to keep them from being snatched by a certain family member you’d suspected might take a fancy to them.  This sort of thing does happen once in a while.  Just remind that person that subscribing and entering to win is a more honest way to go about getting a First Friday Freebie.

Ginger and Vikki had their names drawn after they commented on the freebie posts as directed in the posts.  I do have to make it just a little tricky each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention.. 

You can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month also.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offers for the ones Ginger and Vikki won here and here.. 

Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller?  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are 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 each 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.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

Just a shameless plug here.  When my soon to be released novel comes out (the first in a three part series), it won’t be free.  Well…perhaps one special copy might just pop up as a First Friday Freebie?  We’ll see!

Coming up on August 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 your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, August 4th, 2023.

Enjoy the rest of summer.  We complain about the heat, but as my sweet mother always said, we’ll be wishin’ we had it back one of these days!

I Just May Have a Freebie for You Today!  Celebrate!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 5 Comments

Have you ever noticed that every day’s a holiday?  The trend in the last several decades is to name days the “National Day of Whatever-Tickles-Your Fancy”.

Well, of course, it’s First Friday Freebie Day and that is enough to get excited about all on its own, but I wondered what else we might be celebrating along with it to make it even more special.  I knew I’d be a day late to get in on winding my hair over my ears like cinnamon rolls and greeting you with “May the 4th be with you”, so I decided to see what else was on the calendar since I couldn’t think of anything. 

There were a lot of things – too many to list here – so I picked a few gems.

There’s good old Cinco de Mayo, so you can have a fun fiesta while you wait to find out if you won the freebie.

National Hoagie Day – you may have to choose between this and the one above, unless you have an appetite like mine.  As a THM coach, I’d say Cinco de Mayo is probably better for you.

Children’s Day – I thought that was every day.

General Prayer Day – I thought that was every day, too.

It’s International Midwives Day and National Astronaut Day – choose your hero or heroine!

It’s Museum Lovers’ Day and Nail Day – get your nails done and then wander around in the museum while they dry.  They won’t let you touch anything anyway.

It’s Tuba Day and National No Pants Day – perhaps if you hold your tuba just right, marching in the parade for this might not be quite so embarrassing?

Choosing from a day buffet like this one can be confusing, but here’s your First Friday Freebie – already chosen just for you!

Leather look Leaf Earrings www.midweststoryteller.com

These lightweight layered earrings will flutter in the spring breeze for you.  Their full length is 3 ¼ inches and they measure 1 ¼ inches at their widest point.  The light neutral color will go with anything you wear and the textures are what make them eye-catching.  The top “leaf” shapes have just the right amount of sparkle and the ones behind have a pebbled leather look and are slit around the edges to give even more of a leafy-edge look.  This is a great find from Factory Connection. 

To enter to win the leaf earrings, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I promise to wear pants with this freebie!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, May 5th, 2023.

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.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.

My Life with Smuffy, recipes, freebies, fun things to make you laugh, reviews, creative ideas and even thoughts for you from Phoebe June – they’re all here on the blog so click through the menu and be sure to share with friends and family through all your social media.  They’ll never know about it unless you do.  If you save things on Pinterest like I do, 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, May 5th, by leaving a comment which says, “I promise to wear pants with this freebie!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy every day in the merry, merry month of May.  Eat Mexican, laugh with a child, remember to pray, thank someone who makes a difference in the world, take a relaxing day off, make some music.  But try, please, to do the majority of these things wearing pants!

I’ll post as often as I can during these beautiful days, but I confess to abandoning my desk in favor of spending most of my time running around outside with Lil’ Snookie (in pants).

Celebrate Freedom with July’s Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

Here we are at the First Friday and that means a Freebie, but timing puts this extremely close to Independence Day.  Therefore, I pledge to get this special First Friday Freebie out to you lickety-split so you can hopefully have it in time for the 4th.  However, there’s no shame in sporting this patriotic freebie any old time!

Take a look  – 

Metal Flag Earrings www.midweststoryteller.com

Things won’t be perfect anywhere this side of Heaven, but down here on earth there is no finer place to find oneself than the USA.  These American flag motif earrings show your patriotism and add some sparkle and shine as well.  They’re a great find from Factory Connection.

These dangles measure 1 7/8” long and 2 1/2” wide.  I know – I know – the photo makes them look like they’re constructed of some sort of textured fabric or something, but in reality, the earrings are metal and the texture is shimmer and shine!  After all, you have to compete with the sparklers and fireworks, right?

To enter to win the flag earrings, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m proud to be an American!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, July 1st, 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 enjoy 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, July 1st, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m proud to be an American!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

We’re always in double celebration mode this time of the year, for Smuffy is a real live nephew of his Uncle Sam and born on the 4th of July.  I still say he was probably twelve years old before he figured out the whole thing wasn’t entirely for him.  In addition to the hair-raising things Smuffy has done to enhance my prayer life through the years which I post on my Life with Smuffy page, I might add that he is also a huge fan of fireworks as long as they are powerful enough to register substantially on the Richter scale.  And yet, by God’s grace, we’re all still here. 

For my readers who live outside the USA (I see you out there!) don’t assume that this country is jam-packed with nothing but Smuffy-types.  He’s unique and it is safe to come here.  Just be sure to use the appropriate channels.

Enjoy a safe and happy Independence Day with your family and friends and pray for our nation.

It’s the Summer of Fun and Freebies!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

I know we have three more weeks till summer’s official, but Memorial Day always seems to kick things off and get you in the mood, doesn’t it?  To help things along, how about a summery First Friday Freebie?  (I know…I know…there’s been a jewelry motif lately, but it’s one of my weaknesses.)

Here’s a splash of summer fun for you  –  (pardon the fact that my images don’t seem to be coming out as best as they could lately).

Summery Necklace Freebie www.midweststoryteller.com

Any outfit is made just a little more beachy and fun with a nautical touch.  And who says you need to be at the beach to wear this necklace?  It’s a fun find from Factory Connection.

Each of the three chains on this necklace has its own bit of summer bling.  The first has an aqua teardrop stone, the middle length holds a gold anchor and the longest chain has a starfish, a sea blue tassle and a tropical flower.  I can hear the hula music now.

To enter to win the summer fun necklace, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Send me some summer fun!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, June 3rd, 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 enjoy 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, June 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “Send me some summer fun!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Our days have been filled with planting, transplanting and pretty-ing up our outdoor spaces.  I’ll try to share some photos soon.  It’s a beautiful season and I hope you’re able to get out and enjoy it, too!

Meet May’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

We’re moving into June, but it’s time to announce May’s winner   –

Susan from Kansas City, Missouri!

Congratulations, Susan!

Susan won the shell hoop earrings and don’t they look pretty on her!      

I hope you enjoy wearing them with your summer outfits, Susan. 

Susan won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month.  The earrings are a great find from Factory Connection.  If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original freebie offer here. 

Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller?  Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are 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 each 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.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share 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 June 3rd, 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 help.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, June 3rd, 2022.

Next up:  I’m still working on bringing you a Smuffy story – another true tale and one that might make you blush.  I know it made him blush.  We’ve been delayed in our usual pursuits around here due to planting time and endless games of toddler kick-ball and bubble blowing in the nice weather.  We like to put first things first.  

You May Win a Freebie If Only You’ll Try!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 12 Comments

We’ve just made a few people smile and a few others confused by offering a cheerful “May the 4th Be With You” and followed up yesterday with a nod to Cinco de Mayo even if we had no idea where Puebla is or when and what the fuss was all about.  It’s so much simpler and easier to explain to all your friends that today is First Friday Freebie Day! 

Here’s a festive  little something for you  – 

Shell Hoop Earrings midweststoryteller.com

Accessories make the outfit and with these summery earrings you’ll be ready for warm weather days even if you never make it to the beach.  They were a fun find at Factory Connection.

These gold tone hoops measure about 2” across.  The gold, white and blue faceted beads frame the shells that dangle in the center.  They’re just right to set off all those light and airy summer dresses and tops.

To enter to win the shell hoop earrings, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, asking, “May I have the Freebie?”  For one of you, the answer is “YES!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, May 6, 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, May 6th, by leaving a comment which asks, “May I have the Freebie?”

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

The saying goes that April showers bring May flowers.  If that is the case, we should have plenty of beauty to enjoy this year here in the Midwest.  May is starting off as wet as April but soon the maddest, merriest month of the whole year will blossom in all its glory.  Enjoy a picnic, take walks.  Ride bikes.  Do some porch sitting.  Give thanks for each and every beautiful day for they are gifts indeed.

Meet March’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

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 here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original freebie offer here. 

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.

Next up:  I’m going just a little nuts!  

It’s Freebie Day!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 10 Comments

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 –  

Blessed Bracelet www.midweststoryteller.com

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!

February’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

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  –

February Freebie Winner Ginger

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 here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original freebie offer here. 

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.

Next up:  Something just downright silly.   

Love is Enough, but Freebies Make Life Better!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

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 –

Love Is Enough www.midweststoryteller.com

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.

January Has a Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

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  –

Winner Vikki www.midweststoryteller.com

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 here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original freebie offer here. 

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.

December’s Freebie Winner AT LAST!

~ Midwest Storyteller

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!

Freebie Winner Eva www.midweststoryteller.com

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 here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original freebie offer here. 

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.

Freebie, It’s Cold Outside!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 9 Comments

To be exact, it is a whopping nine degrees Fahrenheit outside as I type this, making my January First Friday Freebie seem like the wisest choice ever!  Let’s take a look.

I have friends who don’t wear scarves.  They just don’t like them.  I’ll bet they’re wearing them today or wishing they had one.  This big, beautiful scarf by Justin and Taylor is buttery soft and will stop those single-digit winds from whistling around your neck.

The soft gray and blush tones keep the feeling neutral so it will go with many of your outfits and coats.  The colors are separated into the four quadrants of this oversized scarf and as you can see from the photo, it looks like a plaid when arranged just right. On second thought, perhaps you can’t see, as I’ve had some issues getting the colors to show up as they really are. It is definitely as gray as it is blush, so you’ll just have to trust me on this one. Made of 100% polyester, it’s a great find from Factory Connection. 

To enter to win the  blush and gray oversized scarf, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Storyteller, it’s cold outside!” You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, January 7, 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, January 7th, by leaving a comment which says, “Storyteller, it’s cold outside!”.

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Subscribe and confirm right now before you forget!

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.

A Holiday Festive Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

‘Tis the season.  As we turn our hearts toward the celebration of the coming of our Messiah, the festivities and preparation for them begins.  However and whatever you may be celebrating between now and the end of the year, I’m thinking there is a good deal of food involved.

Various treats tempt us during the holidays and many of them are sweet.  High on the list, however, is a category all its own – cheesy goodness.

We’re cheese lovers at our house.  We attributed much of the overstock to Pookie over the years, but after she married and left us to start her own home, we soon discovered that we still could barely get the refrigerator cheese drawer shut.

This time of the year, whether we grab a ready-made at the grocery store or make a favorite family version, we yearn for a cheese ball.  At get-togethers, I confess to often thinking as I make my way toward the heavy-laden buffet, “Is there a cheese ball?”

Cheesy Goodness Serving Set www.midweststoryteller.com

December’s First Friday Freebie will help you serve yours up in style.  This black and white cheese server and spreader are just so cute!  It’s neutral colors will go with any of your décor and whether your other serve-ware is farmhouse, modern or somewhere else on the design spectrum, it just “goes”.  You have the option of removing the black ribbon and replacing it with a seasonal one, whether it’s for the holidays, a birthday party, New Year’s Eve or your spring fling. It’s a great find from Factory Connection. 

To enter to win the Cheesy Goodness serving set, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I need cheesy goodness in my life!” You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, December 3rd, 2021.

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, December 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “I need cheesy goodness in my life!”.

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Subscribe and confirm right now before you forget!

Perhaps a nice cheese ball will get you into the holiday mood if your weather is not feeling Christmas-like. It’s been warm and wonderful here.  If you’re in the Midwest, you know it’s bound to change soon, so enjoy your Christmas shopping and other preparations while you can and have a blessed Christmas season from start to finish.

Meet November’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

Have you ever had one of those weird experiences when you are trying to give something away and it seems like it isn’t meant to be?

As you may have read in my last post, the October freebie winner had a change in email which set off a series of delays in getting the gift to its destination.  Then, in November a winner was notified who also had a change in email and I am sorry to say, she lost out on receiving her First Friday Freebie because I had no other means of contact with her other than the email she used to subscribe.  Then, (do these things come in threes?) when I had to re-draw a name from those who entered, the new winner also had a changed email and did not respond!  I did, however, find another means of contact and she has, at last, been united with her First Friday Freebie.

Meet November’s eventual winner  –

Heather from Prairie Home, Missouri!

Congratulations, Heather!

I was so excited that my freebie found a home that I threw in a bonus gift.

In addition to the cozy scarf in the original First Friday Freebie offer, Heather received the leather earrings you see pictured with her in the photo.  Heather is a first-time winner.  If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

The scarf and the earrings are both Factory Connection finds and you can see the original freebie offer here. 

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?

Coming soon:  December’s First Friday Freebie – that takes place on Friday, December 3rd.   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):  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.  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, December 3rd, 2021. 

Next up recipes to please and smiles to add to your Christmas cheer!  

Belated Freebie Announcement:  Better Late Than Never!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

Stuff happens.  And if you’ve been keeping up here, you know that it’s been happening in my kitchen.  We’re nearing completion, but at the time when I should have been announcing the October First Friday Freebie winner, it was really happening!  Then, there was an email glitch and the winner didn’t get notified in a timely manner and I didn’t get it mailed out in a timely manner.  I also didn’t get the announcement made.  I’m starting to think that time has no manners.

Anyhow, give a belated cheer to October’s winner  –

Jean from Hurricane, Utah!

Congratulations, Jean!

It is news to me that they have hurricanes in Utah, but maybe Jean could give us some history behind that name in the comments.

I love interesting town names.  Once, in high school, my best friend and I got hold of an old zip code directory and found ourselves in fits of hysterical laughter as we perused the pages.  I must do that again sometime on some gloomy day when I need a lift.

Jean won the pretty necklace you see her wearing in the photo and she agrees with me that it is much prettier than it appears in photos.  Jean has won a First Friday Freebie in the past, so check out all the past winners and their gifts here on my Freebies! page.

The necklace was a Factory Connection find and you can see the original freebie offer here. 

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 with my 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.  Are you catching on this is a free thing?

Coming soon:  December’s First Friday Freebie – that takes place on Friday, December 3rd.   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):  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.

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, December 3rd, 2021. 

Next up:  November’s winner – in a more timely manner.  

A Cozy Freebie – ROUND 2!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

The nip is in the air, the colored leaves blanket my yard, the air has that certain crispness and the urge is there to grab a jacket and stroll hand-in-hand with the one I love.  So, Smuffy patted me on the shoulder the other night and said, “Maybe next year.”  Folks, I’m telling you, this kitchen remodel must end soon.  This is why things have gone awry here on the blog and again, I give my apologies.  Better days are ahead, but right now, life’s a blur of small finishing details. 

Yesterday, I found myself weaving around a ladder in the kitchen, trying to gather things together for my Trim Healthy Mama class and answer Smuffy’s questions about the appropriate distance between open shelving, trying to explain to Phoebe June that despite the presence of three of her humans in the vicinity of her dish she had already had a snack and listening to Lil’ Snookie’s request for “Puh-SHOPSH Cimmin” (applesauce with cinnamon if you’re twenty-two months old).  It will be a sad day when he actually learns how to pronounce applesauce, because I get the giggles every time he asks for it.

About that time there came a dim realization, forming in the spaghetti-like mass in the frontal lobe that I had arrived upon the eve of November’s First Friday Freebie and still am in possession of the Freebie that remains homeless!

As stated in the First Friday Freebie rules, the winner will be notified via the email used to subscribe.  It’s vital when you enter to win that you check that same email regularly in the week or two following the drawing to see if you’ve won.  October’s winner was “Julie”.  I emailed Julie, but have received no response, so I am going to put the freebie back into circulation again since I don’t know who Julie is. 

Julie, if you’re out there, I’m sorry it didn’t work out, but since I have no other means to contact you, it’s time to re-draw for the free gift.

So, here we go, let’s take a look at that First Friday Freebie again.  I’m going to throw in a surprise bonus gift along with it to make things extra special for November.

Fall Tan and Cream Scarf www.midweststoryteller.com

This beautiful scarf by Capelli New York will look great with all your fall fashion with its tan and soft white tones.  It’s 100% acrylic, very soft and is hand washable.  Including the fringe, it measures approximately 72” X 5.5”, so it’s long enough to loop and tie in all sorts of fun ways or wrap around your neck twice on those extra frigid days.

It was a great find at my local Factory Connection, where I often find fun fashion and great home décor at good prices.

To enter to win the Capelli New York scarf, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Keep me cozy again, Midwest Storyteller!” You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, November 5th, 2021.

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, November 5th, by leaving a comment which says, “Keep me cozy again, Midwest Storyteller”.   Remember, there’s an extra surprise included!

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here. 

Why not subscribe and confirm right now before you forget?

If you’re somewhere where the snow is already flying – better you than me.  If you’re somewhere where you’re basking in sunny warmth – enjoy every minute.  If you’re here in the Midwest like me – make the best of your daily surprises and during this season of Thanksgiving, give the Good Lord your gratitude!

A Freebie to Keep You Cozy!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

I’d feel just a bit silly if I didn’t know full well that things are about to change.  This is the Midwest, after all, and we’ve been known to have a fifty to seventy degree variance in temperature within a twenty-four hour period.  Still, as I sit here with the windows open and the ceiling fan in my office circulating the eighty degree air, the October First Friday Freebie seems entirely uncalled for! 

You’ll be ready for that nip in the air when it arrives, or maybe it already has in your neck of the woods. 

This beautiful scarf by Capelli New York will look great with all your fall fashion with its tan and soft white tones.  It’s 100% acrylic, very soft and is hand washable.  Including the fringe, it measures approximately 72” X 5.5”, so it’s long enough to loop and tie in all sorts of fun ways or wrap around your neck twice on those extra frigid days.

It was a great find at my local Factory Connection, where I often find fun fashion and great home décor at good prices.

To enter to win the Capelli New York scarf, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Keep me cozy, Midwest Storyteller!” You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, October 1st, 2021.

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, October 1st, by leaving a comment which says, “Keep me cozy, Midwest Storyteller”. 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here. 

Why not subscribe and confirm right now before you forget?

October is like May – you just can’t get enough of either one.  Enjoy each crisp and colorful day!