No doubt Kate Gosselin can’t wait to put 2009 behind her, and start fresh in the new year – and there’s nothing like a little retail therapy to get your mind off your problems.

PHOTOS:  Kate Goes Shopping With Pal

Maybe with that in mind,  the former Jon & Kate Plus 8 star stepped out with a friend to do some post Christmas shopping at the local mall near her home in Wernersville, PA on Wednesday.

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Kate hit up the Birkshire Mall with her long time pal Jamie Ayers, where they no doubt browsed the shops  for bargains, and later snacked on takeout at the local Salad Works.

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