Midwest Storyteller Freebie

Meet November’s Freebie Winner!

~ 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. 

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.  Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free.  Does it get any better than this?

Coming up on December 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, December 2nd, 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!

Be Blessed with a First Friday Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

Oh, that November could hold on just as it is, I say as I sit here at the computer at night with the windows open.  That’s right – and I’m not even wearing a sweater.  This is my idea of fall.

I lingered outdoors with Phoebe June, but finally had to come in and finish this post so you could have a First Friday Freebie!  Don’t take it personally, but she hissed when I nudged her out of her dusky spying lair under the backyard swing. I don’t think she thought giving you a freebie was half as important as exercising her pouncabilities. Let’s take a look –

Gather, Rest, be happy & BLESSED www.midweststoryteller.com

This embossed metal sign carries the message that our hearts long for.  Smuffy has so often said, “This year, I’m going to take a long winter’s nap.”  (Then, he has a million indoor projects and never really gets one.)  We feel things beginning to slow a bit around here even though there is still much to be done to this old house.  To “gather, rest, be happy and blessed” is, I believe, what God wants for us in winter.  I couldn’t resist giving you this freebie as a wish that you’d experience a time of enjoying your loved ones, resting and relaxing and counting your blessings, realizing that they are truly new every morning.

The sign measures 8” square and its neutral gray color fades at the edges to look just a bit worn.  It also features a rope hanger should you want to hang it on a wall rather than prop it on a shelf or easel (or on a tree as I did). This was a Hobby Lobby find that I hope you enjoy.  The words remind me of the Scripture in Hebrews 4: 10-11, where we are told,  “For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter His rest.”  Throughout Scripture, we are told to fear not, fret not, and worry not.  There seems to be just this one area in which God tells us to strive and make effort and that is to rest.  You have His permission!

To enter to win the “Gather, Rest…” metal sign, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m ready to be blessed with rest.”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, November 4th, 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.

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.

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, November 4th, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m ready to be blessed with rest!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy enjoy every minute of these fleeting beautiful days.

Be sure to take a look at my latest soup recipe – it’s Lil’ Snookie’s favorite!

October’s Freebie Winner!

~ 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. 

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.  Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free.  Does it get any better than this?

On November 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, November 4th, 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.

There’s a Nip and a Freebie in the Air!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

Hello Dear Readers and Hello October!  A person can’t get too many days like the ones we’ve been having.  I’ve been spending as much time with Lil’ Snookie out in the open spaces as I possibly can.  Now his first question when he arrives at my door is, “Going to the park today?”  And so, off we go!  The only one who is unhappy is Phoebe June, who would much rather we stay home and play in the back yard because she can then go out with us.  She’s a little disgruntled and insulted about the harness because it inhibits her ability to consider herself fully free and “on the hunt”, but she can’t have her way all the time.  She has plenty to say on her own page here.

Speaking of free – Today’s the day!  Welcome to October’s First Friday Freebie.

You know how I love to bless you with a spot of cute décor –

Give Thanks Hobby Lobby Decor www.midweststoryteller

At this time of year especially, it does the soul good to stop and take stock of all the ways you’ve been blessed throughout the year and offer up thanks to the Giver of all good things.  This painted wooden tabletop décor measures approximately 3” X 6” and encourages us to “in all things give thanks”.  It’s about an inch thick so it won’t easily topple and at the top you can insert something as a nod to any season (as I did with the leaves in the photo) or just insert that great photo of the people you’re most thankful for.  If you happen to be a lover of Scripture, this will also serve to remind you of I Thessalonians 5:18.  This was a great find at Hobby Lobby and I hope you enjoy it. 

To enter to win the Give Thanks décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I have much to be grateful for!”  Somehow, we can all say that, even if we have been having our share of troubles lately.  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, October 7th, 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, October 7th, by leaving a comment which says, “I have much to be grateful for!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Oh that we could spend each and every glorious day ahead just taking walks and enjoying lower temperatures and humidity.  Smuffy is building a porch and I have many irons in the fire as well but we plan to snatch every pleasant moment ahead before winter sets in.  I hope you can, too.

Meet the Freebie Winners!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

This post is where you get to see me playing catch-up.  Life has happened and it’s been a struggle to keep up here on the blog this summer, but the First Friday Freebies have not stopped – I’ve just had an issue with making the announcements.  Let’s take a look at who’s been winning  –

Summer Freebie Winners www.midweststoryteller.com

Now for my list of lame excuses. 

In June, Lee Ann entered to win and received the pretty “beachy” necklace you can see here.  In her defense, she did send me a photo.  However, it has vanished so I’m assuming I somehow deleted it by accident.

July’s winner, Vikki, has not sent me a photo.  She won the sparkly patriotic earrings you can see here.  I know her well enough to guess that she probably hoped I’d forget about the photo as she’s not fond of “making appearances”.  I can, however, get around this because of her status as a previous winner.  Here she is with the comfy-cozy scarf she won on another first Friday.

August was a bust.  We had router problems which held hands with server problems and during the days I should have been preparing and posting the August First Friday Freebie we had cyber chaos.  I started to get all frantic about it and finally just took a deep breath and made peace with the fact that stuff happens and if there was no August freebie, the world would keep on turning.

In September, the First Friday Freebie went to Debby (pictured above) and I did get a photo.  Congratulations, Debby!  I hope you enjoy this fun bit of harvest décor and find a place in your home to display it.  It was a fun find at Hobby Lobby.

Well now!  I’m starting to feel like I’m getting back on track!  Let’s hope it stays that way because the busy season is upon us.  I enjoy blessing my readers with free gifts and also the gift of good laughs and good food, so look for some great recipes and a couple of tales from the most popular page on my blog, Life With Smuffy coming up soon.

Lee Ann, Vikki and Debby 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. 

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.  Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free.  Does it get any better than this?

On October 7th, 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, October 7th, 2022.

October is a month of autumn splendor.  If you live in the Midwest, October makes you feel a bit sorry for the folks who live where the seasons don’t change – those people who just enjoy day after day in the same old tropical paradise.  That sympathetic feeling leaves us usually around January 2nd.

Freebies Return for Fall!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

Just the little flip of the calendar from August to September makes you want to sniff the air for the scent of pumpkin “something”.  We’re actually trying not to sniff too hard right now around our house because our great outdoors is not so great.  “Something” is out there.  We don’t know what it is or where it is, but we do know it’s dead.  I have been informed by Lil’ Snookie that he “smell sumping.  I don’t like it.”  We may have to diffuse pumpkin spice scent all over our back yard pretty soon. 

Now that I’ve gone unpleasantly off-topic, let’s get back to Freebies.  Last month’s first Friday fell victim to circumstances.  The internet went off, the router suffered the same fate as that mysterious carcass (blessedly without the stench) and Lil’ Snookie didn’t allow me the hours I needed to sort the whole thing out in time to post the First Friday Freebie.  Again – my apologies.

I’m here to help you get back in the mood with this bit of cute décor –

Autumn Acres Sign www.midweststoryteller.com

This Autumn Acres sign will direct people straight to your pumpkin patch.  It measures 6” X 4” so it’s small enough to tuck into a shelf or prop on an easel on your desk or counter.  It does have an attached twine to hang it on the wall as well.  Does it matter that you may not be offering apple cider, hay rides and hot cocoa to your guests?  Of course not – we can all pretend. 

This was a great find at Hobby Lobby and I hope you enjoy it. 

To enter to win the Autumn Acres sign, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Bring on the autumn days!”  We’re ready for them here in the Midwest – it’s been a long, hot summer.  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, September 2nd, 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, September 2nd, by leaving a comment which says, “Bring on the autumn days!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Oh that we could spend each and every glorious day ahead just taking walks and enjoying lower temperatures and humidity.  Smuffy is building a porch and I have many irons in the fire as well but we plan to snatch every pleasant moment ahead before winter sets in.  I hope you can, too.

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.

April’s Freebie Winner!

~ 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. 

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 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 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 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 6th, 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!

~ 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!

This Freebie Brings Bling!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

The sounds of autumn are coming through the open windows of my office as I type this and I marvel that I find it a pleasant sound when it is actually a multitude of the insect host singing whatever it is they sing to each other this time of year.  God bless the one who invented window screens.  The sound does signal the end of heat and humidity and that’s a good thing. 

It’s almost three more weeks until the season changes officially, but you’re right on time for the September First Friday Freebie!  Let’s take a look.

Once at a ladies’ function, we played a “getting to know you” game where we had to jot down on a piece of paper “two things you love and one thing you hate” and toss the paper into the bowl.  When the bowl makes a second pass around the room, someone else draws your paper and tries to guess who may have dropped this list into the bowl.  I remember that when I played this, one of the things I jotted down that I loved was jewelry.  I do love a bit of bling.  I could so keep this freebie, but it’s all yours.

This pretty necklace by Accessory Connection is a long one.  It has an adjustable chain section that extends from 32” to 35”.  The “Y” section at the bottom adds an additional 2.5”.  This makes it great to throw on over all your great fall sweaters and tops.  Double chains of both black and gold (not visible in the photo) meet up with the beaded section which has iridescent beads in black, pale amber and a color I can’t decide whether it is a smoky blue or a smoky purple.  A small stone in the “Y” section hovers above a teardrop pendant that I’d describe as a golden caramel color. 

I took several photos trying to get the colors to appear as they do in reality, but the bottom pendant seemed to look washed out in every single one.  Anyhow, it’s prettier than the photo.

Factory Connection is a great store to find cute jewelry and other accessories along with some fashion clothing.  I don’t get there often, but when I do I often find great prices on items like this freebie.  Check out their website here for locations near you.

To enter to win the beaded necklace, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying “Bring me some bling!”.  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, September 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, September 3rd by leaving a comment which says, “Bring me some bling!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here. 

Why not subscribe and confirm right now before you forget?

While you’re waiting to find out if you’re the winner, you’ll love a good Smuffy story – the most popular thing on my blog. Our Smokin’ Hot Honeymoon is a great place to start.

May your windows be open, may your hair un-frizz and may you sniff the first hints of fall!

Another Freebie Winner!

~ 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”. 

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

A Summer Freebie for Your Soul!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 5 Comments

Welcome to August!  (I say that like I’m hosting the month personally.)  Actually, I’m missing out on a lot of it due to the Big Kitchen Crunch, but that has nothing to do with Freebies unless you count the fact that it’s forcing me to do this post past my bedtime.

Yes, it’s the First Friday and that means that commenting as directed in this post will enter you to win my August Freebie.  Let’s take a look at it.

Then Sings My Soul Freebie www.midweststoryteller.com

This black and white wooden décor will look great on your table or tucked into a shelf.  It measures 4.875” X 7.375” including the knob on top and if you’re up on your old hymns, it reminds of that famous one, “How Great Thou Art”.  The little damask print bit of stenciled art at the left adds just the right touch and I think it will look great year round as well as with all your upcoming fall decorations.  It’s a Hobby Lobby find, because, as you may have noticed, I can’t stay out of that place.

To enter to win the “Then Sings My Soul” décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying just that, “Then Sings My Soul”.  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, August 6th, 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, August 6th by leaving a comment which says, “Then Sings My Soul”. 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here. 

Why not subscribe and confirm right now before you forget?

Summer’s winding down.  Enjoy every minute of warmth and bloom.

Meet July’s Freebie Winner!

~ 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”. 

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

Celebrating Freedom and a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 10 Comments

Since Smuffy shares a birthday with the greatest country on earth, things will be busy for me in the next couple of days.  So, let me take this First Friday Freebie post to also wish you a Happy & Free Independence Day! (And, Happy Birthday, Smuffy!)  I invite you to make this Sunday more than a great time for family and fireworks.  Spend some time with those you love celebrating the real meaning of what it means to be an American and the brilliance and freedoms established and granted to us by our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.  These are short documents, but do we know what’s in them?  We are a country of political will and ideals that are not found anywhere else on earth. 

If I may quote Ronald Reagan from a 1988 speech –

“America represents something universal in the human spirit. I received a letter not long ago from a man who said, ‘You can go to Japan to live, but you cannot become Japanese. You can go to France to live and not become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey, and you won’t become a German or a Turk.’ But then he added, ‘Anybody from any corner of the world can come to America to live and become an American.'”

I just heard some early fireworks going off outside as I finished typing that quote, as if to punctuate this truth.

Now, remembering that today is the first Friday of the month, let’s take a look at your Freebie.

The Spring Shop Red Daisy www.midweststoryteller.com

This bright red metal daisy with its sunny yellow center from The Spring Shop shouts of summer and also of the fact that I’ve been roaming around Hobby Lobby again.  It measures 8.75” across and is ½” deep.  My first thought how this would make your garden area pop if hung on a fence.  Then, I quickly realized that it would look great inside the house as well, adding a little summer to any room.  Kitchen, kids’ room, porch – anywhere that bit of red to catch the eye is needed.

To enter to win the red metal daisy, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I love freedom and a freebie!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, July 2nd, 2021.

NOTE:  There seems to be an occasional problem with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  If this happens, please 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 love it when people enjoy my blog stories and recipes and get excited about winning freebies.  Share with all 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!

Subscribers win every single month!  On the “Freebies” page, you’ll be able to see what they’ve been winning.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, July 2nd by leaving a comment which says, “I love freedom and a freebie!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here. 

Why not subscribe and confirm right now before you forget?

Do you have special Independence Day traditions?  Leave a comment and let me know how you make the day special.

When Life Gives You Lemons, It’s a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

It seems we careened past Memorial Day and now have come to a pleasant pause with our toes on the edge of summer.  There’s a freshness to this new beginning that makes me want to plan outings or just sit in the back yard chaise and watch Phoebe June chase bugs and lizards and give squirrels a piece of her mind.  The planting is finished, the weeds are pulled (for a while) and blooms are popping. 

A little summer citrus fits in just perfectly with the season, so let’s have a lemon First Friday Freebie!

Lemony Kitchen Linens www.midweststoryteller.com

These lemony additions to your kitchen by Home Collection are both useful and pretty.  Included are two 7” potholders and a 15” X 25” microfiber dish towel.  They’ll freshen up your décor with a summer feel while you’re preparing all those trim and healthy summer recipes to nourish your family.  Wink!  Wink!

To enter to win the lemon kitchen set, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m squeezing the best out of summer!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, June 4th, 2021.

NOTE:  There seems to be an occasional problem with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  If this happens, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know 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.

Let’s get the word out!  I love it when people enjoy my blog stories and recipes and get excited about winning freebies.  Share with all 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”.

Subscribers win every single month!  On the “Freebies” page, you’ll be able to see what they’ve been winning.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, June 4th by leaving a comment which says, “I’m squeezing the best out of summer!” 

After you do that, fix a lemonade, go outside and dream up your plans for a fun summer!

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here. 

Why not subscribe and confirm right now before you forget?

Leave a comment.  What are your plans for making Summer 2021 lots more fun than last year. That’s not a very high bar to set, now is it? 

Announcing May’s Freebie Winner!

~ 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. 

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.

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”. 

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:  June’s First Friday Freebie in celebration of summer!  That takes place on Friday, June 4th.   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, June 4th, 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.