I am an avid shopper and bargain hunter and LOVE LOVE LOVE the thrill of the hunt.

Elizabeth Thorp: No, I'm not a closeted, functional alcoholic. Nope, it's not porn (sorry, honey) and I am not taking ADD meds like Lynette on "Desperate Housewives." I am an avid shopper and bargain hunter and LOVE LOVE LOVE the thrill of the hunt. With online stores, auctions, sales, etc., shopping and finding a great deal has never been easier or more fun.

This week our whole family is on vacation in Maine. We're sailing, eating saltwater taffy and lobster, catching hermit crabs on the beach and napping. Despite my rural and slow-paced vacation location, I am in the epicenter of fashion, furniture and school supplies right from our little cabin with a click of the mouse!

I have gotten back to school bargains from OldNavy.com, two fabulous mid-century crystal lamps for our bedroom from eBay, a new designer dress for hundreds less from Gilt.com (check out the link - they're offering momlogic readers a deal!) and Mommy is triumphant!

Even if I don't really need said item, I definitely will in the future, right? I total up my savings in my head and feel quite satisfied. So what if the kids' shoes I bought on Zappos.com are a size 4 - my girls' feet will grow, right? Admittedly, sometimes I do need to rein it in. I am grateful for the separate bank accounts -- would my husband ever believe how much salon highlights and an eyebrow wax really cost???

So Mommies, use the recession to your advantage. Log on, bid, buy and bargain. See below some of my favorite online stores who offer steals or deals - happy shopping = happy mommy!

Elizabeth Thorp serves as President & CEO of EDT Communications, Inc. Elizabeth's 17 years of experience spans almost every area of public relations, crisis management, event planning and public affairs -- although no amount of training can prepare you for crisis management in a happily hectic household with three young divas. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband and three young daughters, Isabelle, Lucy and Penelope.