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

May 5, 2023May 4, 2023 ~ 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 4^th 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 5^th, 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 5^th, 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).

February’s Freebie Winner!

February 28, 2023February 27, 2023 ~ Midwest Storyteller

I hope you spread the love in February. I know I did! Lil’ Snookie and I made Valentines together and he enjoyed helping me make Trim Healthy Two Minute Truffles and Brownie Fudge. And, of course, I offered the First Friday Freebie of Love.

Let’s meet the winner –

February First Friday Freebie Winner with Gift www.midweststoryteller.com

Shirley from Boonville, Missouri.

Congratulations, Shirley! I hope you enjoy the wood and metal wall hanging. Shirley’s name was drawn after she commented on the freebie post, which asked for everyone to fill in the blank, “I love doing life with _____” Shirley filled it in with “grandchildren” and I’m sure this will be the perfect greeting for them when they stop by her house for a little TLC.

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 offer here. This gift was a great find at Hobby Lobby.

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. What can be better in today’s economy?

Coming up on March 3^rd, 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, March 3^rd, 2023.

Enjoy all the hearts and flowers February has to offer! You may think it’s all been commercialized, but I look at it this way – if there’s one thing in life that can’t be overdone, it’s loving on others! So, buy a box of Valentines, stir up some THM chocolate goodness and bless somebody. Tell them you love them, appreciate them, value them. Do it on the cheap, but do it with all your heart.

2023’s First First Friday Freebie Winner!

February 2, 2023February 2, 2023 ~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

We’ve just said farewell to January, which is usually a welcome thing in this part of the country. While we’re waving, say “hello” to the winner of that month’s Freebie.

Let’s meet –

Freebie Winner Liz www.midweststoryteller.com

Liz from Boonville, Missouri.

Congratulations, Liz! These Boonville people are super consistent about entering to win and it certainly pays off. Liz is not a first-time winner and she assures me she has just the place in her office for the metal “family and friends” sign.

Liz commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the 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 here.

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!

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.

Coming up on February 3^rd, 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 3^rd, 2023.

2022’s Final Freebie Winner!

January 5, 2023January 5, 2023 ~ Midwest Storyteller

I’m playing just a bit of catch-up here because, though we say we’re the ones who never get sick, it happened. The crud hit the house and Pookie’s house as well and the First Friday Freebie isn’t the only thing suffering delay. Christmas got bumped as well. But we’re going strong once again and I hope that you are also and that you are having a Happy New Year!

Let’s meet the latest winner –

Francine from Boonville, Missouri.

Congratulations, Francine! I’m glad the delivery of the freebie was not delayed, so these lovely, festive kitchen towels made to you in plenty of time to spruce up your kitchen ahead of any Christmas festivities.

Francine commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the 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 most recent First Friday Freebie offer here.

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!

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.

Coming up on January 6^th, 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, January 6^th, 2023.

As I mentioned in November, I had asked God to help me see the beauty in winter. I smile that He has made it easy on me so far by giving the blessing of mild temperatures. Although it turned cold again today, we eased out of the old year and into the new with warmth and time outside. Smuffy has been doing the things Smuffy does in the back yard and yesterday I took Lil’ Snookie out for a romp and we ran around and kicked the ball like spring lambs. (Actually, I ‘ve never seen spring lambs kick balls, but you get the idea.) The Midwest has got to show its true colors sooner or later, but I’ll cross that icy bridge when I come to it.

A Christmas Freebie for You!

December 2, 2022December 1, 2022 ~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 13 Comments

Welcome to December! (As if I am in charge of December. If I were, we’d have some changes in the usual temps and precips.)

The fabulous upside to this month, of course, is the celebration of Christmas! Another thing I’m celebrating is being married to Smuffy (today is our anniversary). To top it all off, it’s the first Friday of the month so today you can enter to win the First Friday Freebie. Let’s take a peek at it –

Christmas Kitchen Towels www.midweststoryteller.com

There are always a few more people around during the holiday season and things need to be freshened up. A few new linens help brighten up the kitchen and these towels from Robert Stanley Home Collection will do just that. Each of the four towels measures 16”X26”. One has a Christmas tree farm theme which coordinates with the green and white checked towel and two are solid and embroidered with white snowflakes. Once again, these were Hobby Lobby finds that I hope you enjoy.

To enter to win the holiday towel sets, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Make my kitchen Christmasy!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, December 2^nd, 2022.

No one will get to enjoy all the great things here on the blog 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, December 2^nd, by leaving a comment which says, “Make my kitchen Christmasy!”

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Make a promise to yourself to slow down, simplify the days ahead, celebrate the real meaning of Christmas and savor the love of those around you and the love that came down to that stable in Bethlehem so that you could have joy and peace!

I’m working on a couple of Smuffy stories for you and his tale of Christmas past is a real doozy so stay tuned! In case you’ve fallen behind, take a trip to my “Life With Smuffy” page and catch up on the laughter and thrills.

Meet November’s Freebie Winner!

November 29, 2022November 28, 2022 ~ Midwest Storyteller

It’s cold. I always try to do my part by warming your heart with a gift every month with my First Friday Freebie. This month my freebie didn’t have to work too much because it traveled to a much warmer home.

Let’s meet the winner –

Sally from Chino Valley, Arizona.

Congratulations, Sally! I hope that, as the freebie says, you are “happy and blessed” by it. The embossed metal sign expressing gratitude was a great find at Hobby Lobby.

Sally commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the 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 what Sally won here.

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!

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.

Coming up on December 2^nd, 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, December 2^nd, 2022.

As I mentioned last month, I have taken a bold step. I have asked God to help me see the beauty in winter. Aside from thinking that falling snow is pretty, I’ve pretty much failed at this for a very long time. There will be the same amount of frozen precipitation whichever mood I’m in and no amount of silent disgust on my part will move the thermometer, so I’m trying to make friends with it. However, my past failures have shown me that I’ll be needing help of a Divine nature. Either that, or I’m going to have to go visit Sally and stay for four months!

October’s Freebie Winner!

November 3, 2022November 2, 2022 ~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

I’ve spent most of my days lately taking Lil’ Snookie to the park as we try to relish every bit of warmth and sunshine before it’s all over. I’ve checked both versions of the almanac and they both assure me that come the end of this month, it’s all over. I did take time to get my First Friday Freebie to its new home, though.

Let’s take a look at the winner –

October's Freebie Winner www.midweststoryteller.com

Ruby from Boonville, Missouri.

Congratulations, Ruby! I know you love to decorate and you also have fun kiddos around, so it won’t be long before you have some fun décor or a great photo to slip into the holder at the top of this wood block. It was a great find at Hobby Lobby.

Ruby won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month. 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 freebie offer here.

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!

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.

On November 4^th, 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, November 4^th, 2022.

November has managed to stay on my good side so far. Warm days with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s and glorious color all around draw me outside and away from indoor chores (and from writing to you dear readers if I’m honest). I may have to take a firm line with this month if it suddenly decides to disappoint me, but I may be wasting my energies there. Today I did ask the Lord to perform a miracle in my life by requesting that He help me see the beauty in winter. Perhaps being open to that notion is the first baby-step for a person like me.

Celebrate Freedom with July’s Freebie!

July 1, 2022June 30, 2022 ~ 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 4^th. 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 1^st, 2022.

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 1^st, 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 4^th 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.

Meet May’s Freebie Winner!

June 2, 2022June 2, 2022 ~ 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.

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!

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 3^rd, 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 3^rd, 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!

May 6, 2022May 5, 2022 ~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 12 Comments

We’ve just made a few people smile and a few others confused by offering a cheerful “May the 4^th 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.

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 6^th, 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.

April’s Freebie Winner!

April 22, 2022April 22, 2022 ~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

I’m happy to announce this month’s winner –

Freebie Winner Linda midweststoryteller.com

Linda from Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Linda!

Linda won the “He is Risen” word art and I know she’ll use it to express her faith in this Truth whether she leaves the wood raw or decides to paint it.

I hope you enjoyed this décor, Linda, as you celebrated the season. Linda won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month. The bracelet is a great find from Hobby Lobby. 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.

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 of folks out there who are going around “Smuffy-less”, perhaps because you haven’t shared. Don’t cry – just tell them! 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 May 6^th, 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, May 6^th, 2022.

Next up: Some things are only funny with the passage of time. Certain Smuffy tales have to brew for a while.

Meet March’s Freebie Winner!

March 30, 2022March 29, 2022 ~ 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!

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 1^st, 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 1^st, 2022.

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

February’s Freebie Winner!

February 28, 2022February 27, 2022 ~ 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 –

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!

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 4^th, 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 4^th, 2022.

Next up: Something just downright silly.

January Has a Winner!

February 2, 2022February 1, 2022 ~ 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 –

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 4^th, 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 4^th, 2022.

December’s Freebie Winner AT LAST!

February 1, 2022February 1, 2022 ~ 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.

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 4^th, 2022.

Freebie, It’s Cold Outside!

January 7, 2022January 6, 2022 ~ 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.

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 7^th, 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.

Meet November’s Freebie Winner!

November 30, 2021November 30, 2021 ~ 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.

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

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

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

Belated Freebie Announcement: Better Late Than Never!

November 30, 2021November 30, 2021 ~ 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.

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?

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 3^rd, 2021.

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

FREEBIE BONUS DAY!

November 5, 2021November 5, 2021 ~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 3 Comments

Mother said there’d be days like this!

November’s First Friday Freebie post didn’t post! How aggravating.

I was simply way too busy today to check on it as I usually do. Please feel free to take until midnight on Saturday, November 6th to enter to win by commenting as directed on the original post HERE.

My apologies.

Another Freebie Winner!

September 1, 2021September 1, 2021 ~ Midwest Storyteller

My apologies for running late with this announcement. Not only did I fall behind a bit, but our winner has been under the weather (though I doubt the weather had anything to do with it) and getting it to her and getting a photo has had its challenges.

She was kind enough to snap a picture of her First Friday Freebie in its new home and send it to me, so let’s congratulate and extend get well wishes to –

Liz from Boonville, Missouri!

Liz often enters to win and has been a previous winner, so if you want to meet her, just check out all the past winners and their gifts here on my Freebies! page.

The “Then Sings My Soul” box-style décor is a Hobby Lobby 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.

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”.

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

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

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, September 3^rd, 2021.

A lot of people say, “I never win anything!” I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell me the best thing you’ve ever won.

Meet July’s Freebie Winner!

July 29, 2021July 28, 2021 ~ Midwest Storyteller

If you are in the Midwest, I hope you’re a heat and humidity lover or are blessed to stay in and enjoy some air conditioning. Our air conditioning went out recently and replacement parts were never more welcome. One thing you can enjoy in this weather is a First Friday Freebie, so let’s meet the winner –

First Friday Freebie Winner www.midweststoryteller.com

Ginger from Prairie Home, Missouri!

Congratulations, Ginger! Ginger enters to win on a regular basis so it’s no surprise that she’s happened to win more than one of my First Friday Freebies. Take a look at the inset photo and you’ll see she’s not the only one enjoying it. She used it to decorate the front door of her chicken coop and now all her “ladies” are simply cackling with delight over their new decor.

You can see all the past winners and their gifts here on my Freebies! page.

The bright red metal flower Ginger just won is a Hobby Lobby 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.

Ginger’s been a subscriber ever since the beginning of this blog. She became one by entering her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her 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”.

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

Coming soon: August’s First Friday Freebie – that takes place on Friday, August 6^th. 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.

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, August 6^th, 2021.

A lot of people say, “I never win anything!” I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell me the best thing you’ve ever won.

Meet June’s Freebie Winner!

June 26, 2021June 25, 2021 ~ Midwest Storyteller

June turned hot here in the Midwest and now it’s closing out as wet, wet, wet. Let’s dry off for a minute and meet the winner of June’s First Friday Freebie –

Kathy from Prairie Home, Missouri!

Congratulations, Kathy! I hope you’ve been getting good use out of your lemony freebie, perhaps while serving up some refreshing lemonade on those sweltering days.

Kathy has not only been a winner of my First Friday Freebie before, but has also been a guest here on the blog. She kindly taught me how to do wood burning and make beautiful spoons like the ones she made here and mine also became a First Friday Freebie! You can see those here, learn how we made them and find out who won them here.

I’m waiting for the word from Kathy – if she has another artsy thing to teach us, I’d love to have her share it here on the blog. She’s always doing something fascinating with found items.

The lemony kitchen set that Kathy just won are by Home Collection and you can see the original freebie offer, here.

You can see past First Friday Freebies and their winners on my Freebies! page 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.

Kathy’s been a subscriber for a while now. She became one by entering her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her 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”.

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

Coming soon: July’s First Friday Freebie – that takes place on Friday, July 2^nd. You’ll be able to see a photo of the Freebie and 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: 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, July 2^nd, 2021.

I’d love to hear from you, especially if anyone has any ideas about how we can divert some of this rain to parts of the country that so desperately need it right now. We are having road closures due to all the flooding and it is one soggy mess around here.

Announcing May’s Freebie Winner!

June 2, 2021June 2, 2021 ~ Midwest Storyteller

May is known for being merry and for the flowers brought on my April’s showers, but let’s not forget the First Friday Freebie. Meet the winner –

Ruby from Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Ruby! Thank you for the photo and I’m glad you like the reminder that “Everything is ‘figure-out-able’”. It may not win any grammar prizes, but it does help us take a deep breath in the midst of the stuff of life and let our worries go.

Ruby has been a winner here at Midwest Storyteller before and that’s because she is faithful to enter the drawing each and every month.

This little wooden block was a Hobby Lobby find. If you’d like to see the original freebie offer, click here.

Ruby is a long-time subscriber. All she did was enter her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirm her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox. If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know as I am trying to work out a few bugs with that. It seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.

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

Coming soon: June’s First Friday Freebie in celebration of summer! That takes place on Friday, June 4^th. You’ll be able to see a photo of the Freebie and 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.

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, June 4^th, 2021.

I can only hope that June in your neck of the woods is as beautiful as it is here right now. Perfect temperatures, lush greenery and beautiful blooms are all around.

April’s Freebie – At Home in the Sunshine State!

May 5, 2021May 4, 2021 ~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

If you’ve been a regular here at Midwest Storyteller, you can’t help but be familiar with April’s winner of my First Friday Freebie. I was so happy to send it on its way to –

Diane Yates in Lake Alfred, Florida!

Congratulations, Diane! I hope you enjoy this little birdie as you stroll along your garden path.

Diane has made previous appearances here on the blog. She’s a fellow writer and great friend and I know that some of you have either won as a freebie or purchased one of her great books. You can find them all at dianeyates.com

If you missed my interview with Diane, check it out here.

This garden pick by Spring Shop was a Hobby Lobby find. I love a great excuse to visit that store (as you can probably tell). If you’d like to see the original freebie offer, click here.

Diane entered her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox. If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know as I am trying to work out a few bugs with that. It seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.

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

Coming soon: May’s First Friday Freebie! That takes place on Friday, May 7^th. You’ll be able to see a photo of the Freebie and 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.

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, May 7^th, 2021. And, by the way, welcome to the most beautiful month of the year! Well, at least if you live in the Midwest.

Say Hello to March’s Freebie Winner – AGAIN!

March 24, 2021March 23, 2021 ~ Midwest Storyteller

Disclaimer: Lest you think this drawing is rigged, I hereby announce that this is a first in my First Friday Freebie world.

Our February winner is also our March winner! Let’s meet the two-in-a-row winner –

Christine in Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Christine! Christine has certainly found out that it pays to subscribe and then enter to win – maybe not early, but certainly often. Thanks so much for sending me this photo.

This adorable bunny pillow cover is a great Hobby Lobby find that will bring Christine’s décor right into the spirit of spring. If you’d like to see the original freebie offer, click here. If you’d like to see what Christine won last month, click here.

You can see past First Friday Freebies and their winners on my Freebies! page 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.

Christine entered her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox. If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know as I am trying to work out a few bugs with that. It seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.

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

Coming soon: April’s First Friday Freebie! That takes place on Friday, April 2^nd. You’ll be able to see a photo of the Freebie and 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.

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.

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, April 2^nd, 2021. No foolin’!

Announcing February’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021 ~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

My February Freebie got all caught up in the snow, snow and more snow, which had me confined more than usual. Once things finally cleared up, I was able to get it to the winner –

Christine in Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Christine! Enjoy your gift and thank you for subscribing and entering to win.

If you’d like to find out what’s inside the cute, sparkly box Christine is holding, see the original freebie offer here.

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

Coming up: March’s First Friday Freebie! That takes place on Friday, March 5^th. You’ll be able to see a photo of the Freebie and enter to win 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.

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, March 5^th, 2021.

Are you ready to hop into spring? March’s Freebie will put you in the mood!

Meet 2021’s First First Friday Freebie Winner!

February 4, 2021February 3, 2021 ~ Midwest Storyteller

I’m excited to announce the winner of January’s First Friday Freebie. Sometimes my Freebies have to take a little journey to arrive at their new home.

This one did do some traveling – all the way to –

Janine in Rochester, New York!

Congratulations, Janine! Enjoy your goodies and thank you for subscribing and entering to win.

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer, check it out here.

You can see past First Friday Freebies and their winners on my Freebies! page 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.

Janine entered her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox. If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know as I am trying to work out a few bugs with that.

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

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. Get the idea?

Coming up: February’s First Friday Freebie! That takes place on Friday, February 5^th. You’ll be able to see a photo of the Freebie and enter to win all day that day. Don’t forget to check your email for the reveal.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing.

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 5^th, 2021.

Preparing to say “Happy Valentine’s Day“ to someone special? You can keep this Freebie for yourself – or maybe not!

After the Glitch: Meet November’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

December 30, 2020December 30, 2020 ~ Midwest Storyteller

In some ways, I have my ducks in a row. In others, not so much. Throw a monkey wrench into my well-oiled plans and I’m likely to forget I had any plans at all. November’s First Friday Freebie was chosen in a timely manner and in the usual way. And then, emails just didn’t seem to be moving back and forth in their proper cyber-flow and I lost contact with the winner. By the time this got sorted out and the Freebie got into the hands of the postal service, and the Freebie took it’s cross-country journey, I succumbed to CPO (Christmas Preparation Overload)! This condition, complicated by my chronic state of GCED (Grandchild Comes Every Day), led me to lose complete track of things.

Anyhow, let’s meet the winner –

Jean from Hurricane Utah!

Congratulations, Jean! I’m so glad you entered to win!

Jean received this autographed copy of Diane Yates new novella, “Christmas on the High Seas”. I’m hoping that COP did not prevent her from enjoying this great read in time to enjoy it during the Christmas season.

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer, check it out and enjoy a brief interview with Diane Yates about this Christmas romance here.

Jean entered her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox. If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know as I am trying to work out a few bugs with that.

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

Coming up: December’s winner! Then, 2021 and another great drawing are just around the corner on Friday, January 1^st. I’ll surprise you that morning with the announcement and photo of January’s free gift, so don’t forget to check it out.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing.

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, January 1^st, 2021.

Preparing to say “goodbye” to 2020? It’s been quite a year! Blessings on your life as we enter a bright and happy new year!

Meet September’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

October 1, 2020September 30, 2020 ~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

Autumn officially arrived a little over a week ago and the days have been just lovely here, even the rainy ones, for it has been the kind of rain that feels appropriate for the transition of the seasons.

As we now greet October, color is due to arrive where we live and I am always in hopes that science equals beauty. All the right amounts of rain at just the exact times causes a burst of orange, gold and burgundy and that certain red that can only be described as “fall red”. While we wait for it, let’s meet the latest winner of Midwest Storyteller’s First Friday Freebie.

September’s free gift found its home with –

Debby from Boonville, Missouri

Debby is a first time winner here on the blog. Congratulations, Debby! I hope you enjoy your diamond dial watch and I know it will go with lots of your outfits for fall.

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer and have a better look at the beautiful watch Debby won, click here.

Debby is a fairly new subscriber and you must be an email subscriber to enter to win. She did that entering her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirming her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox. And that, dear friends, is just as free as the freebie! 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.

October’s drawing will take place tomorrow on Friday, October 2^nd. I’ll surprise you in the morning with the announcement and photo of October’s free gift, so don’t forget to check it out.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing.

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, October 2^nd, 2020.

If you’ve won one of my Freebies in the past, leave a comment today and let me know how you liked it. Did you gift it to someone special or keep it for yourself?

Meet August’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

September 1, 2020August 31, 2020 ~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

Here we are winding down to the end of summer. Time to meet the latest winner of Midwest Storyteller’s First Friday Freebie. This winner is yet another example of why it pays to enter often.

August’s free gift goes to –

Freebie Winner August 2020 midweststoryteller.com

Jenny from Boonville, Missouri

Jenny’s name has been drawn a couple of times in the past because she just keeps entering to win almost every month!

Congratulations, Jenny! I hope you “find JOY” in your Freebie!

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer and have a better look at the “Find Joy in Everything” wood and metal wall art that Jenny won, click here.

Jenny subscribed by entering her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirming her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox. This 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.

September’s drawing will take place on Friday, September 4^th.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing.

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, September 4^th, 2020.

If you’ve won one of my Freebies in the past, leave a comment today and let me know how you liked it. Did you gift it to someone special or keep it for yourself?