best of 2009...kitchen sink category

{ideally every day from now until december 31st, but more like every 4 or 5 days, i will be including a "best of 2009" post, with lists & thoughts galore about my favorites and best ofs the past year. check back in and feel free to share your related best of 2009 in the comments, or suggest a best of topic!}

i'm trying to catch up...

todays topic: random best of's from this year

best future blaçkmail shot

best vacation stop off...ostrich land!
by the way, feeding emus and ostriches is more stressful than you'd imagine

best old-school, cheaper, closer & cooler than disneyland, no product placement, little person friendly oakland location: fairyland

best pretend big sister: elodie.
sad for us (& little m) that she moved to france.

best christmas gift from 2008 that we used all of 2009 (besides my hobo wallet):
matt's pasta maker from my sister rebecca.
mmm. yummy homemade pasta abounded at our house.

best 2009 hangout spot at our house: the firepit.
somehow it always attacks me with smoke (i swear, it is like i have a bullseye on me), but nonetheless, we spent many an evening with many a friend having good long conversations around this cozy firepit.

best artsy & simulateously yummy cafe: blue bottle, on the top floor of sfmoma

best go-to recipe: alice waters' carmelized onion tart.
i've said it before: easy, addictive, and beautiful. yum.

best contortionist/future cirque du soleil member: little m while sleeping in her crib.
she moves just as much while she sleeps as she does when she's awake.
(and that's a lot in case you were wondering.)

best accessory purchase: these cute grey suede heels i bought for my sister-in-laws wedding.
love them.