Midwest Storyteller Freebie

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!