After some coaxing from friends, family and readers, Utah Valley Magazine editor Jeanette Bennett has entered the blogging world. Jeanette’s first journalistic endeavor was a made-up newspaper she penned in elementary school and called “Jeanette Gazette.” Decades later, she still loves writing and the “Jeanette Gazette” has been revived (in blog form) thanks to the convenience of the Internet. For a behind-the-scenes look at life for a busy magazine editor and mom, check out Jeanette Gazette!

Whether you are a loud and proud fan of the Twilight book series or a secret devotee of vampire fiction, the Twilight Costume Contest at The Shops at Riverwoods is sure to be a good time for all.

The Shops at Riverwoods and Wynnsong Cinemas are sponsoring the event and will be giving away an exclusive movie ticket package (the movie premiers on June 30th) to the best-dressed Twilight characters Edward, Bella and Jacob. The package includes 2 movie tickets (nice and close), large popcorn, large soda and candy.

The event will be held on June 26 at 4801 N. University Avenue in Provo from 6 p.m. to 8 .m. Costume judging will be begin at 7:30 p.m. and the event will also include additional giveaways and music.

For more details on the Twilight costume contest or to learn more about The Shops at Riverwoods, contact (a)perture marketing at 801.953.0109 or email anne@aperturemktg.com

Vamp it up ladies and gentlemen!

Popular technology blog, TechCrunch, is turning 5 this Friday and celebrations will be taking place all across the nation. OrangeSoda is sponsoring some festivities at their office in American Fork (  732 E Utah Valley Dr.) between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will be free food, cool prizes and plenty of techies to chat with.

Sign up for the event here: http://www.meetup.com/TechCrunch/6306/

The editors of Utah Valley Magazine produce the Utah Valley Parade of Homes guide each year and this year’s guide is one of our best. Inside you will find articles and tips from the pros, a trusty parade map, and information about each home featured in the parade.

The parade will run from June 4-19 from noon to 9 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays.

Whether you are planning to build your dream home soon or simply looking for ideas to spruce up your current digs, the Utah Valley Parade of homes is fun summer activity that you won’t want to miss.

More information here.

Even though the weather hasn’t exactly been cooperating (Did it really snow yesterday?) summer is just around the corner and there is no better way to kick off the season than with a big, fat ice cream cone. Or maybe a plain frozen yogurt if that’s more your cup of tea. Utah County has plenty of places to scratch your itch for this quintessential summer treat. Take a look at our list of cream-of-the-crop ice cream spots below.

• Frozen Yogurt Junction (218 N West State Rd, American Fork)
• JCWS (3605 Thanksgiving Way in Lehi and 580 East State Road in American Fork)
• Emmett’s and Ethel’s (90 East Main Street, Lehi)
• Sub Zero (1774 N University Pkwy in Orem and 672 North 2000 West in American Fork)
• Red Mango (297 East University Parkway, Orem)
• Spoon It Up (820 N 700 E, Provo)
• Spoon Me (150 West 1230 North, Provo)
• Yo Zone (1286 North Freedom Boulevard, Provo)
• Baskin Robbins (210 North State Street in Orem and 29 E 1230 in Provo)
• BYU Creamery (On BYU Campus)
• The Malt Shoppe (1290 North University Avenue, Provo)
• Cold Stone (2302 North University Parkway, Provo)
• Farr’s Fresh Ice Cream (1073 South 750 East, Orem)
• Yogurt Bliss (1086 North Main Street, Spanish Fork)

For more summer dining ideas, check out our “School’s Out, Eating Out” feature in the July/August issue of Utah Valley Magazine.

If you are looking for something Artsy…

Check out the Springville Art Museum’s “86th Annual Spring Salon.” The exhibit features local contemporary artists and showcases a diversity of styles and themes. You do not have to be an art critic to enjoy this exhibit! The museum is open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More info here.

If you are looking for something literary…

Tap into your inner poet and get inspired by Sundance Resort’s Tree Room Author Series. This Saturday’s featured author is Shelton Johnson and the event will be sure to include invigorating conversation. The $75 admission ticket also includes a signed copy of the author’s book and brunch at Sundance’s award-winning Tree Room restaurant.

More info here.

If you are looking for something funny…

Some of the best comedy is the unscripted kind and there is plenty of that at ComedySportz in Provo. The improv comedy act has shows on Friday and Saturday nights  8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Grab some gelato at Gloria’s Little Italy across the street afterward and you’ll have yourself a full-fledged date.

More info here.

Trade your Saturday morning sleep-in to walk for a cause! The local chapter of the  March of Dimes Foundation is sponsoring a “March for Babies” event this Saturday at Canyon View Park. The delightfully short 1.5 mile walk up Provo Canyon will begin at 10 a.m. and participants can register starting at 9 a.m. or online at www.marchforbabies.org.

Last year the local event had 750 participants and raised $55,000. Help make this years walk even bigger and better! Funds raised benefit babies here in Utah County and across the country through community health programs and research grants.

Utah Valley Magazine’s much-loved celebrity lookalike contest is now in full swing and we are excited to see your entries pour into our office and our inboxes. Perhaps this year’s “Doppleganger” Facebook fad gave you a few ideas? Nominate all the dead-ringer lookalikes in your life with the form in the May/June issue of Utah Valley Magazine or online at uvmag.com under the “contest” tab.

Contest Rules: Nominees must be residents of Utah Valley. Previous winners are not eligible for the 2010 contest. All entries must be received by June 11, 2010. Winners will be invited to a photo shoot and will be featured in the September/October issue of Utah Valley Magazine.

Whether you are a crafting goddess or the kind of person who buys crafts supplies only to have them sit in a cupboard for months, the Beehive Bazaar is sure to be a good time. You can purchase home decor items, accessories, art, cards and other handcrafted items, or you can simply glean inspiration from the many talented vendors. The event will be held at the Thanksgiving Point Show Barn from May 6-8 and is free to the public.

Photo by Nicole Carman Photography

Family photos can be challenging when you are trying to decide what to wear, where to take the photo and convincing unruly children to hold still and smile for a mere 2 seconds. Nicole Carman of Nicole Carman Photography gave us some tips on getting a fabulous family photos.

• Make your family photo full of personality. A successful family photo is one that capture’s each family member’s individual personality.
• Take advantage of Utah County’s fabulous settings. “I’ve taken family photos in so many great local places from old warehouses to carnivals to grassy fields to my client’s front porch,” Nicole says.
• Don’t worry about clothing color schemes. When it comes to dressing for your photo, be yourself. “If that means that your little girl dresses herself in a tutu and rain boots, then so be it,” Nicole says.

View more of Nicole’s photos here.