We’ve just said farewell to January, which is usually a welcome thing in this part of the country. While we’re waving, say “hello” to the winner of that month’s Freebie.
Let’s meet –
Liz from Boonville, Missouri.
Congratulations, Liz! These Boonville people are super consistent about entering to win and it certainly pays off. Liz is not a first-time winner and she assures me she has just the place in her office for the metal “family and friends” sign.
Liz commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month. That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win. If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer here.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller? Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings. This is my only means of notifying winners. If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”. Confirm your subscription when the email arrives. If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people. I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family. When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. What can be better in today’s economy?
Coming up on February 3rd, you’ll see the new Freebie. Enter to win that day. A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight. Then, check your email in the days following.
Smartphone reminders help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, February 3rd, 2023.
Enjoy all the hearts and flowers February has to offer! You may think it’s all been commercialized, but I look at it this way – if there’s one thing in life that can’t be overdone, it’s loving on others! So, buy a box of Valentines, stir up some THM chocolate goodness and bless somebody. Tell them you love them, appreciate them, value them. Do it on the cheap, but do it with all your heart.
May your 2023 be healthy and happy and may you prosper in it. May your blessings be many and your troubles few. May it start off with a fabulous First Friday Freebie!
For most of us, this is the month when we evaluate the old year, giving thanks for the blessings that were too numerous to count, and make plans for the year to come that hopefully don’t involve any resolutions that are unrealistic and end up stealing our peace of mind. If we focus on treasuring and nurturing home, family and friends, we can’t go wrong. This month’s First Friday Freebie is a reminder to do just that.
This metal sign measures 11 ¾” wide and 5 ¾” high and reminds us exactly where love and joy are found. Its white background and gray leafy vine at the edges keep it simple so it will go with any décor or season. Its twine rope makes it easy to hang just about anywhere. I hope you enjoy this great Hobby Lobby find.
To enter to win the “family & friends” sign, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m blessed with family and friends!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, January 6th, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win. Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.
No one will get to enjoy all the great things here on the blog unless you share it with your friends and family through all your social media, so if you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to share and if you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, January 6th, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m blessed with family and friends!”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
Don’t overload yourself this new year. Perhaps broad resolutions are better than specific ones. One of my family members tells that last year, she had resolved to get better sleep. At the end of the year she felt like she had made strides in that direction. That’s great! One of my favorite things to remind myself and others is, “Baby steps count!” Moving forward in the right direction is sometimes all that matters.
I’m resolving to get more stories, recipes and other fun and inspiring things coming your way in 2023. While you wait, “Life With Smuffy” and my “Laugh” pages and start your year off with joy and laughter.
I’m playing just a bit of catch-up here because, though we say we’re the ones who never get sick, it happened. The crud hit the house and Pookie’s house as well and the First Friday Freebie isn’t the only thing suffering delay. Christmas got bumped as well. But we’re going strong once again and I hope that you are also and that you are having a Happy New Year!
Let’s meet the latest winner –
Francine from Boonville, Missouri.
Congratulations, Francine! I’m glad the delivery of the freebie was not delayed, so these lovely, festive kitchen towels made to you in plenty of time to spruce up your kitchen ahead of any Christmas festivities.
Francine commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month. That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win. If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
You can see the most recent First Friday Freebie offer here.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller? Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings. This is my only means of notifying winners. If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”. Confirm your subscription when the email arrives. If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people. I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family. When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. What can be better in today’s economy?
Coming up on January 6th, you’ll see the new Freebie. Enter to win that day. A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight. Then, check your email in the days following.
Smartphone reminders help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, January 6th, 2023.
As I mentioned in November, I had asked God to help me see the beauty in winter. I smile that He has made it easy on me so far by giving the blessing of mild temperatures. Although it turned cold again today, we eased out of the old year and into the new with warmth and time outside. Smuffy has been doing the things Smuffy does in the back yard and yesterday I took Lil’ Snookie out for a romp and we ran around and kicked the ball like spring lambs. (Actually, I ‘ve never seen spring lambs kick balls, but you get the idea.) The Midwest has got to show its true colors sooner or later, but I’ll cross that icy bridge when I come to it.
Welcome to December! (As if I am in charge of December. If I were, we’d have some changes in the usual temps and precips.)
The fabulous upside to this month, of course, is the celebration of Christmas! Another thing I’m celebrating is being married to Smuffy (today is our anniversary). To top it all off, it’s the first Friday of the month so today you can enter to win the First Friday Freebie. Let’s take a peek at it –
There are always a few more people around during the holiday season and things need to be freshened up. A few new linens help brighten up the kitchen and these towels from Robert Stanley Home Collection will do just that. Each of the four towels measures 16”X26”. One has a Christmas tree farm theme which coordinates with the green and white checked towel and two are solid and embroidered with white snowflakes. Once again, these were Hobby Lobby finds that I hope you enjoy.
To enter to win the holiday towel sets, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Make my kitchen Christmasy!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, December 2nd, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win. Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.
No one will get to enjoy all the great things here on the blog unless you share it with your friends and family through all your social media, so if you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to share and if you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, December 2nd, by leaving a comment which says, “Make my kitchen Christmasy!”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
Make a promise to yourself to slow down, simplify the days ahead, celebrate the real meaning of Christmas and savor the love of those around you and the love that came down to that stable in Bethlehem so that you could have joy and peace!
I’m working on a couple of Smuffy stories for you and his tale of Christmas past is a real doozy so stay tuned! In case you’ve fallen behind, take a trip to my “Life With Smuffy” page and catch up on the laughter and thrills.
It’s cold. I always try to do my part by warming your heart with a gift every month with my First Friday Freebie. This month my freebie didn’t have to work too much because it traveled to a much warmer home.
Let’s meet the winner –
Sally from Chino Valley, Arizona.
Congratulations, Sally! I hope that, as the freebie says, you are “happy and blessed” by it. The embossed metal sign expressing gratitude was a great find at Hobby Lobby.
Sally commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month. That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win. If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller? Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings. This is my only means of notifying winners. If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”. Confirm your subscription when the email arrives. If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people. I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family. When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
Coming up on December 2nd, you’ll see the new Freebie. Enter to win that day. A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight. Then, check your email in the days following.
Smartphone reminders help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, December 2nd, 2022.
As I mentioned last month, I have taken a bold step. I have asked God to help me see the beauty in winter. Aside from thinking that falling snow is pretty, I’ve pretty much failed at this for a very long time. There will be the same amount of frozen precipitation whichever mood I’m in and no amount of silent disgust on my part will move the thermometer, so I’m trying to make friends with it. However, my past failures have shown me that I’ll be needing help of a Divine nature. Either that, or I’m going to have to go visit Sally and stay for four months!
I fully disclose that as a Certified Lifestyle Coach I do, at times, receive monetary compensation as such. See The Fine Print on the “About Me” page of this blog.
We eat soup year-round at our house. We’re just soup lovers. This one has always been a favorite, but it has made it BIG with the toddler at the table! Originally, I started with a recipe from an old Betty Crocker cookbook, but I can’t find it in the newer cookbooks, nor can I find the recipe online anymore. I’ll just give credit to “Betty” for its origins though I have done my own tweaks over the years and so have had to do very little to make it Trim Healthy Mama plan-friendly.
The name? Well, when my Lil’ Snookie, who is here for lunch almost every day, graduated to solid foods and could manage it, I was sure to chop the veggies small in this soup so I could feed it to him. He was one to talk early and often and as soon as he figured out how, he was calling out “Soup!” and we all knew exactly which soup he meant. Even on his way home at night, when Pookie would tell him they were going home to have some supper, he would shout from the carseat, “Make soup!” and this was the one he wanted.
So, as these autumn days march on and prepare to turn into winter ones, I thought I’d share the soup with you.
Personally, I feel that my “Creamy Leek Soup with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes”, found here, is the best soup ever invented by me or anyone else (and it’s a repeat contest winner), but I’m not going to start an argument with Lil’ Snookie over it.
I’m offering you a free printable recipe so that you can jump right in and make the soup and beside it, you’ll find some encouraging thoughts you may also want to include as a page in your recipe binder to lift you up on “those days” when you are blessed to be cooking for your family. Just click on the banner below and both will print on one sheet.
Lil’ Snookie’s Favorite Autumn Soup “E”
1 pound 96% lean ground beef or venison (see notes)
1 cup chopped onion
4 cups water
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery (make these small)
1 cup cubed to 1/2″ Yukon Gold or purple potatoes
2-3 teaspoons applewood smoked sea salt or mineral salt and add a dash of liquid smoke (see notes)
1 teaspoon bottled brown bouquet sauce
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
6 tomatoes (peeled fresh and chopped, frozen from your garden or two 14 ounce cans diced tomatoes)
Instructions
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook and stir meat until brown. Drain off any fat and if you did not use the super lean meat, place in a strainer and pour hot water over it.
Add onions. Cook and stir with meat until they’re tender, about 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients except for the tomatoes. Heat to boiling and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add tomatoes. Cover and simmer 5-10 minutes longer. Remove the bay leaf and serve.
NOTES: You could also try using lean ground turkey. Salt the soup to taste, remembering that canned tomatoes already have salt and your garden ones will need more seasoning. Don’t be tempted to use more veggies in this soup. I tried and this not only raises the carbs too much but also just doesn’t taste right. If you prep meat by browning ahead of time, this recipe goes fast. Double or triple to have in the freezer or pressure can it!
YIELD: 6 servings.
Don’t forget to round out your meal with a nice green salad with a “FP” or “E” dressing and then maybe even sip on a nice collagen trimmy. Enjoy!
If you need support in your journey to better health and weight loss, head to the Contact page and let me know. I’ll give you all the info on group sessions which I conduct locally in person on a weekly basis. Private coaching can be done in person or by phone. Share with friends and let’s see how many are ready to get Trim & Healthy!
The Trim Healthy Mama Plan is a great way to boost your immune system and we all need that right now, don’t we? Leave a comment and let me know how you like the soup and tell me what your “go to” soup is for the fall and winter months.
It’s a joyous season ahead, and we can all enjoy it in a healthier way if we are willing to learn and try new and better things.
Oh, that November could hold on just as it is, I say as I sit here at the computer at night with the windows open. That’s right – and I’m not even wearing a sweater. This is my idea of fall.
I lingered outdoors with Phoebe June, but finally had to come in and finish this post so you could have a First Friday Freebie! Don’t take it personally, but she hissed when I nudged her out of her dusky spying lair under the backyard swing. I don’t think she thought giving you a freebie was half as important as exercising her pouncabilities. Let’s take a look –
This embossed metal sign carries the message that our hearts long for. Smuffy has so often said, “This year, I’m going to take a long winter’s nap.” (Then, he has a million indoor projects and never really gets one.) We feel things beginning to slow a bit around here even though there is still much to be done to this old house. To “gather, rest, be happy and blessed” is, I believe, what God wants for us in winter. I couldn’t resist giving you this freebie as a wish that you’d experience a time of enjoying your loved ones, resting and relaxing and counting your blessings, realizing that they are truly new every morning.
The sign measures 8” square and its neutral gray color fades at the edges to look just a bit worn. It also features a rope hanger should you want to hang it on a wall rather than prop it on a shelf or easel (or on a tree as I did). This was a Hobby Lobby find that I hope you enjoy. The words remind me of the Scripture in Hebrews 4: 10-11, where we are told, “For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter His rest.” Throughout Scripture, we are told to fear not, fret not, and worry not. There seems to be just this one area in which God tells us to strive and make effort and that is to rest. You have His permission!
To enter to win the “Gather, Rest…” metal sign, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m ready to be blessed with rest.” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, November 4th, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win. Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.
No one will get to enjoy all the great things here on the blog unless you share it with your friends and family through all your social media, so if you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to share and if you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, November 4th, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m ready to be blessed with rest!”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
Enjoy enjoy every minute of these fleeting beautiful days.
Be sure to take a look at my latest soup recipe – it’s Lil’ Snookie’s favorite!
I’ve spent most of my days lately taking Lil’ Snookie to the park as we try to relish every bit of warmth and sunshine before it’s all over. I’ve checked both versions of the almanac and they both assure me that come the end of this month, it’s all over. I did take time to get my First Friday Freebie to its new home, though.
Let’s take a look at the winner –
Ruby from Boonville, Missouri.
Congratulations, Ruby! I know you love to decorate and you also have fun kiddos around, so it won’t be long before you have some fun décor or a great photo to slip into the holder at the top of this wood block. It was a great find at Hobby Lobby.
Ruby won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month. If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller? Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings. This is my only means of notifying winners. If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”. Confirm your subscription when the email arrives. If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people. I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family. When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
On November 4th, you’ll see the new Freebie. Enter to win that day. A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight. Then, check your email in the days following.
Smartphone reminders help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, November 4th, 2022.
November has managed to stay on my good side so far. Warm days with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s and glorious color all around draw me outside and away from indoor chores (and from writing to you dear readers if I’m honest). I may have to take a firm line with this month if it suddenly decides to disappoint me, but I may be wasting my energies there. Today I did ask the Lord to perform a miracle in my life by requesting that He help me see the beauty in winter. Perhaps being open to that notion is the first baby-step for a person like me.
Hello Dear Readers and Hello October! A person can’t get too many days like the ones we’ve been having. I’ve been spending as much time with Lil’ Snookie out in the open spaces as I possibly can. Now his first question when he arrives at my door is, “Going to the park today?” And so, off we go! The only one who is unhappy is Phoebe June, who would much rather we stay home and play in the back yard because she can then go out with us. She’s a little disgruntled and insulted about the harness because it inhibits her ability to consider herself fully free and “on the hunt”, but she can’t have her way all the time. She has plenty to say on her own page here.
Speaking of free – Today’s the day! Welcome to October’s First Friday Freebie.
You know how I love to bless you with a spot of cute décor –
At this time of year especially, it does the soul good to stop and take stock of all the ways you’ve been blessed throughout the year and offer up thanks to the Giver of all good things. This painted wooden tabletop décor measures approximately 3” X 6” and encourages us to “in all things give thanks”. It’s about an inch thick so it won’t easily topple and at the top you can insert something as a nod to any season (as I did with the leaves in the photo) or just insert that great photo of the people you’re most thankful for. If you happen to be a lover of Scripture, this will also serve to remind you of I Thessalonians 5:18. This was a great find at Hobby Lobby and I hope you enjoy it.
To enter to win the Give Thanks décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I have much to be grateful for!” Somehow, we can all say that, even if we have been having our share of troubles lately. You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, October 7th, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you enjoy freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, October 7th, by leaving a comment which says, “I have much to be grateful for!”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
Oh that we could spend each and every glorious day ahead just taking walks and enjoying lower temperatures and humidity. Smuffy is building a porch and I have many irons in the fire as well but we plan to snatch every pleasant moment ahead before winter sets in. I hope you can, too.
This post is where you get to see me playing catch-up. Life has happened and it’s been a struggle to keep up here on the blog this summer, but the First Friday Freebies have not stopped – I’ve just had an issue with making the announcements. Let’s take a look at who’s been winning –
Now for my list of lame excuses.
In June, Lee Ann entered to win and received the pretty “beachy” necklace you can see here. In her defense, she did send me a photo. However, it has vanished so I’m assuming I somehow deleted it by accident.
July’s winner, Vikki, has not sent me a photo. She won the sparkly patriotic earrings you can see here. I know her well enough to guess that she probably hoped I’d forget about the photo as she’s not fond of “making appearances”. I can, however, get around this because of her status as a previous winner. Here she is with the comfy-cozy scarf she won on another first Friday.
August was a bust. We had router problems which held hands with server problems and during the days I should have been preparing and posting the August First Friday Freebie we had cyber chaos. I started to get all frantic about it and finally just took a deep breath and made peace with the fact that stuff happens and if there was no August freebie, the world would keep on turning.
In September, the First Friday Freebie went to Debby (pictured above) and I did get a photo. Congratulations, Debby! I hope you enjoy this fun bit of harvest décor and find a place in your home to display it. It was a fun find at Hobby Lobby.
Well now! I’m starting to feel like I’m getting back on track! Let’s hope it stays that way because the busy season is upon us. I enjoy blessing my readers with free gifts and also the gift of good laughs and good food, so look for some great recipes and a couple of tales from the most popular page on my blog, Life With Smuffy coming up soon.
Lee Ann, Vikki and Debby won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month. If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller? Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings. This is my only means of notifying winners. If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”. Confirm your subscription when the email arrives. If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people. I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family. When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
On October 7th, you’ll see the new Freebie. Enter to win that day. A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight. Then, check your email in the days following.
Smartphone reminders help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, October 7th, 2022.
October is a month of autumn splendor. If you live in the Midwest, October makes you feel a bit sorry for the folks who live where the seasons don’t change – those people who just enjoy day after day in the same old tropical paradise. That sympathetic feeling leaves us usually around January 2nd.
Just the little flip of the calendar from August to September makes you want to sniff the air for the scent of pumpkin “something”. We’re actually trying not to sniff too hard right now around our house because our great outdoors is not so great. “Something” is out there. We don’t know what it is or where it is, but we do know it’s dead. I have been informed by Lil’ Snookie that he “smell sumping. I don’t like it.” We may have to diffuse pumpkin spice scent all over our back yard pretty soon.
Now that I’ve gone unpleasantly off-topic, let’s get back to Freebies. Last month’s first Friday fell victim to circumstances. The internet went off, the router suffered the same fate as that mysterious carcass (blessedly without the stench) and Lil’ Snookie didn’t allow me the hours I needed to sort the whole thing out in time to post the First Friday Freebie. Again – my apologies.
I’m here to help you get back in the mood with this bit of cute décor –
This Autumn Acres sign will direct people straight to your pumpkin patch. It measures 6” X 4” so it’s small enough to tuck into a shelf or prop on an easel on your desk or counter. It does have an attached twine to hang it on the wall as well. Does it matter that you may not be offering apple cider, hay rides and hot cocoa to your guests? Of course not – we can all pretend.
This was a great find at Hobby Lobby and I hope you enjoy it.
To enter to win the Autumn Acres sign, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Bring on the autumn days!” We’re ready for them here in the Midwest – it’s been a long, hot summer. You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, September 2nd, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you enjoy freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, September 2nd, by leaving a comment which says, “Bring on the autumn days!”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
Oh that we could spend each and every glorious day ahead just taking walks and enjoying lower temperatures and humidity. Smuffy is building a porch and I have many irons in the fire as well but we plan to snatch every pleasant moment ahead before winter sets in. I hope you can, too.
Here we are at the First Friday and that means a Freebie, but timing puts this extremely close to Independence Day. Therefore, I pledge to get this special First Friday Freebie out to you lickety-split so you can hopefully have it in time for the 4th. However, there’s no shame in sporting this patriotic freebie any old time!
Take a look –
Things won’t be perfect anywhere this side of Heaven, but down here on earth there is no finer place to find oneself than the USA. These American flag motif earrings show your patriotism and add some sparkle and shine as well. They’re a great find from Factory Connection.
These dangles measure 1 7/8” long and 2 1/2” wide. I know – I know – the photo makes them look like they’re constructed of some sort of textured fabric or something, but in reality, the earrings are metal and the texture is shimmer and shine! After all, you have to compete with the sparklers and fireworks, right?
To enter to win the flag earrings, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m proud to be an American!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, July 1st, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you enjoy freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, July 1st, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m proud to be an American!”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
We’re always in double celebration mode this time of the year, for Smuffy is a real live nephew of his Uncle Sam and born on the 4th of July. I still say he was probably twelve years old before he figured out the whole thing wasn’t entirely for him. In addition to the hair-raising things Smuffy has done to enhance my prayer life through the years which I post on myLife with Smuffy page, I might add that he is also a huge fan of fireworks as long as they are powerful enough to register substantially on the Richter scale. And yet, by God’s grace, we’re all still here.
For my readers who live outside the USA (I see you out there!) don’t assume that this country is jam-packed with nothing but Smuffy-types. He’s unique and it is safe to come here. Just be sure to use the appropriate channels.
Enjoy a safe and happy Independence Day with your family and friends and pray for our nation.
I know we have three more weeks till summer’s official, but Memorial Day always seems to kick things off and get you in the mood, doesn’t it? To help things along, how about a summery First Friday Freebie? (I know…I know…there’s been a jewelry motif lately, but it’s one of my weaknesses.)
Here’s a splash of summer fun for you – (pardon the fact that my images don’t seem to be coming out as best as they could lately).
Any outfit is made just a little more beachy and fun with a nautical touch. And who says you need to be at the beach to wear this necklace? It’s a fun find from Factory Connection.
Each of the three chains on this necklace has its own bit of summer bling. The first has an aqua teardrop stone, the middle length holds a gold anchor and the longest chain has a starfish, a sea blue tassle and a tropical flower. I can hear the hula music now.
To enter to win the summer fun necklace, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Send me some summer fun!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, June 3rd, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you enjoy freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, June 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “Send me some summer fun!”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
Our days have been filled with planting, transplanting and pretty-ing up our outdoor spaces. I’ll try to share some photos soon. It’s a beautiful season and I hope you’re able to get out and enjoy it, too!
We’re moving into June, but it’s time to announce May’s winner –
Susan from Kansas City, Missouri!
Congratulations, Susan!
Susan won the shell hoop earrings and don’t they look pretty on her!
I hope you enjoy wearing them with your summer outfits, Susan.
Susan won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month. The earrings are a great find from Factory Connection. If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller? Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings. This is my only means of notifying winners. If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”. Confirm your subscription when the email arrives. If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people. I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family. When you share MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
On June 3rd, you’ll see the new Freebie. Enter to win that day. A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight. Then, check your email in the days following.
Smartphone reminders help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, June 3rd, 2022.
Next up: I’m still working on bringing you a Smuffy story – another true tale and one that might make you blush. I know it made him blush. We’ve been delayed in our usual pursuits around here due to planting time and endless games of toddler kick-ball and bubble blowing in the nice weather. We like to put first things first.
We’ve just made a few people smile and a few others confused by offering a cheerful “May the 4th Be With You” and followed up yesterday with a nod to Cinco de Mayo even if we had no idea where Puebla is or when and what the fuss was all about. It’s so much simpler and easier to explain to all your friends that today is First Friday Freebie Day!
Here’s a festive little something for you –
Accessories make the outfit and with these summery earrings you’ll be ready for warm weather days even if you never make it to the beach. They were a fun find at Factory Connection.
These gold tone hoops measure about 2” across. The gold, white and blue faceted beads frame the shells that dangle in the center. They’re just right to set off all those light and airy summer dresses and tops.
To enter to win the shell hoop earrings, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, asking, “May I have the Freebie?” For one of you, the answer is “YES!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, May 6, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you get excited about winning freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, May 6th, by leaving a comment which asks, “May I have the Freebie?”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
The saying goes that April showers bring May flowers. If that is the case, we should have plenty of beauty to enjoy this year here in the Midwest. May is starting off as wet as April but soon the maddest, merriest month of the whole year will blossom in all its glory. Enjoy a picnic, take walks. Ride bikes. Do some porch sitting. Give thanks for each and every beautiful day for they are gifts indeed.
Linda won the “He is Risen” word art and I know she’ll use it to express her faith in this Truth whether she leaves the wood raw or decides to paint it.
I hope you enjoyed this décor, Linda, as you celebrated the season. Linda won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month. The bracelet is a great find from Hobby Lobby. If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller? Hopefully, my Freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings. This is my only means of notifying winners. If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Computers, tablets, smartphones – they all give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”. Confirm your subscription when the email arrives. If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people. There’s a whole world of folks out there who are going around “Smuffy-less”, perhaps because you haven’t shared. Don’t cry – just tell them! Join me in sharing his stories and all my recipes and other fun and informative articles here. When you share with all your friends via MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
On May 6th, you’ll see the new Freebie. Enter to win that day. A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight. Then, check your email in the days following.
Smartphone reminders might help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, May 6th, 2022.
Next up: Some things are only funny with the passage of time. Certain Smuffy tales have to brew for a while.
Let’s be nice and call it April Gotcha Day. It just sounds better and besides, you probably really like the person you’re about to subject to the gullibility test.
My First Friday Freebie, however, is the real deal (in more ways than one) –
I know that a great majority of my readers look forward to celebrating Resurrection Day soon. This year it falls on April 17th. I thought this bit of word art would be a blessing and add a great touch to your seasonal décor as this holiday tends to be another that gets overloaded with “fluff” and we need a reminder of the Reason for the season. It’s a great find from Hobby Lobby.
This wooden reminder of why we celebrate measures 10” wide at the base and is 5” tall and ¾” in depth. The surface of the letters is raw wood and can be left as is or painted in a fun spring color to match the rest of your décor. The dark edge treatment makes the statement stand out.
To enter to win the “He is Risen” décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying exactly that, “He is Risen!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, April 1, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you get excited about winning freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, April 1st, by leaving a comment which says, “He is Risen!”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
Take joy in the Good News and celebrate it along with every fresh, new spring day that lies ahead. They are gifts that remind us that we have a hope and a future. The world and all its problems we hear on the news every day are in Good Hands.
Do you have a favorite way to celebrate? Leave a comment – I’d love to hear how your family makes the day special.
I fully disclose that as a Certified Lifestyle Coach I do, at times, receive monetary compensation as such. See The Fine Print on the “About Me” page of this blog.
I mentioned in my last post that I was about to get a little nutty on ‘ya and today’s the day. I came up with this recipe myself after scanning over several others that didn’t quite meet up with what I had in mind. Then, I had myself a little think and came up with this great super-simple recipe.
Usually, when I post a recipe here at Midwest Storyteller, I furnish a free printable to go along with it. However, this one is so short and sweet that you can either remember it or jot it down in under a minute so I don’t think a printable is necessary. It is worth it, though, to have this one in your book of favorites!
For those of us eating according to the Trim Healthy Mama plan (or those who practice clean eating in general), nuts can be a great snack, but trouble arises when you perform that necessary task of reading the back label. What started out as a healthy fuel is almost often roasted in an oil that we un-affectionately refer to in THM as “frankenfood”. Almost all the oils out there, even those touted by ads and even your doctor as good, are either a trans fat or they’ll turn into one when heated. Then, some nuts are laden with table salt (bad stuff) or sweetened or even “candied”.
I love cashews almost to the point of needing a twelve-step program to deal with their hold on my life, so I needed to find a healthy source. Plain, raw cashews will do in a pinch, but are not quite what I prefer.
It being one of my better days in the kitchen, I nailed this one on the first try. Add that to the fact that prep and baking time came to a whopping ten minutes and clean-up amounted to putting a bowl in the dishwasher throwing a piece of parchment paper in the trash and you have something even Drive-thru Sue can cheer about. I shared these with the members of my weekly THM group session and they’ve been asking for the recipe.
Ready? Here goes! Be sure to see the notes at the end of the recipe.
Coach Barb’s Roasted Chili-Lime Cashews (S)
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a medium to large mixing bowl, melt 1 tablespoon extra-virgin coconut oil; stir in 1 teaspoon lime juice and 1/8 teaspoon each of the following: mineral salt, chili powder, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes.
3. Add one 26 ounce bag of raw cashews to the bowl and toss until well coated.
4. Spread the cashews onto a large cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 minutes, watching closely!
Notes: The extra-virgin coconut oil gives an ever so slight hint of sweetness. I’ve tried this with the refined, unflavored oil and it’s good, but this is just a tad better. Feel free to add more lime juice and seasonings as you please. You could even make these super hot ‘n spicy, but I choose not to so that everyone can enjoy them and not just the hot-heads. I use the Glenda’s raw cashews from Sam’s Clubmost of the time, but you can also find the raw cashews at Natural Grocers and most likely at any bulk food store. Remember, all ovens vary, so don’t wander off! Stay right there and peek through the window every minute or two. As you can see in the photo, some of the nuts do get dark tips in even just eight minutes and they’ll burn easily. Also good to know – just after roasting, the cashews taste weird and have a completely different texture than they will when they have completely cooled, so be a little patient with them while they achieve their full glory.
If you need support in your journey to better health and weight loss, head to the Contact page and let me know. I’ll give you all the info on group sessions which I conduct locally in person on a weekly basis. Private coaching can be done in person or by phone. Share with friends and let’s see how many are ready to get Trim & Healthy!
The Trim Healthy Mama Plan is a great way to lose those pounds if you need to, but it’s benefits in balancing blood sugar and hormones and restoring your health are just as important. No food groups are off-limits here and we love our healthy snacks like these tasty cashews.
Do you have a favorite grab ‘n go healthy snack that fits the THM plan? Leave a comment. I love new ideas and being reminded of old ones!
You’ll be needing great snacks and quick prep in the days to come because it’s springtime! Smuffy and I will be planting, getting our outdoor spaces into shape and romping with Lil’ Snookie, so quick meals and snacks to go along with fresh air and sunshine are just what we need.
Spring has sprung! That’s as exciting an announcement as the winner of my latest First Friday Freebie! Hyacinths are blooming, daffodils are getting just a little daffy, tulips are waving their greens as a pre-show and this Freebie is in the hands of –
Eva from New Franklin, Missouri!
Congratulations, Eva!
Eva won the multi-strand “Blessed” bracelet and I think it goes really well with the necklace she’s wearing in the photo.
Enjoy this great accessory this spring, Eva. Eva enters to win fairly often. She does that by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month. The bracelet is a great find from Factory Connection. . If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller yet? Let my Freebies entice you to become one – they’re for email subscribers only.
NOTE: Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings. This is my only means of notifying winners. If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Computers, tablets, smartphones – they all give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”. Confirm your subscription when the email arrives. If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people. Would you believe that a very small percentage of the world’s population out there have even heard of Smuffy? That’s sad, isn’t it? Join me in sharing his stories and all my recipes and other fun and informative articles here. When you share with all your friends via MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
On April 1st, you’ll see the new Freebie. Enter to win that day. A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight. Then, check your email in the days following.
Smartphone reminders might help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, April 1st, 2022.
Welcome to the month of March. The weather may be more unusual than usual around here, but at least you can count on the First Friday Freebie.
Let’s see what you might win –
Looking for an update for your accessories? This multi-strand bracelet is a pretty mix of textures and elements. I always love a mix of fancy and casual – like jeans and a lace top. Here we have the look of pearls, leather, hammered metal and brushed gold all in one piece. I think this lends it to being worn with almost anything. The charms give a remind you that you can always count your blessings and where they come from. Turn on the news for five minutes and you’ll be reminded of how important it is to remember that. It’s a great find from Factory Connection.
To enter to win the blessed bracelet, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I am so blessed!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, March 4, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you get excited about winning freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, March 4th, by leaving a comment which says, “I am so blessed!”
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
I appreciate you all and enjoy blessing you each and every month!
A good dose of silliness never hurt anybody. I feel sorry for those who are overly straight-laced or take themselves too seriously.
There are two eras in my life that will always be my most joyful times and those are when Pookie was at the carefree age of wonder and learning and right now when Lil’ Snookie is right in that same stage.
During this stage, everything is a delight, every thought and feeling can be expressed, every question can be asked and nothing is embarrassing. This comes right before THAT stage – you know the one – where everything is boring, thoughts and feelings must be hidden, they’re too awkward to ask questions and everything is embarrassing.
Games, giggles and goofiness – and it’s all guilt-free.
My favorite part is listening to the comments of children who are trying to figure out life, grown-ups and how things work. My mom enjoyed this and kept a record of many of the things that gave her the giggles over the years.
I’ll share some now and save a few for later. I have a feeling they’ll remind you of some of your own stories that you can share with me in the comments. Wouldn’t it be great to write a book with all our combined giggles?
When Snookie was little, she enjoyed her Sunday School class very much and by age three she pretty much had all the songs memorized. She often went about the house singing “Jesus Loves Me”, “This Little Light of Mine” and many others. One day, as I heard her singing, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart…”, I noticed that she had advanced to adding the consecutive verses. The next thing I heard was, “I’ve got the peace of Captain Thunderstorming down in my heart…” Why bother with the peace that passeth understanding when you’ve got good ‘ol Captain Thunderstorming? I suppose I’ll never know who she thought he was or why she thought her Sunday School teacher wanted to sing about him. Hmm…
Mom always got the giggles when she thought of how Pookie interpreted the subject of dentures. After a significant weight loss, Mom had to be fitted with a new pair and I drove her to and from her appointments. Pookie always rode along, absorbing all our discussions in the car. When she asked why we sat in the waiting room without Grandma, I explained to her that Grandma was getting new teeth and we would have to bring her back again when they came in. One day in the following week, Pookie came to me looking just a tad pitiful and asked, “How long till Grandma’s teeth grow back in so she can come eat supper with us?” Just when you think you’ve got things explained…
My Lil’ Snookie lives by the motto, “Speak early. Speak often.” Don’t let anyone tell you that boys will be less verbal than girls! He began with “DaDa”, “bye-bye” and “book” at eight months and hasn’t stopped. His doctor had said that by the time he turned a year old, she’d be in hopes of his having learned ten words, so I decided to write down the words he knew how to use before the one-year check-up rolled around. We were able to furnish that surprised doctor with a list of 110. If he hears a word, he’ll try to master it. His favorite phrase from the start has been “I do”. It is the affirmative answer to any question and the expression of desire. One day as I prepared lunch when he was just under 18 months, he began to pace the floor, chanting “Tattoo!” I had no idea what he meant because most of his words were pretty clear. I almost always knew what he was trying to say (and there’s no way he’s getting this Grandma’s blessing for one of those at any age.) His cries for “Tattoo!” grew louder and intensified until the poor little fellow was going in circles, arms waving, as he hollered, “Tattoo! Tattoo! I do! I do! I do! I do! I do! I do! Tattoo! Tattoo!” Desperate to alleviate his distress, I scanned the kitchen and began to watch his eyes, trying to track down what had him so worked up. Then, I saw it. I picked up the jar. “Would you like some cashews?” I asked. He nodded with excitement, “I do!” I broke them into pieces on a little plate and had a happy boy at last. The thing is – we’ll probably always call them tattoos now.
My aunt Martha told of the time when they had invited a young mom and her little boy in their new neighborhood over to visit. They got along famously and she asked them to stay and eat, promising them nothing special – just what she had on hand. The little boy was eager to help her in the kitchen as she opened up some canned goods to heat and used a pair of tongs to lower hot dogs into a pot of boiling water. They enjoyed their simple meal and within the next week or two they visited again. Martha offered them lunch again, stating that she hoped they didn’t mind having the same menu as last time. The little boy headed for the kitchen, excited at the prospect, and called out, “I’ll get the weenie tweezers!”
By the time Martha related that story to me, their family had been referring to the utensil as “weenie tweezers” for over forty years.
I know it’s stuck in your head now. Don’t blame me if you spend the rest of your life picking up your tattoos with the weenie tweezers – you came to this blog of your own free will. I’ll never be able to pull those grabby things out of the drawer without a mental nod to that story and now you probably won’t either!
It’s your turn now. Leave a comment with your favorite story or stories from the kiddos. I want to hear them all! Perhaps I’ll share yours in a future fun post.
Next up – March’s First Friday Freebie! See my Freebies! page and share with friends.
I hope you’ve had a laugh. Need another one? Head on over to my Laugh! page where there are plenty more and by all means, check out my Life with Smuffy page. He never disappoints.
Subscribe so you don’t miss future fun!
Make someone smile. Share this post via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and by all means, “Pin it”!
Snow days come and snow days go, but First Friday Freebies – they just keep on happening. Aren’t you glad it’s not the other way around? Here’s to hoping that snow days around here are over for 2022. Three weeks in a row, we’ve had snow or ice that kept folks at home till the temps melted things off. I’m hoping to March on to better days, like the one we’re having today. Now that things have thawed, I was able to get February’s freebie to its winner, let’s meet her –
Ginger from Prairie Home, Missouri!
Congratulations, Ginger!
Ginger won the “Love is Enough” wall décor and considering the colors on this pretty sign, she’ll be able to decorate with it into the spring days ahead.
I hope you enjoy it, Ginger. Ginger keeps her eye on this blog and enters often, so this is not the first time she’s won a First Friday Freebie. She won it by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday in February. It’s a great find from Factory Connection. . If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller yet? Let my Freebies might entice you to become one – they’re for email subscribers only.
NOTE: Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings. This is my only means of notifying winners. If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Computers, tablets, smartphones – they all give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”. Confirm your subscription when the email arrives. If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people. There’s a whole world full of folks out there who haven’t even heard of Smuffy and that’s a shame. Join me in sharing his stories and all my recipes and other fun and informative articles here. When you share with all your friends via MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
On March 4th, you’ll see the new Freebie. Enter to win that day. A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight. Then, check that email in the days following.
Smartphone reminders might help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, March 4th, 2022.
February has come to be known as the month of love. It’s good that it has received a positive association because here in the Midwest February can get pretty tedious. The upside is that I get to use this snow day to write this post and that I don’t have to be out in the deep, white stuff. Lil’Snookie had enough fun in it for the both of us and Smuffy shoveled a path, so I’m just happy to be warm and blessed.
Welcome to the First Friday of February! If you’re not new to Midwest Storyteller, you know that means it’s Freebie Day. And what might I have for you during this month of love? Let’s take a look –
This “Love is Enough” wood plaque is 7 7/8” square and can be propped on an easel or hung by its attached twine. The ivory background with a pale sage leafy floral design has a slightly distressed look and the lettering is done in a dark gray. Its colors are neutral enough to fit in with your Valentine décor and it can be used year-round as well. It’s a great find from Factory Connection.
To enter to win “Love is Enough” plaque, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I love Midwest Storyteller!” See how I did that? I know how to get my Valentine wishes, don’t I? You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, February 4, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you get excited about winning freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, February 4th, by leaving a comment which says, “I love Midwest Storyteller!”.
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
I love hearing from you and I love blessing you with a free gift. Love is all around!
With this first First Friday Freebie of the new year comes all my prayers and best wishes that you have a 2022 that is blessed, healthy and happy.
I fully disclose that as a Certified Lifestyle Coach I do, at times, receive monetary compensation as such. See The Fine Print on the “About Me” page of this blog.
Have you made peace with the fact that life is full of surprises? That, I believe, is a great step we all must take if we’re going to reach any measure of maturity. Going with the flow, rolling with the punches – whatever you choose to call it – we may as well face up to it – anything can happen and on any given day, it usually does.
I’ll tell the whole story soon, but you’ve probably already gathered that we had an unexpected Christmas surprise of the ugly, scary variety. The preparations for the big event came to a screaming halt. The duck was in the oven. The homemade orange sauce simmered on the stove. The “Happy Birthday, Jesus” cupcakes awaited their frosting. Then came “the thing” and the call to 9-1-1 and the responders who hauled my Smuffy out the front door and into the ambulance.
None of those special preparations mattered anymore. Pookie turned the oven off and threw things into the fridge. I found shoes and a sweater, hopped into the front of the ambulance and what was to have been our family Christmas celebration turned into hour after hour of uncertainty and prayer in the emergency room.
On the way to the hospital, I called some close friends for prayer and asked them to call others. Then, a thought occurred to me. How long would this ordeal last? I would go without food or water before I would leave Smuffy’s side and I might get shaky or not be able to think straight if this went on and on. I remembered something I had made up ahead and called Pookie, asking her to bring me the container of Chocolate Berry Boost Bars (a THM “S” treat) I had in the fridge and a big cup of water. If I needed sustenance, I’d have fuel that was protein filled and be able to hydrate myself and stay right by his side rather than wander around looking for a vending machine full of sugar-laden junk.
Home from the hospital, I needed to give Smuffy extra care and set my phone alarm to give him meds every three hours around the clock. He needed food and I needed food and (wouldn’t you know it?) I started getting sick.
I have never been so glad to be a food prepper in my life! I’ve always done some prepping, but eating according to the THM plan has really honed my skills. Rather than scrounging for junk, over-cooked and sodium loaded canned soup or boxes with frozen dinners, I was able to warm up whichever homemade, nutritious meals I had prepped ahead and frozen. Although we wouldn’t have been excited about the flavors in anything, this was a lifesaver!
We were able to have Egg Roll in a Bowl, Sweet Potato Oat Soup, Sunny Southwest Trimmy Bisque and more, just by taking it out of the freezer and reheating it. We didn’t have to impose on Pookie to come by and do cooking marathons or to do endless drive-throughs. She had enough Florence Nightingale duties to perform and she did them cheerfully.
I’ve learned to love to prep ahead because of the time, stress and mess it saves, but early on, I questioned myself a lot. Why would someone who is supposed to be an empty-nester need to be doing all this? Now, however, I’ve had a strong reminder of how anything can happen – and will – and how valuable this practice can be when it does.
It’s a new year and if you’ve had that gnawing feeling that you really could improve in this area, check out some of my earlier helps, such as make-ahead packets here.
Soups are one of the greatest prep-ahead meals. Make a big pot, have it for your meal and immediately dip it up into containers to freeze. I like to save my large containers from Fage 0% Fat Greek Yogurt, my very favorite yogurt in the world. This way, all my containers are the same and all the lids fit interchangeable and the 33.5 ounces is just right to thaw out and serve up for a meal for Smuffy, Lil’ Snookie and myself with some leftover. I also do a few single-serve containers for times when that’s all I need to thaw.
Here is how I prep and label soup to freeze. You may think you’ll remember what’s in that container, but don’t count on it! I use the super-sticky full-adhesive post-it notes to write the name of the soup and whether or not it’s an “S” (satisfying) or “E” (energizing) meal so I can easily plan what I’m having on the side. This Sunny Southwest Trimmy Bisque from the “Trim Healthy Table” cookbook is one of our favorites and Smuffy asks for it.
Trim Healthy Mama has not only helped us to eat healthier and lose weight, it has helped to mature me so much in the area of planning ahead for taking care of my family when they need it most.
You probably don’t need a resolution or a goal for this year as those tend to be abandoned pretty quick due to their loftiness. What you might really need is a turn-a-round. How about just going in a new direction in a healthier, better way and taking one step at a time?
If you need support in your journey to better health and weight loss, head to the Contact page and let me know. I’ll give you all the info on group sessions which I conduct locally in person on a weekly basis. Private coaching can be done in person or by phone. Share with friends and let’s see how many are ready to get Trim & Healthy!
The Trim Healthy Mama Plan is a great way to boost your immune system and we all need that right now, don’t we? Leave a comment and let me know some of the simple ways you like to prep ahead for the busy days and the unexpected change in plans
I’m so thankful to the Lord for answering the multitude of prayers for Smuffy that arrived at His throne on Christmas Day. Smuffy and I are filled with hope for the year ahead and gratefulness that we are still together! I’m so happy to have him back with me, healed and whole, and I’m happy to be a prepper!
Do you see a pattern here? December went out with an unpleasant bang for us as I alluded to in my last post and I don’t even remember how I managed to get to the computer and offer up the January First Friday Freebie. Then, wouldn’t you know it, the winner had her own set of troubles causing delays in my connecting with her so that she could actually receive her gift. Well, we are on to better days now so let’s meet January’s winner –
Vikki from Boonville, Missouri!
Congratulations, Vikki!
Vikki can now cozy up with this huge scarf if she has to brave the cold but I hope she doesn’t have to do that. I hope she is hunkered down as we are because I happen to know that a humdinger of a winter storm is headed her way. I can hear the stuff pelting down right now and later it promises to become deep, white and difficult to navigate with low temps falling below zero when you see this post on Groundhog Day. I don’t think anybody will be casting any shadows for a day or two around here.
Vikki is shown here holding the blush and gray scarf she won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday in January. Enjoy it, Vikki! It’s a great find from Factory Connection. . If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller yet? Freebies might entice you to become one – they are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: If you enjoy entering to win, make sure you subscribe with an email you intend to keep and will be checking the week after the drawings. This is my only means of letting winners know they’ve won and so if your email isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
The subscription area is easy to find on the “CONTACT” page. After subscribing, confirm your subscription when the confirmation email arrives in your inbox. If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribers don’t miss what’s new here on the blog. They get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people we wouldn’t want to deprive anyone of a good Smuffy story, would we? When you share with all your friends via MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
Next up: Some meal prepping tips and February’s First Friday Freebie.
On February 4th, you’ll see a photo of the Freebie and you can enter to win at any point all day that day. Don’t forget to check the email that you used to subscribe for notification that you’ve won.
A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing.
ONCE AGAIN (because you tend to forget): Pay attention to the email issue mentioned above. Check your email often in the week following the drawing to keep your prize from being offered to someone else. Smartphone reminders help with that.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, February 4th, 2022.
Do you ever feel blah in that space in time following Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations? Does it seem sometimes that nothing bright and cheery is happening until Valentine’s Day or maybe even till spring?
Well, we had a Christmas we won’t be forgetting anytime soon! It can all be revealed in an upcoming post, but the super-short version is that I came within a gnat’s eyelash of losing my beloved Smuffy and Christmas didn’t get celebrated until weeks later. New Year’s is a blur and Lil’ Snookie and I even ended up having our birthday parties together because of all the “stuff of life”. The bright side is that I’ve still got my Smuffy, he’s miraculously his old self and has provided me with fabulous fodder for the ultimate non-fiction story and if it all hadn’t happened and shaken up our world, I’d have never gotten to have a Baby Shark birthday party.
The frenzy of holiday preparations had me a little behind in announcing my First Friday Freebie winner and then when the stuff happened, it flew out of my mind like one of those snake-in-a-tube prank gifts.
Anyhow, let’s re-wind the holidays and make life festive again. Meet December’s winner –
Eva from New Franklin, Missouri!
Congratulations, Eva!
This girl has a smile that will cheer you up no matter how gloomy the weather. Perhaps it’s because she can now offer up cheesy goodness in style.
Eva is shown here with the black and white cheese server and spreader. She has the option of removing the black ribbon and replacing it with a seasonal one for a Valentine party or spring event. It’s a great find from Factory Connection. . If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
If you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: If you enjoy entering to win, please make sure you subscribe with an email you intend to keep and will likely be checking the week after the drawings. This is my only means of letting winners know they’ve won and so if your email isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Look for the subscription area. It’s easy to find on the “CONTACT” page and after subscribing, confirm your subscription when the confirmation email arrives in your inbox. If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribing is the best way to avoid missing what’s new here on the blog because you’ll get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people who may not have heard about this blog and we wouldn’t want to deprive anyone of a good Smuffy story, would we? When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
Next up: January’s First Friday Freebie winner because not only am I playing catch-up, but the winner was under the weather and…Oh, well, you get the idea. Hello, “Normal”, I’d like to make a reservation for 2022…”
Then, February’s here so that means that this coming Friday, there is yet another Freebie! You’ll see a photo of the Freebie and you can enter to win at any point all day that day. Don’t forget to check the email that you used to subscribe for notification that you’ve won.
A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing.
ONCE AGAIN (because you tend to forget): Pay attention to the email issue mentioned above. Check your email often in the week following the drawing to keep your prize from being offered to someone else. Perhaps a reminder in the good ‘ole smartphone would help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, February 4th, 2022.
To be exact, it is a whopping nine degrees Fahrenheit outside as I type this, making my January First Friday Freebie seem like the wisest choice ever! Let’s take a look.
I have friends who don’t wear scarves. They just don’t like them. I’ll bet they’re wearing them today or wishing they had one. This big, beautiful scarf by Justin and Taylor is buttery soft and will stop those single-digit winds from whistling around your neck.
The soft gray and blush tones keep the feeling neutral so it will go with many of your outfits and coats. The colors are separated into the four quadrants of this oversized scarf and as you can see from the photo, it looks like a plaid when arranged just right. On second thought, perhaps you can’t see, as I’ve had some issues getting the colors to show up as they really are. It is definitely as gray as it is blush, so you’ll just have to trust me on this one. Made of 100% polyester, it’s a great find from Factory Connection.
To enter to win the blush and gray oversized scarf, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Storyteller, it’s cold outside!” You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, January 7, 2022.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you get excited about winning freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, January 7th, by leaving a comment which says, “Storyteller, it’s cold outside!”.
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
Subscribe and confirm right now before you forget!
With this first First Friday Freebie of the new year comes all my prayers and best wishes that you have a 2022 that is blessed, healthy and happy.
All the songs tell us that we should be delirious with happiness right now. All the street lights should look like strings of lights and even the stop lights ought to be reminding us of ornaments as they blink a bright red and green. With people passing and children laughing, we should be meeting smile after smile and every jingle or jangle we hear should be the sweet sound of silver bells.
I love Christmas. My mom loved Christmas. She knew how to make something out of nothing and take joy in what she did have and set aside any thoughts about what she didn’t have. I love surprises and gift giving and if there’s one thing in life right now that has raised the joy in that, it is having our little Snookie. At almost two years old, he’s all wonder and happiness. Together, he and I have been making Christmas cards for him to give to his special people and when he “paints” with his markers, he is purposeful and pleased and understands that he’s making a beautiful thing that will make someone smile.
There are, of course, some of you who are having trouble mustering up a smile. Perhaps it is for good reason. There’s no getting around that for some people Christmas is a reminder of loss or past or present pain. Sometimes it can be fear of loss if illness threatens someone you love. It can also be the absence of someone due to miles or because there’s been a rift that you feel helpless to repair.
Whether you are decorating your heart out and baking mountains of cookies while the carols play or whether you are struggling, an extra smile can’t hurt, so I’d like to share one of our Christmas smiles with you.
When Pookie arrives each day, she asks me how our day went and how things unfolded with lunch, naptime and Snookie’s mood and behavior (which, by the way, is nearly always wonderful). Then on the drive home, she asks questions to get his version of the day. I had decorated for Christmas and placed the Baby Jesus candle in the room where he naps so that we could light it while we snuggle, sing “Away In a Manger” and talk about Jesus. (Do I need a disclaimer here to say that after he falls asleep I blow out the candle before I leave the room?)
The first day we lit the Baby Jesus candle, it was still fresh in his mind on the drive home. The conversation went like this:
Pookie: Did you have a good day?
Snookie: Candle! Pookie: Did Grandma have a candle? Snookie: Light! Pookie: You lit a candle? Snookie: Jesus! Pookie: Oh! You and Grandma lit the Baby Jesus candle? Snookie: I do. (Always his answer when he’s affirming an action or desire.) Pookie: Did you know Christmas is Baby Jesus’ birthday? Snookie: Cake!!! Pookie: Well, maybe we will have cake for Jesus’ birthday. Snookie: Try Mama.
So, now, though we’ve not had the tradition in the past, Pookie is thinking that maybe a birthday cake is in order for Baby Jesus. And, why not? He is the reason for the celebration after all.
Children and their understanding of Christmas can not only bring us laughter, but bring us back to a place of wonder. If you’ve wandered from your wonder into a place of commercialism, cynicism or down-heartedness, maybe it’s time to pray that your childlike joy returns. I’d love to hear your stories of how the children in your life have understood Christmas, so please leave them in the comments. I’d love to write a post filled entirely with those!
One of my favorites is when my niece was discussing the Christmas story with her mommy. They talked their way through it and when they got to the part about the wise men coming to bring gifts to Jesus, she asked what they tripped over. Now, this puzzled my sister and she asked the reason for the question. My niece gave the obvious answer: “Mommy, it says they fell down and worshiped Him. What did they fall over?”
I hope this has given you a smile. I encourage you, like Snookie, to “try”. Pull out your Bible and read through the portions of the book of Isaiah that promise us hope and tell us that the people walking in darkness have seen a great light. The Light is Jesus and it far outshines the candles we use in symbolism. Go to the New Testament and read the story of Jesus’ birth in the Gospels and ask Him to put that same “Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men” in your heart. It’s more than just something to be printed on greeting cards. Or, bake Him a cake!
Take the first step by going in search of the Christ-child. Just try!
Leave your comments with your fun Christmas stories, so we can all share Christmas smiles!
Subscribe either in the right sidebar on your computer or if on a device, navigate to the Contact page on the menu and you’ll see a subscription box. Be sure to “pin” this article and share it on your social media.
If you’re in need of a case of the out-and-out giggles, take a journey through my “Laugh” page and also the stories about my “Life With Smuffy”.
‘Tis the season. As we turn our hearts toward the celebration of the coming of our Messiah, the festivities and preparation for them begins. However and whatever you may be celebrating between now and the end of the year, I’m thinking there is a good deal of food involved.
Various treats tempt us during the holidays and many of them are sweet. High on the list, however, is a category all its own – cheesy goodness.
We’re cheese lovers at our house. We attributed much of the overstock to Pookie over the years, but after she married and left us to start her own home, we soon discovered that we still could barely get the refrigerator cheese drawer shut.
This time of the year, whether we grab a ready-made at the grocery store or make a favorite family version, we yearn for a cheese ball. At get-togethers, I confess to often thinking as I make my way toward the heavy-laden buffet, “Is there a cheese ball?”
December’s First Friday Freebie will help you serve yours up in style. This black and white cheese server and spreader are just so cute! It’s neutral colors will go with any of your décor and whether your other serve-ware is farmhouse, modern or somewhere else on the design spectrum, it just “goes”. You have the option of removing the black ribbon and replacing it with a seasonal one, whether it’s for the holidays, a birthday party, New Year’s Eve or your spring fling. It’s a great find from Factory Connection.
To enter to win the Cheesy Goodness serving set, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I need cheesy goodness in my life!” You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, December 3rd, 2021.
NOTE: An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails. Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.
First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so you’ll want to subscribe over on the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.
I hope you get excited about winning freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”. Help me get the word out!
On the “Freebies”page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.
A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, December 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “I need cheesy goodness in my life!”.
For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.
Subscribe and confirm right now before you forget!
Perhaps a nice cheese ball will get you into the holiday mood if your weather is not feeling Christmas-like. It’s been warm and wonderful here. If you’re in the Midwest, you know it’s bound to change soon, so enjoy your Christmas shopping and other preparations while you can and have a blessed Christmas season from start to finish.
Have you ever had one of those weird experiences when you are trying to give something away and it seems like it isn’t meant to be?
As you may have read in my last post, the October freebie winner had a change in email which set off a series of delays in getting the gift to its destination. Then, in November a winner was notified who also had a change in email and I am sorry to say, she lost out on receiving her First Friday Freebie because I had no other means of contact with her other than the email she used to subscribe. Then, (do these things come in threes?) when I had to re-draw a name from those who entered, the new winner also had a changed email and did not respond! I did, however, find another means of contact and she has, at last, been united with her First Friday Freebie.
Meet November’s eventual winner –
Heather from Prairie Home, Missouri!
Congratulations, Heather!
I was so excited that my freebie found a home that I threw in a bonus gift.
In addition to the cozy scarf in the original First Friday Freebie offer, Heather received the leather earrings you see pictured with her in the photo. Heather is a first-time winner. If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out hereon my Freebies! page.
The scarf and the earrings are both Factory Connection finds and you can see the original freebie offer here.
If you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.
NOTE: If you enjoy entering to win, please make sure you subscribe with an email you intend to keep and will likely be checking the week after the drawings. This is my only means of letting winners know they’ve won and so if your email isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!
Look for the subscription area. It’s easy to find on the “CONTACT” page and after subscribing, confirm your subscription when the confirmation email arrives in your inbox. If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”.
Subscribing is the best way to avoid missing what’s new here on the blog because you’ll get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.
Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win.
Freebies help me reach more people who may not have heard about this blog and we wouldn’t want to deprive anyone of a good Smuffy story, would we? When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also. Subscribing is free. Freebies are free. Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free. Does it get any better than this?
Coming soon: December’s First Friday Freebie – that takes place on Friday, December 3rd. You’ll see a photo of the Freebie and you can enter to win at any point all day that day. Don’t forget to check the email that you used to subscribe for notification that you’ve won.
A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing.
ONCE AGAIN (because you tend to forget): Should your name be drawn as the winner, you will be notified via the email you used to subscribe. That means you’ll need to check your email often in the week following the drawing so that you can respond and keep the prize from being offered to someone else. Perhaps a reminder in the good ‘ole smartphone would help.
Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.
These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, December 3rd, 2021.
Next up recipes to please and smiles to add to your Christmas cheer!
