I Run.

I run because I love it. Not just the finish line, but the journey it took to get there.

I run because it makes me stronger.

I run when I'm happy.

I run when I'm upset.

I run even when it hurts.

I run because one day, I won't be able to.

I run to think.

I run because it brings me joy.

I run to push myself.

I run to escape. To be free.

I run because it puts a smile on my face.

I run for those who can't.

Virtual Coffee Date {4.16.13}

If we were having coffee this afternoon, I'd tell you about the mud run I did with a friend yesterday. We did the Merrel Down and Dirty 5K and had a blast! All of the obstacles along the course were so much fun - we climbed over walls (one was 15 feet tall!), went through tunnels, practically swam in a lake, and crawled through lots and lots of mud. The course was actually really hilly too, and reminded me of a cross country course I would've raced in high school. I'd also tell you about the amazing volunteers from the armed forces that were all over the course helping out. They were the sweetest and I really can't thank them enough for everything that they do. 

{check out our before photo and after photo from the run!}

If we were having coffee this afternoon, I'd tell you about the {much smaller} Christian group on campus that I recently started going to. I absolutely love it. The speaker is incredible and the people are the sweetest.

If we were having coffee this afternoon, I'd tell you about how excited I am that I got the online reporting/blogging internship at the Daily Bruin that I applied for last week. I'll be writing about a post a week on the Daily Bruin Mojo blog, and I think I'll be writing mostly about food and fitness. I have training the next few weeks - my first one was last Saturday and I learned so much! I'd also tell you that there's no way I would've gotten the internship without this little blog of mine. I'd say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for reading and sticking along these past {almost} two years.

If we were having coffee this afternoon, I'd tell you how obsessed I am with all the latest country music. I can't get enough of Luke Bryan and Hunter Hayes new songs.

If we were having coffee this afternoon, I wouldn't be able to stop talking about how happy I am to be here at UCLA. Bruin Day was last weekend {that's when all the accepted applicants come check it out here} and I wanted to shout to everyone how much I love this place. I can't imagine ever going to school anywhere else. I've made the most amazing friends, and for the first time in my life I'm being truly me. I finally feel like I'm at home.

If we were having coffee this afternoon, I'd tell you that I'm pretty sure I'm about to do something crazy with a friend of mine sometime soon. And that I can't wait!

If we were having coffee this afternoon, we'd pray for those affected by what happened today in Boston. <3

Quest Nutrition {Self-Proclaimed Addict}

I've been wanting to try Quest Bars for the longest time now because they've been all the rage in the blog world lately! I've heard so many good things about them that I couldn't wait to get my hands on some myself. And I'm so glad that I did!

First of all, I can't say enough good things about Quest Nutrition. They are really passionate about what they do and they make a really, really good product. They responded to me extremely quickly and are just all around awesome.

I was sent a variety box of Quest Bars and a box of Quest Cravings protein peanut butter cups. You guys have no idea how excited I was to dig into these!

All of Quest Nutrition's products have really short ingredient lists with recognizable ingredients. They also have superb nutritional stats - I haven't ever had any bar that even comes close! Each bar has 160-210 calories, 17g (natural) fiber, and 20-21g protein.

The bars are very filling, but most importantly, they taste AWESOME. There's no protein-y aftertaste that you would encounter with most other protein bars. I was also a little nervous about the high fiber content and how my stomach would react, but these never bothered my stomach whatsover.

These little babies are the perfect breakfast on-the-go, post workout fuel, or study snack.

{early morning quick breakfast - i loved the chocolate peanut butter! }

{finals study snack}

It's suggested that you microwave the bar for 15 seconds before eating it - I've never microwaved a protein bar before, but I decided to give it a go and am so glad I did! The bars get really nice and soft and basically taste like a freshly baked cookie.

{vanilla almond crunch after microwaving}

I thought I'd tell you guys which flavors were my favorites (which ones I will definitely be buying again):

1. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

•  lots of huge chunks of chocolate & when microwaved, this bar is exactly like cookie dough.

2. Chocolate Peanut Butter

• tasted just like a brownie! 

3. Coconut Cashew

• if you love coconut, you'll love this flavor! it's really coconutty and creamy. 

4. Cinnamon Roll 

• seriously made my room smell like a bakery! i bet this flavor would be really good topped with coconut butter.

5. Peanut Butter Supreme

• super peanut buttery, which i was not expecting at all since not a lot of bars can get that flavor right. just like a peanut butter cookie! 

6. Chocolate Brownie

• this one also tasted like a brownie, but it wasn't as chocolate-y to me as the chocolate peanut butter.

7. Vanilla Almond Crunch

• perfect for you non-chocolate lovers! the vanilla flavor really came through in this one. 

8. Peanut Butter and Jelly

• i liked the peanut butter supreme better, but this one was still really good. spot on with the PB&J flavor! 

The only flavors I wasn't a huge fan of were Lemon Cream Pie (the lemon flavor was a bit artificial) and Banana Nut Muffin (I'm not a huge fan of banana flavored things in general). The Apple Pie, Mixed Berry Bliss, and Strawberry Cheesecake flavors were pretty good, just not my favorites. And I just realized that all my non-favorite bars were fruit flavored... I think I just don't like fruit-y flavors in my protein bars, haha! But if you're fruit lover, then those are definitely for you because the flavors really do come through. 

All in all, I think it's safe to say I'm addicted to these bars. I've never had a protein bar quite like a Quest Bar and of all the protein bars I've ever eaten, these are my favorites. Which is saying a lot!
I just ran out of them the other day and went #onaquest to find some more, only to discover a GNC store right here in Westwood. I only bought three bars since they're a tad pricey, but in this college student's opinion, they're definitely more than worth your money.  

The protein peanut butter cups I was sent were also really good. I noticed a slight aftertaste in these, but it wasn't overpowering. Personally, I'd rather have an actual peanut butter cup, but if you're looking to stay on track with your eating, these are for you! I'd recommend microwaving them or swirling them into hot oatmeal for a treat.

I'm so thankful that I got to try everything and discover the deliciousness that is Quest Nutrition! Thanks again to an amazing company :-)

**disclaimer: I was sent these bars to review free of charge. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own as always.**