HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR BUNGALOW (plus a giveaway!)

The Love Bungalow blog turns 1 today! I am so excited to celebrate this milestone with all of you and am looking forward to a week of online celebration! When I started this blog one year ago, I had no idea what it was going to look like. I just knew that I was madly in love with my new husband and was enjoying every minute of trying new recipes, eating on my porch, and hosting parties for friends; I couldn’t help but share all the joy, laughter, and great food that was overflowing in my Indianapolis bungalow.

I remember originally thinking that I wanted to share craft and decorating ideas (that didn’t happen, but I did read a bunch of Arts & Crafts Style magazines!) and I also created a whole masterplan for a Bungalow lifestyle store (which has been put in the layaway plan, even though I did check out a bunch of small business books from the library!), but this blog has now turned into a continuous celebration of my experiences in Indy, my reflections on life experiences, and my recommendations for simply fabulous food. It’s definitely a unique blend of categories, but I’m enjoying the journey! I read that most blogs don’t make it past the 3 month mark, so I am stoked that my blog has surpassed that roadblock and carries on today with more than 1500 readers.

My goals for the next year include maintaining and growing my readership base, involving myself more with the local blogging scene, and of course, creating and sampling more delicious food to share with everyone.

This week, I plan to re-post some of my favorite posts from the year, follow-up on some old entries, complete a “get-to-know-you” questionnaire since I never respond to any of my award nominations, and of course, GIVE BIRTHDAY PRESENTS!

So, let’s start with presents first!

I have partnered with Broad Ripple Chip Co. to send you, my dear readers, my absolute favorite chips in the universe. You have no idea the self-control that I have to practice when passing these beauties at the grocery store. BRCC is a local business and makes their product right by my house. I take them to parties, use them as house warming gifts, and of course, eat them on the regular (if Husband doesn’t beat me to them). Featured on the Food Network and available at multiple supermarkets, you will SO appreciate the seasoned Russet potatoes that are cut by hand and cooked in small batches.

IF I do not eat them all before the week is over, I will select 2 lucky readers to receive 2 bags each (one of each flavor: original and sweet & spicy!) of these marvelous chips.

Want in? There are 3 ways to enter:

1. Write a comment that says who you plan to tell about The Love Bungalow (1 entry)
2. Tell the person you share the blog with to also comment on this post (1 entry)
3. Follow The Love Bungalow on Instagram (1 entry) and go ahead and follow Zeus, the adorable pug mascot of Broad Ripple Chip Co (@getloosewithzeus) too for more too-cute awesomeness.

At the end of the week, I will use the scientific method of placing all entries in a hat and drawing out 2 names. I will announce the winners and they can email me their (US only) addresses and ta da! Chips are mailed and happiness is received!

So, that’s it! A week of fun and presents! Thank you all for coming to the party and I’m looking forward to many more years of love and bungalows!