I decorated the kitchen and dining room with these adorable flag banners cut out of different patterned scrapbooking paper. I wrote some of my favorite things about him on another sheet of scrapbooking paper to turn into his place mat. Then I turned on Sports Center, got a Bud Light ready for when he walked through the door, threw on some lingerie and started grillin’ up some surf-n-turf.

I was so nervous for him to get home, I don’t know why, but my hands were literally shaking when I heard the door open. He was so surprised and happy, it was the cutest thing. All I wanted to do was make him happy, but seeing how much he genuinely appreciated everything just melted my heart. And it reminded me how lucky I am.

When people ask me what it’s like having been in a long-term relationship throughout my entire college career, my answers usually vary. Sometimes I’m defending my choice to those who think I’m insane for not – ahem – taking advantage of all the hot, young guys surrounding a college gal. Sometimes I’m playing down David’s sheer awesomeness to jealous friends. Most of the time I talk about how amazing it is to have someone who constantly offers me love and support (who’s not, ya know, my Mom and Dad). But too often I forget about the flip side of the equation.

I forget how incredible it feels to be young and in love with such an amazing man. And isn’t that the best part about having a boyfriend? Getting giddy butterflies and having flashes of realization that he’s all yours? Monday night reminded me of the many many reasons I fell in love with David, and how freaking lucky I am to have spent three marvelous birthdays with that handsome devil.

If I have my way (and his, from what he tells me), we’ll be spending the rest of his birthdays together. I can only hope that I remember every single year how incredibly fortunate I am to be his girlfriend. For all my ladies out there who aren’t gagging with cynicism by now (kudos for reading through this mush fest!), take a minute to share some of your favorite things about your s.o.- you might be surprised how much more you love them just thinking about how great they are.

Being that 1) I’m a college student 2) it’s right after Christmas and 3) I’ve been celebrating the end of the semester at the bar for about 2 weeks now, it’s safe to say that my bank account is dangerously close to the negative. So going out and buying new outfits isn’t really an option.

Which is why I am interested in investment pieces to update my tired winter wardrobe. I want something timeless that is going to last, not another sweater from Express that will only make it through one season’s worth of laundry cycles before pilling and fraying.

And I have hit the jackpot with Michael Kors’ Gold Runway Watch with Glitz.

I am hopelessly in love with menswear watches, which is what drew me to this in the first place. The sturdy band, the oversized face, and the three sub-dials are masculine and classic. But the boyish charm is accentuated with feminine details that balance the piece from being too heavy: a brushed gold surface, crystal detailing and elegant numbers written in a whimsical font.

It’s the perfect mix of stately sophistication and playful girlishness.

To. Die. For.

I can see myself slipping it on with a blazer and jeans and totally channeling the menswear trend, or toughening up a girly outfit by paring it with a ruffed A-line dress and heels.

The crystals make it dressy enough to wear for a night out with a skintight mini and a leather jacket, but the brushed gold gives it a chic elegance, making it totally appropriate for a day at work or classes.

The amount of wear I will get out of this thing is ridiculous. Which is why it is a totally justifiable investment. Now I just have to convince my mom that week-late Christmas gifts are completely acceptable.

As the Backstreet Boys song says (and yes I am actually quoting them) “My Love is All I Have To Give.” So with that throwback, here are this week’s list-worthy things…]

1. Michael Kors Gold Watch- While it’s not the cheapest thing on the block, its definitely a cheaper option as far as gold watches go. It’s Chunky, it’s cute and it’s made by my favorite Project Runway personality. Now if only I could get him to design me a one-of-a kind gown…

2. Did you ever wonder what you would look like with blonde hair? I did. When I was studying abroad in Florence and thought it would be a GREAT idea to surprise everyone by dying my hair blonde. Had I known about Taaz, I would have saved myself some money, and more importantly, a whole lot of embarrassment. Because as it turns out blonde hair – especially when done by dark-haired Italians? – so not my look. Taaz is a virtual makeover site. Upload your photo and see for yourself if you can pull of the Katie Holmes Bob or the Jenny Humphrey shag.

3. Flip Camera Designable. The Flip Cam was the best thing that came into my life in 2007. I’ve shot countless videos at the bar, on the street, and laughing with friends. And now, it’s even sleeker, making it easy to drop into your clutch to catch only the funniest and best drunken moments to embarrass everyone with in a senior-year slide show.

And what’s even cooler is that you can design your own Flip Cam, either by uploading a photo or choosing a design to go on the cover! Genius.

4. Michael Seasons Snacks. Imagine your favorite potato chips, soy chips, or salty treat. Now imagine it not making a pit stop on your thighs and making your jeans feel 10 sizes too small. Well, thanks to Michael Seasons you don’t have to imagine that any longer. All your favorite salty snacks, only all natural and healthier. There is a spot for this lovely, lovely man in Heaven.

5. Twelve by Twelve line. Forever 21′s version of a bit more chic and a bit more pricey (and by bit more pricey, I’d say still running between $30 and $70 dollars for a piece) fashion line. I love, love, love this dress. It screams one-of-a-kind but comes to you at a lovley mass-produced price ($36.00). Hol. ler.

Coming in at a close second in the gift-giving challenge is the BF. Sure, you love him. Sure, he knows you better than most people. But finding a gift he’ll like because it’s cool, and not just because you’re his girlfriend? Tough.

In case you haven’t reached your breaking point yet (I know Hanukkah is almost over, but there’s still time!), I’m compiled a list of presents the Bro and the Beau might like. It’s always hard to tell with these strange specimens, but hey, even if they scrunch their face up again this year…at least you tried. Besides, they’re been giving you shit from The Body Shop for years. Teach them through example about branching out.

• Charles & Marie Dosh Wallet ($60) – compact, manly, and oh-so-full of special pockets, this wallet is a lot better than that ratty, duct-taped thing he’s been carrying around for years. It’s a little expensive, but just think of it as payback for that time you stuck gum in your Bro’s hair or ‘accidentally’ told your friends about the Beau’s bedroom ‘issues’.

• Dakine Plaid Backpack ($59.50) – it’s really hard to hate on a backpack, especially one that’s so nondescript and cool. Plus, he can carry his laptop and snowboard / skateboard around wherever he goes.

• Nooka Zub 20 Zenv Watch ($135) – complicated, weird looking, and kind of hard to understand, your gadget-loving Bro or Beau will go crazy for it. Let’s just hope he’s getting you more than bath salts for this price.

• Ninja Flipper ($4.49) – aren’t all guys obsessed with Ninjas?

• Sudoku Toilet Paper ($5.48) – part gag gift, part something they’ll probably use.

• Badass 3-in-1 Gloves ($49.50) – sure, it’s a lot of money for gloves, but he’ll never have to buy another pair…provided he doesn’t lose them a day later.

• Shockingly Expensive Toothpick holder ($800-$1500) – if your Bro or Beau has everything…get him a diamond encrusted toothpick holder. Chewing toothpicks in public is kinda rude, but if he’s got this thing, ain’t no one gonna question!