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Sugarbabies: Visit to the National Emblem

Lil Community — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 03:31:43 PDT

This patriotic photo was shared by LilSugar Community member Coffeetalkie in our Sugarbabies group.

Eli loved seeing the Bald Eagle!

Do you have a new cutie pie in your family? Or did you snap some adorable photos of your lil tykes over the holiday weekend? Upload them to the Sugarbabies group!

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Get in the July 4 Spirit With Violet and Seraphina

Molly Goodson — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:10:42 PDT

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, and their daughters, Violet and Seraphina, were ready for the action at the Fourth of July parade in Brentwood on Monday. The whole family was decked out in patriotic red, white, and blue, with even Ben getting in on the coordination with his crisp white shirt. Ben hugged his girls close during the festivities and entertained his daughters with bubbles. Last year, Jennifer was on July 4 parade duty without Ben, but this time around he had one of the best seats in the house. In all, it was a family-filled weekend for the Garner-Afflecks, including Santa Monica brunch on Saturday.

Zac Efron Gets Shirtless to Celebrate July 4 on the Beach

Lauren Turner — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:54:30 PDT

Zac Efron sipped a cold drink while he hung out with friends in Malibu yesterday. Zac Efron was shirtless again after hitting the sand sans top with Ashley Tisdale on Saturday. He was helping Ashley celebrate her 26th birthday, and the former High School Musical costars got playful in the water during the party. Zac's Fourth of July fun also included his male friends, since he was spotted chatting with Brody Jenner and other pals around the holiday. It doesn't look like Brody's girlfriend, Avril Lavigne, was on hand for the bash, but she had her own fun in the sun in St. Tropez last month.

Gwen, Gavin, Kingston, and Zuma Get Patriotic With Costumes and Hair Dye

Lauren Turner — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:51:23 PDT

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale had a busy holiday weekend with their boys, Kingston and Zuma. The foursome were spotted out in LA on Saturday enjoying frozen yogurt and shopping, and they also made a stop at the Warren-Tricomi salon. Kingston was apparently treated to a festive new 'do since he emerged sporting a partially shaved head and a bright blue mohawk. Monday's activities were just as patriotic when Zuma wore a Captain America costume during a grocery store run with his nanny. Gwen and Gavin were back with Kingston and Zuma later in the day as they headed to Gwen's parents' house for a Fourth of July BBQ. The Stefani-Rossdales were just one of many stars who celebrated Independence Day around town, and the Garner-Afflecks also got into the holiday spirit during a parade in their neighborhood.

Nicole Richie Celebrates Fourth of July in the Sand With Friends and Family

Lauren Turner — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:18:49 PDT

Nicole Richie shared a laugh with friends on the beach in Malibu yesterday. Nicole was joined by husband Joel Madden, his brother Benji, pal Samantha Ronson, West Coast Vogue editor Lisa Love, and others in celebrating Fourth of July in the sand. She sported long blond braids for the event, which included checking out a fireworks show over the water. Nicole and Joel weren't the only stars who spent the holiday in the oceanside town since Reese Witherspoon, Ashley Tisdale, and Zac Efron also enjoyed Independence Day weekend in Malibu. Soon Nicole will be back to work, though, since she has House of Harlow's Fall collection, which now includes a handbag line, to promote before the pieces are available in stores later this month.

Chestnut Wins Annual Hot Dog Eating Competition

Katie Sweeney — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:30:18 PDT

While some people know the Fourth of July for its fireworks and patriotism, in the world of competitive eating, there's only one thing that the holiday brings to mind: hot dogs. Every year, Nathan's Famous hosts its annual hot dog eating contest on Coney Island. Joey Chestnut, who has taken the title for the past four years, won again this year, scarfing down 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

It was the first time that the competition had male and female categories, and Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas took home the female title after eating 40 hot dogs. Although Chestnut's rival, Takeru Kobayashi, was not allowed to compete in Nathan's Famous contest, he staged a hot dog eating in New York at the exact same time.

Kobayashi claimed a new world record by downing 69 hot dogs. Are you interested in competitive eating?

Picture It: From Sea to Shining Sea

Tara Block — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:54:41 PDT

Happy Fourth of July! It's been a day of BBQs, parades, and, of course, fireworks. Cities across America have been celebrating this nation's 235th anniversary of declaring independence from Britain. See pics of all the festivities, including President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's BBQ honoring military heroes and their families.

Reese Witherspoon Sports a Swimsuit With Ava, Deacon, and Shirtless Jim For Fourth of July Fun!

Katie Henry — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:28:46 PDT

Reese Witherspoon slipped into a one-piece and kicked off her Fourth of July festivities yesterday with a swim in Malibu. She splashed around with her kids, Ava and Deacon Phillippe, and played on the beach with their French bulldog Coco. Jim got in on the fun too, tossing around a foam football with Deacon and later offering drinks to Reese and their friends. Later in the day Jim and Reese took two romantic walks on the beach. First the newlyweds were spotted walking hand in hand with Reese wearing a patriotic red, white, and blue ensemble while Jim broke out one of Matthew McConaughey's Just Keep Livin' t-shirts. Next the family of four changed into new outfits to watch a beautiful sunset. It's a repeat of holiday fun in Malibu for Reese, Jim, and the kids who partied with Sean Penn at his luxurious home last Summer. Hope everyone is having a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Which Bikini-Clad Star Would You Want to Join For Fourth of July Fun?

PopSugar — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:03:00 PDT

Happy Fourth of July! Independence Day is here and that means beach bashes, pool parties, and plenty of fun in the sun. Some of our favorite stars like to strip down to bikinis for celebrations and even though Jennifer Aniston, Lauren Conrad, Kim Kardashian, and Beyoncé Knowles have a lot on their plate, we bet they'd enjoy a little holiday relaxation. If Beyoncé can break from her 4 press tour, Jennifer holds off on promoting Horrible Bosses, Kim takes a breather from wedding planning, and LC puts down her designing duties, they'd be great patriotic companions. So we want to know - which of these bikini-clad stars would be your first pick to join for July 4 fun?

7 Cool and Economical Centerpieces For the Fourth

Elka Karl — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:00:23 PDT

Do you have your menu planned and guest list checked for your Fourth of July party? Now all that's left is to find a simple, pretty, and low-cost way to finish your table. Centerpieces for the Fourth of July can embrace the spirit of the season - so definitely favor Summer fun over fussy elegance. Here are seven cheap and easy ways to make the most of your Fourth of July centerpiece.

Sparklers: Arrange sparklers in narrow-necked vases, clustered on the table. Tie them with a wide grosgrain ribbon in red, white, or blue.
Carnations: Cut carnations so they are on a short stem, and then arrange them in giant clusters in a low vase. Once the sun sets, break out the sparklers!
Pinwheels: Buy premade pinwheels and add them to a metal bucket or vase. They also work great as a party favor that guests can take home when the evening is through.
Potted garden plant: Have a potted cherry tomato or miniature pepper plant you're proud of? Add it to your table and show it off! You can wrap the pot in fabric or paper to help it stand out.
Skewers of fruit or berries: Make your centerpiece double as an appetizer by arranging strawberries, watermelon, or blueberries on half of a wooden skewer, and then adding the skewers to a tall, wide-mouthed vase.
Paper straws: Buy red-and-white and blue-and-white straws (like these from Kikkerland) and arrange them in glasses or vases in the middle of the table.
Colored pencils: Dress your table in white butcher paper, and then ask guests to draw images and write messages on the "tablecloth" that reflect their vision of the Fourth of July holiday.