I have to admit it to you all, these last five years have drastically affected my celebrations of the Fourth of July and Bastille Day in Paris. Who’d have imagined that I, lover of all things that explode, would one day not observe the Fourth of July, only to have it replaced by the French independence day? How blasphemous is that for a true-blue American in Paris?

With all the famous Paris shops and avenues, it’s hard to know where to find something unique. Where does one go for the off-the-beaten-path treasures? Over time some friends have shared their secret locations with me, places they love and can’t live without, and I’m proud to say that I now have my own! While most of my friends prefer to keep their shops to themselves to avoid throngs of people stealing their “it” dresses, shoes and decorative pieces, I can’t wait to tell you about my place.

My baguette has come in, readers. I live, drumroll please, in PARIS! Yes, the Land of Lovers. The District of Divine. The Magnificent Metropolis. I call “Par-ee” home. If I had a nickel for every time someone said, “OMG that must be amazing!!!” . . . I’d have enough nickels to fill the Louvre and a sore neck from all my ecstatic nodding.

I’m not going to play it down: living here is a dream come true, and I’m reminded of that a thousand times a day.

You’re in Paris for Christmas! Now . . . where to shop? Forget Les Halles: too crowded. Oubliez Champs Elysées: too touristy. Here are 10 places to get your credit card warmed up. Happy shopping!

Though some of my friends think it’s too close to the Halles experience, I like to grab a buddy and get my shopping done on rue de Rivoli. There are tons of great shops and plenty of cafés in the neighborhood if you need to take a breather.

I’m one of those holiday nuts. December 26 begins a countdown to my very FAVORITE time of year! I break out the decorations and CDs way too early. I shop year-round for gifts. Though I’m ashamed to admit it, I actually own a pair of tacky reindeer horns. Bref, I go off the holiday deep end. I have so many wonderful memories with my family that it’s a time of year I really cherish.

You’ve been waiting for it. Here’s the second half of Scrooge’s Christmas goodies! In case you missed the first half, check it out here.

(8) Pick out a Christmas tree
In France most people prefer fake trees or those miniature ones. Personally, I like the real deal. You can usually find real trees at flower shops like Monceau Fleurs and sometimes at the larger markets.

It’s here, people. Spring in Paris is here. God, I have waited for this moment for-EV-er! Rain rain rain rain rain rain… more rain… clouds… darkness at 4 p.m… clouds… rain… I’ve had it. I’m ready for some green, and some shorts, and some SUN!