Blogger Mentor Needed: Part Duece

Okay, so this part 2 to my previous post in my quest to learning more about Blogger and the blogging community.  I'm looking for someone to answer these questions because the all knowing Google didn't help me enough.  :)

Here are some questions that have me stumped.

1. How do y'all get items for giveaways? Like Target giftcards, or the AMAZING pencil sharpener, or packs of Scentos markers?  Are ya buying the items and then raffling them off?  I'd love to have a giveaway (to celebrate newbie blogger moments) but not sure how to get that ball rolling. 
2. Fonts.  I want to use some different fonts on the blog. But all my posts are boring Times.  In the writing part, there are maybe 7 options, all of which are boring.  Suggestions? 
3. Lastly (for now at least), I know how to show a blog roll of favorite blogs. Do you know if there is anyway to connect my blog to BlogLovin to pull the blogs I actually follow over to my blog roll instead of me typing every single URL into the widget? 

Again -- thanks for the help. Feel free to leave comments (I love 'em!) or send me an email. Keep an eye open for Part Tres because I'm sure it's going. 

Where do YOU turn when you need blog help? Any favorite tutorials online I haven't found??