Loopy's Guide to Handling the Mall This Holiday Season

If you're brave enough to hit the mall this time of year, remember a few key things:

• No matter how cold it is outside, leave your coat in the car. Trust me on this, they keep the heat at about 97 degrees in the mall. 
• Hydrate. Stash a bottle of water in your purse. 
• Keep a snack in your purse as well. It will keep you focused on shopping and not stopping at the food court. 
• Bring a list for the people that you need to buy for. 
• Don't shop for yourself. Unless you find something really, really, really cute, then it's okay. 
• Stick to your budget. Figure out, before you leave the house, what you want to spend on each person. 
• Don't spend more than $300 on my gift. 

If you have other tips for surviving the mall, I'd love to hear them. 

Happy shopping!