Nachos for Dinner?

Well we are almost there folks. One more day until weekend and let me just say, I am so ready for it. Have I mentioned that this week? :)

Despite my impatience, the week has gone by rather quickly.

Most of you are all on your way to the HLS and even though I wish I was able to join you, I have a rather considerable reasoning for skipping it this year. Toly and I are celebrating our one year anniversary on Sunday, so be prepared to be exposed with the mushy love stories and sentimental array of wedding photos. ;)

Well as for today, it really wasn’t anything too unordinary; quite typical, actually. Except, I do have some EXCITING news to share.

I believe Toly and I have decided on our big trip next year.

As many of you know, we’ve been playing with the whole Italy idea for months. We both really want to go to Europe but after checking out the prices, it just seemed a bit unreasonable for our budget. We visited some other options like Vegas, California, Mexico, a resort; however, the other day, Toly presented me with the ideal opportunity.

Here is how the conversation went….

Toly- “How would you feel about taking a European Cruise to Italy, Spain, Greece…etc.?”
Lauren- “How would I feel? There are no words that can describe my utmost excitement! Sign me up!”
Toly- “I thought I may get that reaction from you.”

Okay guys, this is perfect for us! We both enjoy cruising (with the exception of our honeymoon bust cruise) and both really want to go to Europe but at the same time, we have never been, don’t know what we are doing, and want some kind of structure or guide. Since touring in Italy is a bazillion dollars, taking a European cruise provides us with the indulgence, the structure, and a taste of so many different places we want to see. Plus, the rates at the moment are substantially reasonable!

We are going to go talk to a travel agent next week and hopefully book our trip then! Ah, I am beaming with pure exhilaration! :)

More on this exciting trip to come, but for now, here are today’s noteworthy eats….

Lunch was a salad beauty.

Romaine, cabbage, cucumber, beets, radish, yellow tomatoes, snap peas, broccoli, ½ of a veggie burger and a big glob of spicy hummus with a drizzle of balsamic. Leftover yucca fries and some loupe. So enjoyable and filling.

After work, Toly and I tackled Level 2 of the Shred. He has been working his way up for 2 weeks and tonight, he wanted to give the next level a try. I warned him it was a bit more intense…..
He totally survived, a little sweaty and exhausted, but none the less, he was a trooper! :)

And then I rewarded us with a freakishly awesome dinner.

Prepare yourself because this may just be one of the best things to ever cross your minds…

Dinner tonight was….. Buffalo Chicken Nachos!

Halleluiah these things are pretty much incredible and guess what….

Pretty darn healthy too!

Yes, it is entirely possible to create what seems like the most indulgent horrificially caloric meal into something nutritious.

I’ve actually made these before and you can find the recipe in this post.

Only thing I did different was added a little fresh mango/avocado salsa on top.
Wow, I didn’t think it was possible to make these any better, but alas, there was.
Okay, now go make these asap because they are too good not be shared.

And that’s about it for this Thursday. I’ll end with my runners world quote of the day, because I really really like this one…

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller