Car Decision Coming to a Head, Longhorn, New Noodle Recipe

Have I told you lately that you're awesome? No? Well you ARE! Thanks for all of the helpful feedback on the cars. We spent another 2.5 hours at a dealership.... and I think the Lexus may be best for me. Here's how it shook out:

Both: Same on price, both have built-in navigation, both good on resale, both dealerships are near home, both have good maintenance records, leather, automatic, etc.

Lexus: Wins for me on interior, gas mileage, fewer blind spots, touch screen, automatic tailgate, more luxurious and it's a hybrid. (ended up with Lexus RX400H instead of Lexus RX350).

Infiniti: Wins for me on exterior, better reverse function, better sound system, keyless option and more unique/funky.

For particular cars: My favorite Infiniti had 11,000 less miles and was in better condition (like BRAND new). The Lexus has more miles (but still only 46,000) and just seems more used than the Infiniti. I swear that Infiniti with only 35,000 miles sat in a garage seldom used by a neat freak!

So... reverse function, sound system and keyless option aren't significant for me (Infiniti). And blindspots and automatic tailgate aren't significant for me (Lexus). HOWEVER, I very much wish that I could get the Lexus interior with the Infiniti exterior. This isn't possible. GRRR. But overall, it seemed the lexus was best with the preferred interior and better gas mileage. If the Infiniti had a more cozy interior, more details and a touchscreen - I think it would be the Infiniti all the way. I'm not totally decided, but if I don't get the Infiniti I'm sad ... it's just such a cool car and really goes in line with my love of funky cars! I told Austin he needs to trade his Z in for it!

K, enough car talk, I'll keep you posted, we're going back up there at noon today! Thank you again for your comments, advice and more!

Check this out: Kelly O featured me for her Wednesday WOOT! Factor! :) So sweet, love her! Thanks, Kelly!!

Other that that, yesterday was just work, work through lunch, lots of work. After the dealership it was LATE. Even though I had food in the fridge Austin was like let's go out to eat and hash this all out. We hit up Longhorn. I got a romaine salad with tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles and grilled salmon with balsamic on the side. Austin got a cheeseburger and loaded baked potato. hehe Then we headed home to pupper and passed out! I ended up at 1,740 calories, 155 carbs, 54 fat grams and 119 protein grams. Here's what I ate.

One more thing, another new recipe for the week!

Spicy Sesame Noodles with Chicken - from For the Love of Cooking
Makes 4 Servings

3 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp canola oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tbsp of Sriracha chili sauce
½ tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
8 oz. of spaghetti, cooked per instructions
16 oz. chicken, diced and cooked on nonstick spray with ½ tbsp soy sauce and ½ tsp minced garlic
1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
3-4 green onions, sliced
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
6-7 fresh basil leaves, cut in ribbons

sesame seeds, for garnish

close up of full pan

Combine vinegar, soy sauce, canola oil, sesame oil, Sriracha sauce, garlic and ginger. Mix well and set aside for 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle. Cook spaghetti per instructions. Cook chicken per instructions above until no longer pink. Drain noodles and return to pan along with now-cooked chicken, bell peppers, green onions and the sauce; toss until noodles, chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with sauce. Remove from stove then add the basil and cilantro and toss to combine. Serve immediately with sesame seeds for garnish.

My Serving

Yum

Nutritional Information: 462 calories, 46 carbs, 14 fat grams and 38 protein grams.

Review: AMAZING. Loved the flavor, loved the bell pepper crunch, great spicy overall but not too overpowering - LOVED. It reheated well too, retaining it's flavor and not drying out the noodles. Everyone at work was like WOW - that smells amazing! :) Thanks, Pam, for another great recipe! You never fail me! :)

Q: Noodles or Rice? I have to say rice just because it's a childhood addiction but noodles are SERIOUSLY growing on me - love the idea of Asian-inspired noodle dishes!

Q: Cars - what's most important to you? Apparently, I found that cushy/cozy interior and good gas mileage are king for me.

Q: Ever driven a hybrid? This would be my first one!