They Say What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas…
But not this time. Cause I’m gonna tell you about almost all of it!
I missed you bellas — been insanely busy and that vacay was VERY necessary. Internet cost $12 a day at the hotel, so I decided to step away from the computer altogether and spend my time hanging out with family and old friends, while making some new friends.
My sister in law lives in Las Vegas, and her husband was born and raised there. So we’ve visited before and done the Las Vegas strip — it’s so bright and exciting, but it can be too much. As someone who lives in Miami and hardly ever ventures over to South Beach, I must say that I empathize with Las Vegas locals. There’s much fun to be found off the strip, and I love discovering a city’s hidden gems. Here’s a review of my Las Vegas experience. Let’s start with the hotel!
Here I am, all prettied up to hit the strip and posing in our hotel room.
Like the black dress? I got it at B & Lu, and I LOVE it. Great experience shopping with them, affordable, tres chic, and ooh, are those subtle little pockets nobody notices unless you want them to? Great deal, definitely recommend.
OK, let me tell you about the hotel!
The Green Valley Ranch resort is gorgeous and sprawling — there’s a first rate spa, a big casino with several restaurants (ranging from fancy steakhouse to pancake house, with a food court, buffet marketplace, and a pretty good Cheesecake Factory rip off besides that). There’s also a cinema, a concert venue (Seal played there the night of the wedding), and a beautiful pool area, where I pretty much spent all my time.
If you’ve been following me on Twitter, you’ll know — the cocktails by this pool are amazing. I loved the Kusababa, a frozen blend of pina colada and Zen green tea liqueur, and the pineapple mojitos, which always go down smooth. Las Vegas sun absolutely bakes your skin and leaves you dry, so I gotta give props to Neutrogena — that Ultra Sheer sunblock kept my skin in tact. I came home about two shades toastier and with glowy cheeks, but my skin isn’t peeling or flaky at all. I love the SPF 45, and it always amuses me when people are surprised at the sunscreen I’m using. Skin cancer is a risk no matter how dark your skin is, and it’s important to know that
higher SPF doesn’t always mean higher protection. I apply carefully and reapply often.
Our days were spent poolside, but every night we did something fun — first stop, Fado Irish Pub for cocktails. It’s a fun, inviting chain of pubs that I’ve also visited in Chicago, and my new brother in law Rich, works at the Las Vegas pub. Stop by, have a drink, and tip the tall, friendly redheaded bartender if you’re in the neighborhood!
Friday night we spent at The Peppermill, an atmospheric, old school Vegas lounge that looks like a rundown HoJo on the outside. We chilled in the Fireside Lounge, which has a flaming pool, recessed couches, and giant fruity drinks on the menu. As the website indicates: “Featured insuch films as “Casino†and â€Showgirls†and seen on TV in “CSI Las Vegas†and “Elimidate.†(tee hee). This place makes for great I-wonder-what’s-your-profession people watching, by the by.
Saturday was the wedding, and it was absolutely magical. Held at the quaint and adorable Little Church of the West just across from the Mandalay Bay hotel, the ceremony was ten minutes long at most, and the crowds waiting outside took more photos of our wedding party than of their own, it seemed — people took the Seventies dress code seriously!! Which brings me to a blogging first, and part of my New Year’s resolution to be a braver blogger.
I’ve referred to my husband quite often on this blog, and I’ve posted many photos of my own immediate family — specifically my sister Petal, my parents, my little niece Dominique. I’ve even visited my in-laws before, and wrote all about the wonderful trip I’ve had. But I’ve never before posted a photo of my husband or his family, for one simple reason. He’s asked me not to. But we’ve talked recently, and two years after starting this blog, he’s finally cool with me sharing the other parts of my life with the world.
So everyone, meet Steve, the love of my life, and my wonderful family of in-laws.
Spoiler alert — True Life: I’m in an interracial marriage.
My reasons for not really writing about this before are many — the main one being that my husband and I have faced a little discrimination before from close family and so-called friends in the past, and we didn’t really want to deal with it on the internet, where people reveal pretty horrific prejudices behind the guise of anonymity. Or rather, my husband was just like look — I see how upset you get when you get a bad comment from a reader about a mere product review. Imagine how you’d feel dealing with comments judging our relationship? Imagine how you’d feel if you somehow lost readers because of our relationship?
He’s just trying to protect me because he knows how sensitive I can be. Behind the scenes on this here blog that I consider to be so positive and uplifting, I’ve gotten some downright disturbing comments. In the past, they’ve upset me tremendously. I’ve also gotten annoyed when visiting some of the blogs I read every day, and seen relationships between different races dismissed out of hand as “jungle fever.” It really sticks in my craw when it’s assumed that a relationship is based on little more than skin tone or outward appearance, as though love and the person inside had nothing to do with it. It bothers me because I’ve had people come at me with the most ludicrous assumptions about our relationship.
I’ve had people I thought were friends cut me off completely, back in college. We’ve faced angry questions about what our kids would be labeled as (as though that should be some kind of a deterrent to us having children). It’s been a decade now that we’ve been best friends, and nine years we’ve been together romantically. We’ve been married for six amazing years. I have a different perspective now, and it feels weird and wrong to exclude or hide this part of my life for fear of the reaction of others.
I’m putting all of this out there with just one simple message. I’m rambling and I’m writing this after 2 in the morning and I’m still jet lagged and this post is really just supposed to be a fun lighthearted visit Vegas travel post… but I hope you all forgive me if I get heavy for a moment.
I believe that love is about looking past what’s on the surface, and getting to know, appreciate, and understand each other on a deeper level. What I’m trying to say is, beautiful things can happen when you give a relationship a chance and try not to wrap your future in expectations. I married my best friend from college, and at one point I would never have even considered him as a romantic possibility, much less the soul mate I always dreamed I’d find. In many ways — much to my surprise — our differences have made us a stronger couple. And we’ve discovered similarities I would never have guessed we had, back when I would never ever thought I’d settle down with someone who didn’t fit the assumptions I’d made for myself. Real, true, lasting love goes so much deeper than what you see on the outside. And sometimes, you find it in the most unexpected places.
OK, tangent over. Now — a slideshow of fun wedding photos!
This wedding was super fun and done affordably — after the chapel we had dinner at a Mexican restaurant, then the party bus took us to Dino’s, “the last neighborhood bar in Vegas.” I love a dive bar, and this fit the bill superbly. And we took that place over! It was an absolute blast. My sister in law, Kate, got her dress on Ebay! Rich rented his tux from somewhere online, and my husband wore his dad’s prom suit. The days after the wedding we spent re-visiting the strip — my brother in law Patrick and his girlfriend had yet to see the beautiful water show at the Bellagio, or the Venetian, and we strolled along admiring the grandeur and sleaze. There’s no other city like Las Vegas, and I’m happy to visit anytime. It was a very positive and fun trip, full of love and revelry. Kate, I love you. Rich, welcome to the family. Congratulations on the most fun wedding ever!
And now I’m back, bellas! I’ve got a fresh perspective on life and so much to blog about. Did you miss me?
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- Happy Anniversary, Mama and Papa Bella | afrobella | September 29, 2008
You love lovely and more importantly happy. Love is hard to find it in any color so hold on that cutie you got.
One time for super expensive internet, I just came back from a cruise and the Euro is high and our dollar well is not. I payed the piper anyway and one my story about Mykonos was picked up by Reuters.com Yippee. Glad you are back.
alicia
http://todaystyle.today.com/
Hey Pretty Girl, Bella!
We love Daddies and what a strong one you have! He is so inspirational. I love the post that he made.
I was not shocked in the least at your revelation, I knew! I am so glad that you have come into your own & decided to be the complete you in cyberspace.
Husbands are a blessing! Happy marriages are a blessing! An I am sure that many a ‘bella’ would appreciate having one! You seem truly happy in your marriage, Kudos!
Personally, I like to read that others are enjoying life and have a fulfilling family life, there is too much unhappiness that is promoted. Now I am rambling but I just want to say great blog and feel free to share the GREAT stuff. I can always overdose on POSITIVE!
E-hug!
Mara
Glad ya’ll had a wonderful time & made it back safely! I haven’t travel out west yet, but Las Vegas is one of the must see destinations. As usual Miss Bella you looking gorgeous and happy. Happiness should always be celebrated & shared with those those around you who are positive, loving and uplifting.
)
I ‘m originally from Atlantic City, so I know all about living in a city that glitters and what it’s like behind the scenes. I was a cocktail waitress in all that costumey get up back in the day. Anyway, I want to get to Vegas for my 40th, next year, hey but your town is not a bad place to party either. You looked great all dolled up.
Tell daddy that if your viewers don’t appreciate your love, then who needs them.
What is weird is that somehow from your blog I already knew that you had an interracial marriage. I can’t quite remember what gave me that impression. Anyway you two make a lovely couple.
I haven’t made a comment in some time now. So here goes….
I think it’s absolutely beautiful the relationship you two have. I say even in the mist of your storms, please stick together. No mater what. If there are problems, work it out. Remember why you both decided to get married. Stay faithful to each other in all that you do. Let no man no matter what race or religion enter your world and break it apart. So many people, no matter what race are so quick to say I love you and get married without ever knowing what that means. We live in an instant society that is selfish and wants it now or does things out of condition “gets” meaning, “I do for you, if you do for me.†“My sister†and I say this in spirit, hold true to your love and soul. If you love this man, then honey love him with all of your heart. And I say this not just for you but for all of my Bella’s on the internet. Stop limiting your selves based on race, color, or physical appearances or some invisible loyalty to your race. Trust me it fades, and at the end of the day what will you have left?
I pray that those who are looking, hoping, praying and waiting on a suitable mate to come into there lives be blessed with one no matter what race, color or creed they are. It’s about love and communication at the end of the day.
By the way he is handsome! (…does he have a brother, cousin, uncle, good friend?) LOL
You, go, gurl! What a lovely couple you and your husband are!
If he is a friend to your heart, mind, body and soul it really doesn’t matter the packaging! You will always have a fan in PDX.
Hey Bella! What a beautiful post about your hubby. You guys make such a cute couple. I’m glad you are both open to sharing this aspect of your lives. Kudos to you! Its such a blessing to marry your best friend. Oh and he’s a hottie if you don’t mind me saying so! Ha ha!
Take care.
Y’know, I can’t for the life of me remember mentioning I was in an interracial relationship… if I did, MY BAD because Steve definitely asked me not to, and we had a big ol’ “serious talk” before I posted this. Thank you all so much for your love and kindness. Steve IS having a hard time getting his head through the door, LOL!
Get you some love, Bella! That’s all that matters. I’ve long ago stopped limiting myself in my quest for Mr. Right. If he loves me, he loves me. And that’s all. It’s 2008. It’s time!
Well Bella! Im am biracial and I am soooo glad there are people in the world who see past color. I am so blessed that I have an African American family and Italian family. I have learned sooo much from both heritages and I feel like it is awesome when people are a mixture of cultures because then hey we become our own culture! How fun are people who come from mixed backgrounds. i mean we are given so many different influences!
Rock On?
secretserenity.com
Aww Steve’s a cutie and your hair looks fab as always. I read your blog almost daily and have done so for the past year, i just hardly post (my apologies). I see so much of myself in you even though I’m only 20 years old. We even look alike, lol. I’m just sending you well-wishes and positive vibes- don’t let anything or anyone make you feel bad about the best decision you’ve ever mad for yourself. True love is a blessing and I hope to find my soul mate someday as well.
Oh! I’m having major moisture issues with my tresses. Everyday I wake up to brittle, dry hair and it’s beginning to really annoy me. Could it be because I don’t moisturize before bed? or cover it before I hit the sheets? I have every Miss Jessie’s product (my fave is the Curly Buttercreme) but even that fails to keep my hair moisturized. My hair dries out during the day; I have yet to find a regimen that leaves my hair feeling soft and light how I like it for the whole day. PLEASE HELP!
You guys are so cute together! Be proud ! .. Please it does not matter if you were with a black man anyway … folks ALWAYS find something to say!
I get flack for dating my man .. and we are in the same race LOL
Be Free !
Love your blog Bella
you guys are amazing have a wonderful life together love is all that matters and it seems like you guys have a lot for each other
congrats
never let anyone tell you any different enjoy life make no apologies and most of all have fun you only have one life and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do what you want with your life!!!
You know, I never understood the hang-ups about inter-racial couples, being a happy and confused mixed child myself. I remember thinking how beautiful you guys were together when we met. Rock on, chica. Rock on.
Hi Bella and her beloved fans:
I’m Yea, and I love “love” and some good products. Since your topic went to the point about interracial relationship, and you are in one, can you give your opinion on the following?
(1) Why does the trend in these types of relationships seem to mean interracial= black and white couples. Why don’t we hear about Afro and Asians, you know people of color of one culture with people of color from another culture. We see more Barack Obama mixes than say Tiger Woods mixes.
Like you, I immigrated here, but from West Africa. I find this trend of people of color, primarily having relationships with Whites thing to be very fascinating. Maybe it’s the sociology major in me.
I’m sure you can only speak for yourself, but there’s a LOT of black women (and even more black men) like you who just happened to fall in love with a White person. This is not to hate on your relationship or undermine your Afrobella-ness.
You seem very open and opinionated. Just curious to know your thoughts.
Hi Bella(waving), I am late on everything these last couple of days. First, thanks for the updates…there always great. You are such a sharing and caring person, that’s one reason I keep coming back. Ok, Steve…..Bella really is a cool chic and I know you must be 1 cool dude(smile)…..WeLcOmE To ThE FAMILY!!Love,comes in all shades and hues….
Hi Bella,
So I’ve read you blog for two years now and I’m a serious fan (you even get streamed to the CrackBerry!) but I’ve never really felt I could add much to your comments so I haven’t but this post struck a real nerve with me.
1st off I think your Steve is a major hottie! Lol.
But this post really moved me because as a truly southern bella (I was born, raised and still live in Texas), I can understand your hesitation about disclosing your relationship. But it kinda made me giddy because my current boyfriend is white and Lord knows that can be rough so I applaud your bravery.
But I guess I was wondering how you gus deal with the stress from other people. Mostly I dont care what anybody thinks about Steve (lol my Steve!)and me, but some days I get tired of the stares and the nonsense and I really do lose my cool. So since I’m a baby bella I thought you may have some good advice. Thanks!
PS…I tried the coconut oil for skin tip and it broke me out but its GREAT for cooking.
im glad u posted this, but really you shouldnt be worried about negative comments, we love ya! ofcourse we missed you.
i dont beleive in the idea of race, its an arbitrary term used to justify differential treatment (servitutde).
my fiance has the gost gene too!(hes shockingly white)lol! we’ve been together for more than 4 yrs.were very different in appearance but love a lot of the same things. he’s thinkin about gettin locs too. he’ll even read some of your posts when mention them. he thinks highly of your blog.
Dear Ms. Bella,
Thank you for being courageous! My daughter’s boyfriend is white and this has been a serious opportunity for my husband and I to seriously practice the principles that we’ve preached to her for 26 yrs. Liberation and walking fully in Gods grace is the “goal” for humanity.
Yes lil sis yes!
Wow! The outpouring of love and support on your blog is amazing. I can’t even read all of these comments. LOL
I never gave much thought to your husband, like it never dawned on me to say “oh bella’s hubby must look like _________”. I just could tell you were happy and at the end of the day isn’t that all that matters. But honestly whenever you post a pic, you radiate happiness and now we see why!
Continue to live, love and write. Your true fans (like me) will be here no matter what!!!!
Your Steve is a hottie, if I may say so myself.Don’t let those haters get you down. My husband and I live in one of the most racist cities in Oklahoma and we get it even more so because he is Hispanic and Im black. But we just hold our head up high. Let your love for eachother shine and shake them haters off!!
what interracial relationship? girl, please he is a cutie and could pass for a brother anyday (lol). seriously, congratulations of finding and keeping love.
Love the fact that your in-laws got you off the Las Vegas Strip to check out some of the other cool little fun things about Las Vegas.
Green Valley Ranch is a true hidden (from most tourists) gem and a best kept secret among many well-heeled visitors who want to fly in and gamble, hit the pool, and spa but don’t want the stress and strain of staying on The Strip.
Dinos is a cool “only in Vegas” bar that is the perfect little hideaway even though you are only minutes from all the action.
Peppermill is “old Vegas” if there ever was such a place. You can almost feel the Rat Pack sitting at the next table.
Also, with so many people from all countries, races, and walks of life visiting, Las Vegas really is color-blind toward visitors (which is nice).
Enjoyed the post!
Ted Newkirk
Managing Editor
http://www.accessvegas.com
He’s cute! That’s a great picture. I believe there is someone for everyone, whether they be of your race, size or religion. If your going down the same path, what difference does it make!
Love this post (yeah, I’m on the late freight but I just saw your tweet.) Your husband is very handsome and you two look deliciously happy. I just want to see happy people – size, shapes, colors only relevant when shopping for the proper fitting gift. I have a number of friends married to Caucasian and Spanish men – very happily so. Love is hard to locate these days, believe me. So finders keepers. Great post – keep ‘em coming.
Girllllll I would have shown the world my hubby….no disrespect but he is a cutie…I would have shown the world my boy toy and stated I’ve got papers on him too:) You two look very happy and awesome together. Bump what the world is thinking….just because you happen to be married to a lighter skin human being…doesn’t change your perspectives on being a brown human being:)
Ignore the haters and live your life. you guys make a great looking couple and all that matters is that you are happy together, so screw the rest
The blog is inspiring in part because you come from a place of love. Be blessed.
I really love to read this post and I am glad to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Thanks and Regards