Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around the Republic it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's Mexico and Puerto Vallarta news, plus a couple of events happening around Banderas Bay this weekend that you won't want to miss.

Jennifer Lopez Brings Fashion Line to Mexico

US singer, actress and businesswoman Jennifer Lopez took her fashion line outside the United States for the first time last week, launching in Mexico. Speaking in Spanish, the star - a New Yorker whose parents are from Puerto Rico - said she wanted to make her designs affordable to low-income women who want some glamor in their lives. "I think that, coming from the Bronx, I have a good urban mix," Lopez, 45, said at a news conference, wearing a black shirt and pants ensemble with a white jacket. "I'm more interested in doing (designs for working people) instead of luxury." She inaugurated a store in the capital in cooperation with Mexican retail chain Coppel. Her line - which includes clothing, accessories and suitcases - will be available in more than 1,000 stores in Mexico.

Easter Weekend Electric Beach Festival in Nuevo Vallarta

The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has just announced the first Electric Beach Festival to be held on Easter weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel's Sunset Garden in Nuevo Vallarta. The event's guest DJs include international stars Sandra Collins and Broz Rodríguez, as well as other big name players from the domestic arena. On April 3rd and 4th, they'll start spinning at 10 am, and rule the airwaves for 10 straight hours of uninterrupted music both days. Professional audio systems, LED screens, rest areas, food service areas, showers, medical assistance, parking and private security services will ensure a top-notch event. The municipal police force will be present to offer added support and security for partygoers. Entrance is free for a limited number of ticketholders. The Riviera Nayarit CVB is giving away free tickets via its social media channels; and radio stations and other media are also giving away tickets to people of legal age. VIP tickets can be purchased at the event for $250 pesos per day. For more information, please visit the event's Facebook page or call the Riviera Nayarit CVB's Groups and Events Department at (322) 297-2516 ext. 117.

Alaska Airlines' JWA-Mexico Flights Get Green Light from U.S.

California sun seekers who pine for pristine beaches and authentic Mexican cuisine can now book travel on Alaska Airlines' new nonstop flights from Orange County, California, to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, Mexico. Pending approval from the Mexico Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC), the airline will begin service in early October. After receiving US government approval for the international flights earlier this week, Alaska Airlines began offering introductory fares to the two Mexico cities from John Wayne Airport. The one-way fares, effective in October, run $138 to Los Cabos, and $158 to Puerto Vallarta. Tickets must be purchased by April 6 and travel completed by December 11, 2015. "For years, Orange County residents have been able to fly Alaska to Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta from either Los Angeles or San Diego. With Alaska's new nonstop service our OC customers can avoid heavy traffic and save time by flying directly out of John Wayne Airport," said John Kirby, vice president of capacity planning for Alaska Airlines.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin Vacation in Puerto Vallarta

We know paper is the appropriate gift for a first wedding anniversary, but what on Earth do you get two people who are celebrating their first anniversary of being "consciously uncoupled"? In the case of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, the answer is plane tickets, pesos, and piñatas. The separated pair marked the anniversary of last March's progressive-minded split with a family vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Apple and Moses Martin joined their parents for the trip. Photos obtained by the Daily Mail show Paltrow and Martin lounging in the sun and laughing together. Indeed, the pair have put on a united front since their parting, maintaining friendly relations throughout. Though Paltrow has been linked to TV producer Brad Falchuk and Martin has been enjoying an on-off relationship with Jennifer Lawrence, their original unit continues to take precedence. You could very well say that they're the world's most amicable of exes.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• Daiquiri Dick's Serves Up Peruvian Cuisine

• Saturday at Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural

• Second Annual Easter Bonnet Party and Brunch