The random number generator selected Kit to receive the $20 Amazon gift card. In her comment she noted that she has “been a good (mostly) girl all year (so far).” Congratulations on that, Kit — and now you can let ‘er rip.

To all who voted for me in the BlogHer 2011 contest….You are wonderful! I won one of the tickets!  This will make my first-ever trip to the conference much more affordable. You guys are the best.

I don’t bring this up to make you nervous about shopping. Instead, I want to point out that we all have choice about how – and whether – to buy.

This week’s giveaway is a $20 Amazon gift card. That’s right: $20 toward whatever you’re saving for – a Kindle? a tricycle? a year’s supply of gummy worms? – or toward whatever impulse purchase floats your boat.

I’m going, no matter what. But you can help me get there cheaper. As in, for free.

The random number generator has spoken: A reader posting as “db” is the winner of “The Financial Aid Handbook: Getting the Education You Want at the Price You Can Afford.”

Congratulations, db, and please respond to my e-mail so I can send out the book.

This week’s giveaway might be decorative. It might also be a gift card. Just depends on which one wins the coin toss.