2009 Sugar Awards

In continuation of our Best of 2009 coverage, we asked you about your favorite kitchen store of the past 12 months. The vast majority of you — 58 percent — declared Cost Plus World Market tops, for its affordability during tough economic times.

Although we're also fans of the imported sundries sold at Cost Plus, we must respectfully beg to differ: for the second year in a row, we're naming Williams-Sonoma as 2009's best kitchen store. True, the California kitchenware company has partnered with us on some colossal giveaways this year. But more than that, it's been the source of many solid recipes, cocktail ideas, and, of course, covetable kitchen items. Tell us what you love about Williams-Sonoma, or your favorite kitchen store!

And the winner is . . . Kola! The beloved pup of (equally beloved) Twilight star Kellan Lutz captured the top pet title this year. 2008's favorite celebrity canine, Norman, was pretty close behind in second place, but I'm happy to see a new furry face this time around.

We've heard all about Kellan's love for this pooch and his newly rescued pup, Kevin, so hats off to the animal lover as well. According to the actor, she'd like to get into acting, too — check out the clip where Kellan talks about that and her special bandana when you read more

When it came to your wedding schedules this year, most of you had a moderate number of obligations.

More than 58 percent of you said you went to one to five weddings — but 35 percent of you went to none. A few busy bees (two percent of you) said you went to more than 10 weddings — I think that makes you a professional wedding guest! And congrats to all of you who said you celebrated your own weddings in 2009.

Don't forget to check out the rest of our Best of 2009 coverage and defend your own favorites in our Best of 2009 group!


Photo and videos courtesy of NBC

Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl!

With 35 percent of the votes, Blair is the clear winner. She blew past neurotic favorite Liz Lemon of 30 Rock, who came in second with 19 percent of the votes.

Maybe it's because she's the small screen's most privileged underdog that we love Blair so much? Of course, the clothes never hurt either!

Don't forget to check out the rest of our Best of 2009 coverage and defend your favorites in our Best of 2009 group!

Photo Courtesy of The CW

And it's a sweep — The Sims 3 not only took the title for your favorite new video game of 2009, but you favor the original Sims over every other game on the Best of the Decade list!

I'm actually quite surprised that World of Warcraft didn't completely mangle the rest of the options, but I'd have to say that my favorite game of all was Mass Effect for its groundbreaking game play and epic storyline. I'm stoked to see what's next in the Mass Effect series, as well as what Sims game master Will Wright (who also brought us Spore) has up his sleeve for the next decade in simulation games!

Reflecting on the past year also means revisiting our best tips to help you usher in the New Year just a little wiser. So, let's continue our look back at the Best of 2009 with a recap of your favorite lil bits of advice.

Friends and relatives wait and wait for the phone call, email, or text that announces a newborn's birth. And, despite lots of parents knowing the baby's sex in advance and some even choosing their infant's name before the debut, there are plenty of facts that inquiring minds want to know when it's time for the official announcement. Before you announce your new bundle, plan ahead with our guide to eight facts you should include!

Actresses have long crossed over to genres other than acting — modeling being one of the most relevant. This year, more than a handful lent their pretty faces to ad campaigns of some of the most recognizable brands. The biggest celebrity models of '09 were Madonna for Louis Vuitton, Lily Allen for Chanel, and Scarlett Johansson for Mango. And how can we forget Eva Mendes's steamy hookup with Calvin Klein. Refer below for the hottest celebrity models of '09.

• Scarlett Johansson for Mango
• Eva Mendes for Calvin Klein Underwear
• Lily Allen for Chanel
• Madonna for Louis Vuitton

See more celeb models of '09

When it comes to the most stylish celebaby, not a whole lot has changed in one year. Voted as the hippest toddler in Tinseltown in 2008, Suri Cruise was once again anointed the most stylish celebrity tot of 2009.

Sporting silver liquid leggings, high-heeled dancing shoes and endless floral frocks, the sweet pea is more fashion forward at 4-years-old than most people 10 times her age. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes bankrolling the wardrobe. A mini fashionista, her miniature threads are droolworthy but it is her confidence and sweet smile that truly make every outfit precious.