Midwest Storyteller Freebie

Of Course, You “May” Have a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later.  There would come a month that I would go straight from First Friday to First Friday with nary a post in between.  All I can say about this regrettable situation is that this is what happens when your daily charge is 16 months old, walking and talking and it’s also weed pulling/planting time.  I had loads of fun this week, but most of it was spent as being Lil’ Snookie’s on-demand playmate.  I didn’t bother to count, but today it felt like we played 4,672 games of “Pi!” (his way of saying “Surprise!”).  This involves running around to opposite sides of the bed, ducking down, popping up with hands in the air to say “Pi!” and then ducking back down to crawl/toddle around the end of the bed where we meet to giggle and tussle. 

One of us is thrilled to no end with this and the other is overwhelmed by the cuteness but not getting to the computer to be much of a storyteller.  My apologies, but I’m not gonna quit my day job.

Oh, well, as my mother used to say, it’ll all come out in the wash.

I love the sayings people have that serve as a reminder to shrug off worry.  The Scriptures tell us not to worry about tomorrow because each day has enough troubles of its own.  How true!  Worrying today about tomorrow only piles more troubles onto a day that already is bound to have its own share of ups and downs.

At various times when I listen to the Trim Healthy Mama podcast, I’ve heard Serene and Pearl share that their mother often says, “Things come and things go” when asked about life’s difficulties.

Perhaps it’s weed-pulling season that brings these sayings to mind, for it does give me time to ponder and pluck up not only the weeds from the ground, but weedy worries from my mind.  The beauty of spring helps with that – everything’s starting over.

That’s why this month’s First Friday Freebie caught my eye.  I thought it might serve as a great reminder to one of my special readers who needs to pluck up some worries and toss them out.

Everything is Figure-out-able www.midweststoryteller.com

This inspirational table or shelf décor will help you do just that.  While I’m not sure that absolutely everything is figure-out-able (because there are just some things we are not meant to know), I love this saying.  It’s another phrase that will stick in your head to remind you that your sticky situation is going to go just as it came, or come out in the final wash or you’re going to be granted a solution.  The wood block from The Spring Shop is one of my Hobby Lobby finds and measures 4” X 3”, so it will tuck in perfectly amongst your other décor.  The white lettering and painted floral accent bring the message with a hint of summer.

To enter to win the “Everything is Figure-out-able” wood block, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “This may be the best day ever!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, May 7th, 2021!

NOTE:  There seems to be an occasional problem with subscribers not receiving r 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.

Help me get the word out so that more people can enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so 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, May 7th by leaving a comment which says, “This may be the best day ever!”  After you do that, you can go out and have fun, smell the flowers, pluck a weed or two and toss them out with your troubles. It’s spring!  Sow a little positivity.

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here. 

Those four steps are simple and quick! Why not subscribe and confirm right now before you forget?

How are you enjoying this most beautiful month of the year?  What new things and old favorites are you growing in you garden? I’d love it if you’d share in the comments. 

It’s Freebie Time – No Foolin’!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 11 Comments

That was yesterday.  And I didn’t play a prank on anybody, although I did have a really good laugh at Smuffy’s expense, but that’s a story for another day.

April has arrived and I’m so excited.  March consisted of winter, false spring, scenes from Wuthering Heights, Spring Glimmer, See One Bloom and Dance Day, followed by Curly Girl Wind Alert Week and then Sunny Winter.  April, though often rainy, brings a slight reduction in meteorological mood swings.  (Except for those tornadoes and we try not to think about those.)

And, of course, it brings to those who are subscribers of Midwest Storyteller, a First Friday Freebie!  Today’s the day, so let’s look at what you can enter to win –

Hobby Lobby Garden Pick www.midweststoryteller.com

This garden pick by The Spring Shop is yet another great Hobby Lobby find.  It will not only add some whimsy and color to your flower bed or pot, but also a faint tinkle should the wind set the little bell in motion.  A cute little bird and red flower adorn this metal pick and will draw the eye to whatever plants you want to accent.

To enter to win the bird and bell garden pick, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Let’s get outside!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, April 2nd, 2021!

NOTE:  There seems to be an occasional problem here on the blog with subscribers not receiving their confirmation email.  If this happens, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know so that I can report these instances 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.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so 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, April 2nd by leaving a comment which says, “Let’s get outside!”  After that, please, go outside!

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here. 

Those four steps are simple and quick! Why not subscribe and confirm right now before you forget?

Much more important that this being Freebie Day, it is Good Friday (or God’s Friday).  I pray all the blessings upon you that the Messiah gave His life on this day to bestow upon you.  Spend these Holy Days with your family and enjoy one another.  Sunday for us is the grandest, happiest day of the whole year as we celebrate that fact that the tomb was found empty and Jesus is ALIVE! 

Comments?  How are you celebrating this glorious weekend?  I’d love it if you’d share. 

Hop Into Spring with This Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 11 Comments

March can be cold.  It can be dank.  It can be way too windy.  We shall see what the rest of the month brings here in the Midwest, because March has certainly come in like a lamb so far.  Glorious days with just a light jacket or no jacket at all have been perfect for getting outside again.  It makes you feel almost as happy and carefree as if you’d just won a First Friday Freebie!  That’s something to relish in case it decides to go out like a lion. 

Winnie the Pooh observed that no one – not even Eeyore – could be un-cheered by a balloon.  I feel the same way about bunnies and tulips, so cheer up and enter to win –

This 16” spring pillow cover made me just a little sad, however, but only because there was only one and I wanted one for myself as well.  As I wrench it from my grasping fingers, I declare today that it’s all yours!  The cute, brown bunny amidst the eye-popping tulips in all their various spring colors should go wonderfully with any décor that needs that added spring touch.  (Note:  Pillow not included.)  A handy zipper along the bottom edge allows you to slip it on over one of your other pillows for the season. My pillow in the photo was less than 16″, so you can fatten up your bunny more with a bigger, puffier one.

To enter to win the bunny pillow cover, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Spring is my thing!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, March 5th, 2021!

NOTE:  There seems to be an occasional problem here on the blog with people trying to subscribe and not receiving their confirmation email.  If this has happened to you, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know so that I can report all these instances and have the issue resolved.

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so hop on over to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

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, March 5th by leaving a comment which says, “Spring is my thing!”

The complete First Friday Freebie rules are found here. 

Those four steps are simple and quick! Why not subscribe and confirm right now before you forget?

Enjoy this month that carries the promise of spring!  Many scientific studies have been done on the benefits of humans being outdoors.  Most of us probably didn’t need science to tell us that.  Our own common sense and instinct tell us to get out and enjoy creation.  The benefits of deep breathing, walking, “grounding” yourself by wiggling your bare toes in the grass are all a part of restoring our physical and psychological well-being after going through the long winter months.

My tulips are up!  So are my hyacinths!  That goes a long way toward making me feel like God’s in His heaven and all’s right with the world, even if I don’t spy any snails and thorns. 

Comments?  I’d love to hear what’s pushing its way through the earth in the place you call home. 

Everyone Loves a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

January is bitter and devoid of Christmas.  March is raw, teasing with its two or three nice days and threatening to never end.  But February?  Right spang in the middle of it, its redeeming quality, Valentine’s Day, comes to brighten up what would appear to be just another set of footprints plodding through the snow and slush till spring.  It doesn’t hurt that chocolate usually enters the picture, too! 

While I had no way of sending you chocolates and my little Sweetheart Valentine has kept me from getting a homemade set of Valentine cards made for you, I do have a bit of cheery bling to offer.

Take a look –

Tortoiseshell Pendant www.midweststoryteller.com

This beautiful pendant on a 28”-30” gold-tone chain followed me home.  It’s from Accessory Connection and I just loved all the movement in the tortoiseshell pieces hanging from the black faceted embellishment, not to mention the detail in the chain that adds the extra sparkle. 

To enter to win the pendant and chain as a Valentine for yourself or for someone you love, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Be My Valentine, Midwest Storyteller!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, February 5th, 2021!

NOTE:  There seems to be a problem here on the blog with people trying to subscribe and not receiving their confirmation email.  If this has happened to you, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know so that I can report all these instances and have the issue solved.

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so hop on over to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

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

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Be My Valentine, Midwest Storyteller!”

And now, click here are the complete rules.

Those four steps are simple and quick!

Take advantage of this “month of love” by sending some Valentines!  I know, I know, it gets all commercialized, but you must admit, we don’t spend enough time telling friends and family how much we love and appreciate them.  Let’s let all the commercialism serve as a nudge. The simplest note or a treat wrapped in red tissue is all it takes to make someone feel special

Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget!  (See note above concerning subscription issues.)

I type this at the end of a raw, blustery day.  Is that the distant call of spring I hear?  Never mind, I think it’s the Roomba. 

Comments or questions?  Share some of your simple ideas for making someone feel loved and appreciated on Valentine’s Day. 

Meet 2021’s First First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ 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. 

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 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 5th.   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. 

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, February 5th, 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!

~ 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.

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.

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. 

 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 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:  December’s winner!  Then, 2021 and another great drawing are just around the corner on Friday, January 1st.   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. 

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, January 1st, 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!    

Cozy Up With December’s Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

This month’s First Friday Freebie is one that you’ll really enjoy and I hope you’ll share it with someone else. 

I’d heard about this for years and had put it on my mental list under “Someday When I Have Time, I’m Going to Get This Book Because I’m Curious”.

From what I’d heard, it seemed to be about a boy and a sweater he’d received one Christmas.  As a novel with such a plot, I couldn’t fathom why the author, Glenn Beck, would put out such a book.  There must be some driving purpose, right?  Some political point?  Some analogy to the times in which we live?

Well, there is a driving purpose and it’s not what you think. 

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck

It takes a while for things to move to the top of my slush pile and when I tell you that this book came out in 2008 and that I just read it a few months ago, you get the idea.  I discovered the purpose of the book at last and I believe that Glenn’s intent was to tell his own story in a unique, entertaining and heartfelt way and, most importantly, to heal your soul.

The copy I am sharing with you today is in large print, making it easy to read for you, young readers or anyone else who needs that feature. 

Yes, it is about a boy and a sweater he received one Christmas just as he entered his trying teen years.  It’s about his loss, his heaving emotions, his relationships with his parents, grandparents and everyone else.  As I read it, I found myself wanting all boys and girls in this stage of life to read it and find that they are not alone and that God cares.  You’ll fly through the pages and won’t be able to put it down. Glenn gets an A+ rating from me on “keeping it clean”.

To enter to win this copy of “The Christmas Sweater”, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Send me The Christmas Sweater!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, December 4th, 2020!

NOTE:  There seems to be a problem here on the blog with people trying to subscribe and not receiving their confirmation email.  If this has happened to you, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know so that I can report all these instances and have the issue solved.

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so hop on over to the right sidebar or use the drop-down menu on your device to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

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

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Send me The Christmas Sweater!”

Be sure to read the complete Freebie Rules here.

Those four steps will take you no time at all!

Don’t let the day slip away!  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget!  (See note above concerning subscription problems.)

Christmas will be here before you know it!  My apologies for moving straight from “Freebie-to-Freebie” this month.  There has been much to distract me as you will see in upcoming posts.

Comments or questions?  I’d love to hear from you!  If you’ve by chance already read “The Christmas Sweater”, please leave a comment and let me know how you liked it!

Meet October’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

I almost didn’t get this announcement out while it’s still October!  The First Friday Freebie found its new home weeks ago, but in case you haven’t heard, I keep my grandbaby every day and am in the middle of the world’s longest kitchen remodel.  I’m just a wee teeny bit distracted. 

Meet the winner –

Ruby from Boonville, Missouri

Congratulations, Ruby!  I know you enter often and that it has paid off.  You’re not a first-time winner.

Ruby won this fall set of two kitchen towels from Fabulous Home’s Fall Harvest Collection.  Measuring 15” X 25”, they are of generous size.  One boasts a plaid of burgundy and gold while the coordinating towel has word art just right for the season. For an extra touch of fall color, you can display (either hanging or sitting) this 5” X 5” metal sign by Dayspring that lovingly lists “Ten Things God Wants You to Remember”.

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer and have a better look at the items Ruby won, 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 entered her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed 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. 

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?

I’m excited about November’s drawing which will take place next Friday on November 6th.   I’ll surprise you that morning with the announcement and photo of November’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. 

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, November 6th, 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?    

You’ll Fall for This Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

When I think of this time of year, what comes to mind is a pot of my Zesty Pumpkin Soup.  Click here for that and remember to use almond milk to stay plan-friendly with Trim Healthy Mama. (And the biscuits in that blog post – not on plan – tasty, but pure Frankenfood.) I also think of digging out my boots and scarves, going on outings with friends while the weather is brisk and the colors are bright.  I dream of having friends over for comfort food!

To do that, I like a touch of fall in the house, even in the kitchen.  You probably do, too, and that’s why I think you’ll enjoy October’s First Friday Freebie!

You’ll be hostessing in style with this fall set of two kitchen towels from Fabulous Home’s Fall Harvest Collection.  Measuring 15” X 25”, they are of generous size.  One boasts a plaid of burgundy and gold while the coordinating towel has word art just right for the season. For an extra touch of fall color, you can display (either hanging or sitting) this 5” X 5” metal sign by Dayspring that lovingly lists “Ten Things God Wants You to Remember”.

To enter to win this fall towel set and metal sign, leave a comment on this post before midnight tonight, October 2nd, 2020 and be sure to say, “I’ve fallen for the Freebie!”

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so subscribe now over at the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

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

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

Click here for complete First Friday Freebie rules.

Four simple steps!

If you don’t do it now, you might just forget between now and midnight and miss your opportunity to enter.  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email.

Enjoy these beautiful days if you live in a place where the seasons change.  Winter around here is nothing I care to brag about, but autumn in the Midwest is a glorious sight to behold.  May you revel in the beauty of it all!  Have a picnic.  Take long walks. Gather some folks around a campfire. Just go sit and stare at the handiwork of God.

Comments or questions?  What’s your favorite thing to do this time of year? 

It’s Time for a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

I think you’ll agree with me that as soon as the calendar flipped over to September, it was time for a change!  People have shown an amazing amount of patience in the last several months, but I can sense a certain something in the air that tells me we are all ready for cooler weather, a shift in how we connect with the world and a big dose of normalcy.

I’m here to lift your spirits with a lovely gift!  I think you’ll enjoy September’s First Friday Freebie! 

Freebie Diamond Dial Watch midweststoryteller.com

This gorgeous watch by “Time and True” will help you get back into the swing of things in style.  It has a genuine diamond in the dial and the thing I love most is the self-adjustable bracelet band.  You can see that on the watch in the lower portion of the photo. This means you won’t have to have the band adjusted by adding or removing links. You ask why there are two watches?  I couldn’t resist buying one for myself when I got one just for you!  Smuffy always gets the job of removing links when I buy a watch with a metal band because I have small wrists, so I was thrilled to be able to find such a pretty watch that I could just put on and wear.

The color is a rose gold that leans toward bronze which will look perfect with your fall outfits.

And guys, do you know how many points you’ll score if you win this watch and give it to her “just because”?  I’m trying to help you out here.

So many people have said these last few months that the days have gone by in a blur to the point where they didn’t know what time it was or what day it was.  I’ve found myself feeling the same way.  So, if you’re headed back to school, work or just a more normal life, you might enjoy this First Friday Freebie.  By the way, it is September, it is Friday and it is the 4th day of the month.  Are we all straightened out now?   

To enter to win this “Time and True” Diamond Dial Watch, leave a comment on this post before midnight tonight, September 4th, 2020 and be sure to say, “It’s time I won a Freebie!”

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so subscribe now over at the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

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

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “It’s time I won a Freebie!”

Click here for complete First Friday Freebie rules.

Four simple steps!

If you don’t do it now, tomorrow will dawn and you’ll have missed your opportunity to enter.  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget! 

The days are shorter now.  Autumn will officially be here in less than three weeks.  Decorate your home, pull out the scarves and sweaters and have them ready for that first nippy day.  Things are about to change and, my dear friends, it’s about time!

Next up, (did I say up?) Smuffy’s up to something – WAY up!

Comments or questions?  What have you done in the last few months to keep the joy alive? 

Meet August’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ 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.

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.

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. 

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?

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

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, September 4th, 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?    

It’s Freebie Day – Oh, The Joy!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s August and the weather has been fabulous!  I’m told it’s to be short-lived, but here in the hot, sticky Midwest, we take relief any time we can get it.  To find myself looking in the mirror all throughout the first week of August and not muttering about the frizz and general icky-ness of my mane is almost miraculous – and welcome.  It’s almost as nice as a First Friday Freebie!

The year is now well into its second half and most of us will be glad to see 2020 and its ridiculousness go and we won’t even bother to tell it not to let the screen door smack its fanny on the way out!  Oh!  Wait a minute – I know what we need to do –

My first Friday Freebie is a great reminder to (as the old song goes) count your many blessings and name them one by one.  Or, as the Scripture says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2)  We definitely need reminding. My general tendency right now is toward muttering to myself throughout the day, rehearsing a list of world events and news reports that are stepping on my last frayed nerve.  You know the one.  It’s the nerve that (if I may borrow a phrase from P. G. Wodehouse) is already sticking out an inch and curled on the end.

This 6” X 6” reverse box-top framed word art by “Sign of the Times” has metal lettering and will easily fit into that little nook in your décor that just “needs a little something”.  Right now, we all need a little something.

To enter to win this “Find Joy in Everything” décor, leave a comment on this post before midnight tonight, August 7th, 2020 and be sure to say, “Freebies bring me joy!”

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so subscribe now over to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

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

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Freebies bring me joy!”

Click here for complete First Friday Freebie rules.

Four simple steps!

If you don’t do it now, tomorrow will dawn and you’ll have missed your opportunity to enter.  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget! 

Spend the rest of your summer counting your blessings, even if is something as trivial as a week without frizzy hair!  I have so many things in my life to put on my blessings list.  We are all enjoying good health, this frightful kitchen makeover has made a giant leap forward and my sweet grandbaby is all laughter and smiles as he learns to sit up by himself and eat from a spoon.  He certainly seems to find joy in everything – except pears – and he would have you know that pears are disgusting.

An update on Smuffy’s grand kitchen remodel is coming up soon!

Comments or questions?  What have you done in the last few months to keep the joy alive? 

Meet July’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

I suppose 2020 has been crawling for some people, but not for me.  How in the world did we arrive at August?  It’s almost time for another First Friday Freebie, but before that, let me introduce you to July’s winner –  

Shirley from Boonville, Missouri

Shirley enters often and this time she’s won the beautiful fabric covered remembrance book/journal.

Congratulations, Shirley!  Whether you journal your thoughts or just let it rest somewhere as décor, I hope you enjoy your First Friday Freebie.

If you’d like to see the original First Friday Freebie offer of this great Tuesday Morning find, click here.

Past winners of my First Friday Freebies are on my Freebies! page here.  First Friday Freebiesare for email subscribers only, so be sure to subscribe today if you’d like to enter to win.

Shirley’s name was drawn from among those who commented as instructed after reading the post that appeared on the first Friday of the month.  Becoming a subscriber 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 and you’ll be entered to win. 

I love it when you share my blog posts with your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.  That helps me reach more people and gives them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  That makes life good.

August’s drawing will take place tomorrow on Friday, August 7th.

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, August 7th, 2020.

Spread the word and, most importantly, look for tomorrow’s post and enter to win!   

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Freebies!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

It’s July!  The heat and humidity has arrived here in the Midwest, but so has the First Friday Freebie, so that’s refreshing, isn’t it?

I haven’t figured out how summer can be lazy and crazy at the same time.  I suppose the songwriter was grasping for rhymes or perhaps was just bored to tears between parties or something.

I’ve forgotten what lazy feels like, but I refuse to refer to my days as crazy.  “Wildly blessed” – How’s that?

Having made it through the first half of 2020, I think we all have to admit that it’s been a corker.  Most of us are fed up with events and the lack thereof to the point of wanting to throw a real hissy-fit and scream, “Can’t we all just be together, and normal and nice to each other at the same time?”

Anyhow, it’s been a half-year for the record books and that brings us to this First Friday Freebie.

This beautiful fabric covered remembrance book/journal (a great find from Tuesday Morning) looks handmade and is ready for you to record precious memories, daily happenings, observations on life or perhaps tuck in photos.  The way things are going, a few prayers wouldn’t hurt. As an item of décor, it’s lovely!  French themed and measuring 7″X 4 3/4″, it has the appearance of having been passed down through the generations.  Aged prints decorate the inside covers. The blank pages, appearing browned with age, are simply secured to the binding with satin and lace ribbons that run through the metal rivets of the cover.  This allows the individual pages to be easily taken out in case you’d like to remove them in the future for sharing or copying.

Some people love to journal.  Some don’t.  If there’s ever been a time in your life to jot down your thoughts – it’s now.  You’ll want to leave behind your version of the historical times we live in.  I have a friend who loves to have ladies over for tea as much as I do and I envision her using this journal as her guest book.  You might find that keeping a “treasure book” such as this a great thing to have handy so that you can quickly record the milestones or just the cute things your children or grandchildren do or say.

To enter to win this beautiful journal, you’ll need to “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “The pretty journal, pretty please!” Be sure to do that before midnight TONIGHT, July 3rd, 2020!

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so subscribe now over to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

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

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “The pretty journal, pretty please!”

Click here for complete First Friday Freebie rules.

Four simple steps!

Don’t let the day slip away!  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget! 

May your summer be spent with the people, places and events you love and cherish enough to record in this beautiful book!

Comments or questions?  I’d love to hear from you! 

Announcing June’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

My goodness!  What a month!  I won’t get into the whole story while I’m announcing the freebie winner, but you’ll see in an upcoming post why I’ve had little time for blogging lately.

June’s First Friday Freebie goes to a three time winner –

Ruth from St. Louis, Missouri!

To give you a hint as to how distracted and busy I’ve been, you can see here that I’ve had to do a little bit of hurried, and unprofessional, photo editing of Ruth from one of her past wins.  (I’ve had some major problems getting to the post office lately and that left little time for us to send, receive and get a photo back.  Sigh…)

Ruth enters almost every month and it’s paying off!  This time, she’s won three copies of the U. S. Constitution.  I’m sure she’ll find a couple of friends to share the extras with who may already know and love this great document that grants us our rights and freedoms or maybe she’ll give them to someone who needs to get acquainted with it.

Congratulations, Ruth!  I hope you enjoy your First Friday Freebie – again!

If you’d like to see my original First Friday Freebie offer and find out why I chose to give away copies of the U. S. Constitution, 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.

Ruth 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 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?

July’s drawing will take place tomorrow on Friday, July 3rd.

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, July 3rd, 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?    

Announcing May’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

If you’ve been keeping up with me here on the blog then you know why I’m slow in getting this announcement made.  Smuffy’s grand remodel is all consuming and I do have to stop once in a while to clean what can be cleaned, snuggle Phoebe June, have a little melt-down and, of course, play toys, read books and sing songs with my Lil’ Snookie.  He’s five months old now, sprouting teeth, rolling over and liking his grandma to be as interactive as possible.  (It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.  Tee-hee!)

May’s First Friday Freebie has found a new home in the Ozarks!  Let’s meet the winner –

Freebie Winner Carol midweststoryteller.com

Carol from Branson, Missouri

Carol may have had time to finish reading her free copy of “All That Matters” by Diane Yates by now!  If so, please comment and treat us all to a book review.

Congratulations, Carol, and I hope you truly enjoy it!

If you’re curious about this great read, I encourage you to check out my interview with author Diane Yates here where you can also read my review of her first book, “Pathways of the Heart”.  I would encourage you all to visit Diane’s website at dianeyates.com and take a look at what she as to offer.  I’ve also read her novel, “Melissa’s Fate” and I know you’ll be captivated by the story in that book.  Diane has a brand new novel out now called, “Impossible Fate” and you can find that on her website as well.

If you’re wondering what “All That Matters” is all about, see my original First Friday Freebie offer along with my comments 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.

Carol 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 and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies are my way of reaching more people with the stories, recipes and more of the stuff of life.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  It’s one of those “I win – You win – We all win” situations!

June’s drawing will take place tomorrow on Friday, June 5th.

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.

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

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, June 5th, 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?    

May Day! May Day! First Friday Freebie to the Rescue!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 5 Comments

I couldn’t resist that one.  Merry May, Everyone!

Can you believe it’s May?  We’re promised about a half week of frolicking weather and then (so the weather lady just said) we’ll settle in for another little stretch of chilly stuff.  I’m over it, folks.  The upside is that it might give some of you a little extra snuggling in time because this month’s First Friday Freebie is another great read!

You may recall that a little over a year ago, I wrote a book review of a true story called “Pathways of the Heart” and interviewed the author, Diane Yates.  If you missed out on that or need a refresher, you can catch up on that here in “An Interview with Author Diane Yates”. 

Today, I’m offering one of you a free copy of the sequel –

Book, "All That Matters" by Diane Yates www.midweststoryteller.com

You may be distancing yourself from some of the people you know, love and care about right now, but there’s no need to separate yourself from a story like this one!

“Pathways of the Heart” is the story of Diane’s mother, Clella.  “All That Matters” picks up where “Pathways…” leaves off and follows Clella’s struggles, her joys, her decisions good and bad and her love story as she demonstrates her strong will and discovers “All That Matters”. 

If you read “Pathways of the Heart”, I know you were rooting for Clella, nudging her forward and shedding a tear as if she’d been your own mom.  Diane related the story just as it was, weaving the story from her own experiences and the accounts shared by her parents and family members.   If you haven’t read this book yet, you might want to check out Diane’s writings here and get yourself a copy! While you’re there, you’ll want to pick up the two new novels she has written as well.

Like “Pathways…”, “All That Matters” causes us to connect with our own hopes, dreams, shortcomings and disappointments, while it pulls us along with hope and promise.  Though it tells of real people making real mistakes, it is in no way too graphic to share with your teens.

While the original story began in the Ozarks of the 1920’s, this sequel follows Clella (now called Catherine) from 1957 as she finds herself starting over in Texas with her new love.  Again, with her, you’ll experience love, loss and the search for an everlasting love.

To enter to win “All That Matters”, you’ll need to “Leave a Comment” on this post, asking, “May I have this great book?”  Be sure to do that before midnight TONIGHT, May 1st, 2020!

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so hop on over to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “May I have this great book?”

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Four simple steps!

Don’t let the day slip away!  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget! 

May the merry month of May bring you glorious, sunshiny, flower-filled days and may you finally get to spend them with the people you love!

Comments or questions?  I’d love to hear from you!  Please leave a comment telling me what good books you’ve read lately.  And, I always love to ask – what is your favorite book of all time?

April’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 3 Comments

Here where I live, only in the last week or so have we really minded much that we’re cooped up because it’s been nippy and that makes for great reading weather.  I can tell from social media that many of you are also busy with home improvements and long-procrastinated closet cleanings and craft projects.  I’ve done my part to help out by sending out great reading material.

Let’s meet the recipient of April’s free gift –

Freebie Winner Carolyn www.midweststoryteller.com

Carolyn from Mount Carmel, Illinois

Lately, I’ve been asking my winners to let me know whether they’ve chosen to keep their First Friday Freebie for themselves or gift it to someone special.  On a technicality, I can’t congratulate Carolyn for winning April’s Freebie because her sister Jan entered the drawing.  Since Jan already owned “Killing Jesus” and loved it, she sent this copy along to her sis.  This book’s been getting out and about more than I have!  After journeying out west to Greeley, Colorado, it reversed course back to the Midwest and landed in Mount Carmel, Illinois. 

“Killing Jesus” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard is a gripping read whether you are enjoying it during the season of Lent and the Resurrection or any time.  Could be you’re just a history lover and, if so, this well-researched story of Jesus’ life and death will have you hooked.  If you’d like to read my “Killing Jesus” book review and see the original freebie offer, click here.

Congratulations, Jan, for winning and to Carolyn – Enjoy!

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.

Jan 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 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.  It’s one of those “I win – You win – We all win” situations!

May’s drawing will take place tomorrow on Friday, May 1st.

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.

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

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, May 1st, 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 keep it for yourself?  Did you gift it to someone special? 

April’s First Friday Freebie: A Triple Offer!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 10 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope this First Friday Freebie offers you all three:

            1.  A free gift you’ll enjoy.

            2.  An honest book review.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

Spring has sprung in parts of the Midwest and here we have daffodils, hyacinths and tulips to cheer us while we are social distancing.   I’m happy to announce that my March First Friday Freebie went where it could bring a little needed cheer.  Something tells me that its new owner may be debating whether to use it as a table runner or a shawl.

March’s First Friday Freebie winner is –

Alicia from Brooklyn, Wisconsin! 

Congratulations, Alicia, and thank you for entering to win this 48”X16” table runner from Signature Collections by Sullivans.  It’s perfect to lie flat on a larger table or you can let the ends hang over on a smaller table as shown in the original freebie offer here.

Made of a soft green linen, each end is trimmed in burlap and embellished with embroidered patches that remind us of the garden herbs we’re all wishing we could get outside and plant.  That’s two weeks away for me and probably just a teeny bit longer than that for Alicia.  Hopefully the freebie will impart a spring feeling even though Wisconsin may be crossing its arms over its chest, shaking its head and saying, “No way – not yet!”

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 be come one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.

Alicia 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 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.  It’s one of those “I win – You win – We all win” situations!

April’s drawing will take place on Friday, April 3rd.

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.

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

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, April 3rd, 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 keep it for yourself?  Did you gift it to someone special? 

First Friday Freebie: Rushing Spring!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 10 Comments

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

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

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

Linen Table Runner www.midweststoryteller.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

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

February’s First Friday Freebie winner is –

Freebie Winner Carol www.midweststoryteller.com

Carol from Boonville, Missouri 

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

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

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

You can see the original freebie offer here.

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

Freebies are my way of reaching more people with the stories, recipes and more.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  It’s one of those “I win – You win – We all win” situations!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let Your Heart Decide on Your Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

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

Reader's Choice Freebie www.midweststoryteller.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leave your comment now before you forget! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy New Year (of Freebies)!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 4 Comments

I cannot even express how the first Friday of January has sneaked up behind me and caught me off guard!  Somehow, though, in the middle of the holiday bustle and other life changes going on all around me, I did manage to remember that not only did I have a First Friday Freebie for you – I actually remembered to offer it to you today!

I’ll be having some announcements to make soon, but not today – it’s Freebie Day!

Before we get to January’s Freebie, let’s take a look back.  December is always a rush and I believe the postal service, in their busiest time of the year, was a little late in getting the Freebie to its new home.  I’m sorry I don’t have a photo to post as usual, but I do want to announce that December’s Freebie, the embroidered oven mitt and potholder set, went all the way to –

Tamara in Lexington, South Carolina!  Congratulations Tamara and I really appreciated your sweet note of thanks.  I hope you enjoy your First Friday Freebie!

You can see the gift Tamara won here.

January is upon us and so is the cold.  Actually, it’s been rather pleasant here lately, but I’ve lived here all my life and I know how this works.  When January toys with you, offering you a few days of spring-like weather, it’s merely gearing up for the next round of torture.  It’s bound to hit soon and when it does, you’ll be glad you have January’s First Friday Freebie.

Green Collar Scarf FREEBIE! www.midweststoryteller.com

This eco-friendly green collar scarf by Life is Beautiful appears at first glance, to be the world’s shortest scarf, but as you see in the photo, when folded in the opposite direction, becomes a warm fringed collar that you can slip on over a coat or jacket to keep the winter chill from whistling down your neck and at the same time, keep long scarf “tails” from getting in your way.  Green, many times, becomes a neutral because it coordinates with so many other colors, so it will go with many of your coats and jackets.  Or, how about wearing it indoors?  As shown in the photo, it’s a great way to spiff up a plain pullover.

No matter how I tried to adjust the photos, the color just doesn’t show to be as pretty of a color as the scarf actually is. In reality, the green is “happier”.

To win the fringed green collar scarf, all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post saying, “Warm me up, Midwest Storyteller!”

You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, January 3rd, 2020! 

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

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

Leave your comment now before you forget! 

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

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

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

Remember, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Warm me up, Midwest Storyteller!”  

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

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

Have a bright and happy 2020 with and may your year be blessed beyond anything you can ask or imagine!

‘Tis the Season for a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 12 Comments

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

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

Tartan Oven Mitt & Potholder Set www.midweststoryteller.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tag! – You’re It! (if you win November’s Freebie)

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

Do you tend to procrastinate when preparing for the holidays?  Midwest Storyteller wants to knock one thing off your list and help you get prepared.  I’m one of those people who likes to take one season at a time.  I love to decorate for fall and I love celebrating Thanksgiving from its current blessings all the way back to its historical roots in Plymouth Colony.  Only after that am I in the mood for Bing Crosby, shopping and decorating. 

However, since December’s First Friday will fall on the 6th, that seemed almost a week late for me to offer you this and then send it out.  Take a look at November’s First Friday Freebie –

Freebie Gift Tags www.midweststoryteller.com

I’ve bundled these great gift tags together to help you spiff up all those bags and packages for Christmas, birthdays and more.  There are 56 in all.  Each package contains eight fancy gift tags and I’ve even thrown in some of my own homemade creations.  You can recognize those by the ribbon ties.

These fun tags are from madeforretail.com and Allinthecards and I think I’ve chosen a great array for you.  The set includes bronze and silver glittered tags, various shapes in silver foil prints, rose gold borders, stripes, polka dots, chevrons, the water color add-on pack along with my own Christmas versions.  With strings and ribbons attached, they are ready to add to your boxes and bags.  The majority are “all occasion” rather than seasonal which always makes life easier. You can always enhance them or make them more seasonal with press-on jewels, stickers or other fun art. The kiddos would love to do that!

If you’d like to win the collection of 56 fabulous tags, all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post saying, “Tag me, Midwest Storyteller!”

You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, November 1st, 2019! 

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

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

Make your way to the comment section now before you forget!  That, my friends, starts to happen more often as the holiday season gets busy.

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

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

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

Remember, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Tag me, Midwest Storyteller!”

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

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

I’m thankful for each and every one of you.  As we enter into this special season of Thanksgiving, make it a habit to tell the special people in your life that they are a blessing!   

October’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

My readers loved this month’s First Friday Freebie.  I had people contacting me to ask where they could get one of these for themselves or a friend.

Freebie Hidden Pocket Infinity Scarf www.midweststoryteller.com

 

Only one person, however, could be the recipient of this great scarf for free.  Let’s meet –

Freebie Winner Hidden Pocket Infinity Scarf midweststoryteller.com

Sandy from Boonville, Missouri 

This wonderful infinity scarf with a hidden pocket will be just right for all your outings this fall, Sandy.  The pocket with zipper closure is ample in size to accommodate your keys, phone, passport or whatever you want to tuck away so you can be hands-free to go for a walk, romp with the kiddos or hop on a plane.

Congratulations and enjoy!

You can see the original freebie offer here.

Sandy followed the instructions and commented as when she received her email on the first Friday of the month.  That’s all it took to enter her name into the drawing.

Freebies are my way of reaching out to more folks who might enjoy the various stories, recipes and more here at Midwest Storyteller.  Why not share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest so they’ll be able to subscribe?  Subscribing is every bit as free as the freebie!

Freebies happen every month.  Check out my Freebies page to see the winner and the free gifts they’ve won.

 The November drawing is coming on up Friday, November 1st.

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

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

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

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on November 1st, 2019.

Leave a comment!  On a desktop computer, scroll back up under the title of this post and let me know what you’re thinking.  On various devices, you may find “Leave a Comment” at the bottom of the post.

The Perfect Fall Freebie Holds a Secret!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 16 Comments

October’s First Friday Freebie arrives at the perfect time for those who live anywhere near our neck of the woods.  Two days ago we sweltered at nearly 90 degrees and now there is a definite nip in the air.  It’s jeans and jacket weather and don’t forget about the –

Hidden Pocket Scarf Freebie www.midweststoryteller.com

SCARF!

I’ve long wanted one of these, but I’m passing my fall find on to you.  This Passion for Fashion Hidden Pocket Infinity Scarf is, just as the label says, the perfect travel companion.  By “travel”, I mean everything from hopping on an airplane to taking a walk around the block!

What makes it so ideal?  The hidden pocket with invisible zipper concealed inside the scarf!  All you have to do is insert your phone, passport, cash and cards, keys – whatever you like – and you are hands-free to walk the dog, manage the kids or wrangle the suitcases.  I mean to say – is this awesome or what?

Passion for Fashion Scarf Hidden Pocket www.midweststoryteller.com

I think the photo shows it to be a little lighter and brighter than it actually is.  The color is a deep apricot that will go with lots of fall outfits and you’ll be wondering how you ever got along without this dandy fashion accessory.

All you have to do to enter the drawing to win the Hidden Pocket Infinity Scarf is leave a comment on this post saying,

Wrap Me in a Freebie Scarf www.midweststoryteller.com

You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, October 4th, 2019! 

Important:  Once you’ve entered, you MUST keep checking the email address you used to subscribe or you may not know you’ve won and have to forfeit your free gift.  Click here for the complete First Friday Freebie Rules. Remember, I send my freebies out to any winner in the continental United States, so don’t be shy to enter!

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

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

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

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

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

Remember, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Wrap me in a First Friday Freebie!”

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

Enjoy the beautiful autumn days ahead!  It’s a glorious time of year that always seems to end all too soon. 

The most popular posts here at Midwest Storyteller revolve around my Life With Smuffy and my passion to Thrive! You might want to check out those pages if you haven’t been with me from the beginning.

September’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

The month of September and summer have slipped past in a whirlwind.  So much so that here it is October and I am just announcing September’s First Friday Freebie winner.  Have you forgotten these beautiful “paper” earrings?

Paper Earrings www.midwetstoryteller.com

No, I didn’t forget to give them away.  They found their new home soon enough –  it was the announcement that lagged.

Let’s meet the winner and wearer –

Ginger from Prairie Home, Missouri 

They look just great on you, Ginger!  At their core, these lovely earrings really are paper.  Many steps are included in the process that transforms them so that they look like metal under glass.  You can see the original post offering the earrings here.

Congratulations, Ginger, and enjoy!

All Ginger had to do was comment as directed when she received her email on the first Friday of the month.  That’s all it took to enter her name into the drawing.

Freebies are my way of reaching out to more folks who might enjoy the various stories, recipes and more here at Midwest Storyteller.  Why not share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest so they’ll be able to subscribe?  Subscribing is every bit as free as the freebie!

Freebies happen every month.  You might be wondering if the gifts are worth the effort. Check out my Freebies page to see the winner and the free gifts they’ve won.

 The October drawing is coming on up Friday, October 4th.

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

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

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

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on October 4th, 2019.

Leave a comment!  Have you ever tried making your own jewelry? I’d love to hear your creative ideas!

September’s Freebie Dangles Just Within Your Reach!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 11 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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