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Q&A, Part 2: Why I moved from Monaco and my life since then

Q&A, Part 2: Why I moved from Monaco and my life since then

Hello lovely readers!

First of all, I love that you’re hitting the reaction buttons below the posts! It’s so great for me to get a response, so thank you! I hope you’ve had a great Easter holiday despite the situation. I’ve spent mine unpacking and trawling instagram for interior inspiration and furniture hunting, while stuffing my face with way too much chocolate. But that’s not what this post is about…

The juicy questions from the Q&A are finally being revealed

In this post I answer why I moved from Monaco, what my doggies have been up to, what happened with the previous boyfriend, what my life has been like since I stopped blogging and what I do for work. I decided to group all of these questions together because the answers are very much tied together. I have decided to just write out the full story as I prefer to be a little more personal in answering this. So I suggest you get yourself a big cuppa tea and snuggle up.

When I met my previous boyfriend, James, I fell madly in love with him. It was the first time I experienced real love as opposed to the infatuation I had felt before. James was a human google with answers to anything. He had a witty kind of humour, the kind where intelligence is having fun! He’s an incredibly well rounded person, strong willed yet empathetic and kind. He had the most striking blue eyes I had ever seen which was made even brighter by the contrast of his olive skin. He’s the kind of guy that took care of things and always considered my needs just as important as his, making me feel safe with him. He was a guy I could count on for anything, and our conversations never ended. It was a no brainer for me to move in with him. Moving to Monaco also meant not going to university as planned, but I figured I was still young and there would be opportunities in Monaco as well. As a Scandi, and thus growing up in a country in the forefront of gender equality, I always envisioned having an education and a career of my own. I went to visit the university in Monaco, but it wasn’t quite what I had hoped for and even removed from the list of accepted universities by the Norwegian government. As you know I started blogging and the years started rolling on. Nowadays I think most people understand that blogging, particularly the three posts per day type of blogging I was doing, is a full time job. Paradoxically, in 2013 when people read my blog which was also coded and designed by me, some people thought that I was living off of my boyfriend and that I didn’t have a job. It was very hard to deal with for me despite the blog being successful.

James, being the super kind and understanding person he is, understood my need and we got the apartment in London for me to get a closer look at the universities and what life would be like in London. At the same time, his job required him to be a certain amount of time in Monaco and Dubai, and with my job being so flexible and us wanting to spend time together, we didn’t spend as much time in London as first planned and gave up the apartment before I had time to apply to university.

Then friends around us were starting to get married and some even having babies, and it was of course something we also talked about with all that comes with it. It became apparent to me in these conversations that I had overlooked very important aspects up until this point. The first issue that arose was our differentiating views on circumcision. I’m aware this is normal in the US and in some religions, but where I come from it is definitely not. It was unthinkable for James to not have his future son circumcised, and he worried about his son being bullied if he was not circumcised. Likewise it was unthinkable for me that my future son, a little baby, would be cut for no medical purpose. It is simply not possible for me to accept that. The second issue was that our parents resided in four different countries and none in the country we resided in, meaning our children wouldn’t have grandparents and extended family close to them. Of course we could’ve moved, but it would still only be one grandparent and an aunt at best. I myself grew up with a very small family around me due to my parents families living in two different countries, so I’ve always wanted to ensure my children will have a larger family close to them. Thirdly, I worried about what would happen if we divorced. James was very firm on wanting his children to go to the best schools. So for me to be close to my children I would, in the worst case scenario, be forced to live somewhere alone far away from both family and friends. I loved James very much, but the pit in my stomach grew too large for me to be happy about the thought of us getting married. It didn’t feel right. And once I faced up to that feeling, being truly honest with myself, I knew that we were not meant for each other. It was the hardest decision I had ever made, at the same time as it was not.

There was no drama and no arguments in the process. We understood each other very well, and respected each other even more for being true to ourselves. Our relationship evolved to something else, and we became very close friends. I moved to London with the doggies to go to university and James visited us almost every week.

For me personally, this year felt like I had found the correct path and I loved the university. I don’t mean to brag (ok, maybe a little) but I truly excelled as a student, achieving the best investment presentation of all the students of all the courses in my year. My brain was so thirsty for knowledge that I just soaked up everything I could get my eyes on. It was very healing for me, after receiving some pretty harsh comments on both the blog and a forum. In hindsight I know these people writing the comments knew nothing about me, my situation or my abilities, but it’s difficult to think rational when you receive such hateful comments from strangers on a platform where you try to spread good energy. The forum was completely unmoderated allowing people to spread the wildest lies and the most hateful things about me, and there was nothing I could do about it. I only read Norwegian blogs at the time, but in Norway these kind of forums were moderated, so I had nothing to compare with to get an understanding of who these people were and if their conceptions were of popular belief. Additionally, when someone would google my name they would come across a forum full of hate and lies, and I feared people would read and collect this information as accurate information. Not only were there lies about me, but about James and my family as well. I was very ashamed and I decided to change my last name to the family name on my mothers side. Sadly, “trolling” with lies and hateful comments are more common these days which means that at least most people understand to be more critical of information on forums.

During my year in London I also started getting serious about vintage handbags, receiving inquiries from friends and their friends to source particular models. I formed valuable relationships with professionals in the vintage industry with whom I still work via my shop today. At this point I decided to stop blogging as I was in need of some time offline to myself, and to focus on university and my new line of work. I decided to move back to Norway as I was missing my family and friends, and continued my studies there and finally founded my shop completely dedicated to vintage handbags and accessories. It was quite hectic at times being a full time student and starting a business, but it somehow worked! This was also my first time as properly single as I had been in relationships almost continuously up until this point. I think it was very good for me to be single and to properly get to know who I was without the influence from someone else, and without the scrutiny of people reading the blog. It was great to be reunited with friends, and to make new friends in Oslo. I had such a great time and I made friends who I now consider some of my closest. Dating on the other hand was not so easy. As soon as a guy would hear I had lived in Monaco they would either go way overboard trying to impress me on the wrong premises, or they would make a big deal out of not paying for even a single drink. Personally, I like first dates to be laidback and for us to both pay every other round of drinks so we can get to know each other in a comfortable environment on equal terms.

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James and I continued having a close friendship, and he even visited me for my birthday. The doggies then went to live with James as it was his turn to have them, and I went to visit them there. It’s really strange coming back to Monaco when not living there. When living in Monaco it’s easy to take for granted how beautiful it is because it’s a little overshadowed by how small it feels. Keep in mind that Monaco is only 2000 square meters! In 2017, James and I started working on a project together simultaneously as I went through a really rough heart break from my first relationship after James. It was the first time I got dumped, and I was completely unprepared and didn’t handle it very well. In hindsight I think it was probably a good experience for me, lol. James called me every day to ensure I was ok, and I ended up coming to Monaco to escape, work on the project, and see the dogs as well. This project is the reason why I’m in Stockholm now btw. I’ll come back to this in greater detail in a later post.

James and I are now both in serious relationships, and our friendship isn’t as close as it once was out of respect for our loved ones. When we talk now it is mostly work and doggie related, but I know that he only wishes the best for me as I do for him, and he is still one of my favourite people on the planet. It’s now my turn to have the dogs, but a little difficult with the current pandemic situation, so I might have to wait a little longer until I can bring them to their new big garden. But when that day finally comes I will burst of happiness as I miss them so much and I know they will love this garden!!

Phew! That was a long one. Well done if you made it all the way through in one sitting. Next I have a big reveal to you guys, and I can’t wait to tell you!! It’s been so hard keeping it a secret…

Love, Celina x

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  • Celina! You are so wonderful person! You have the purest soul, which I have ever met. There are tears in my eyes reading the post not because of you have to pass though all these situations trolling, decision making of apart with James), but because of after all these you state Human and you have enough brave to share with us!
    Thank you for being honest and sharing all these with us, your followers. I really missed your blog and your presence in my everyday life!!! Wish you all the best from my heart!

    • Thank you for your very kind words, as always, Anush! It was a little scary to share it all, receiving messages like yours means a lot to me ♥️ Thank you for following me through all these years. X

  • Oh, Celina! How I have missed your blog! I hope you know how strong and powerful your words are. Thank you for sharing – I am so excited for the next chapter in your life.

  • Thankyou beautiful spirit, to lay your life out like a smorgasbord for people to feast on is very difficult. You were truly respectful of past relationships, sometimes that is difficult but you did it with a gentle, kind and understanding wisdom. Bless you, going forward I wish you all the good the universe has to offer.?

  • Celina! That’s quite strange, but a really nice feeling to read all this news…like old friend that you’ve never seen for years. The way you think and write about life and everything what is more important for you that I’m pretty sure we would talk about everything like close friends. I feel quite similar and really understand your point of view despite we grew up in different countries. That’s way I’ve really missed your blog and so happy to read you again 🙂 Be happy and healthy! xx

    • I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the post, Olga! And I’m happy to hear you share the same views and values as me, I’m sure we would talk about everything for hours too! Thank you for being such a lovely follower all these years X

  • Thank you for sharing your story with us, Celina! Congratulations on challenging yourself and coming out the better for it 🙂

  • Celina, I love how mature everything read! As an old reader I’m glad and relieved that everything worked out for the best and you have been fulfilling all these dreams. If I’m honest, I’ve laughed a lot at the bit “I was completely unprepared and didn’t handle it very well” haha I’ve just been dumped for the first time by a guy I was really into and despite having seen movies and read stories about heartbreak I didn’t take it well, oops. So refreshing this honesty of yours nowdays. Lots of love xx

    • Thank you, Anna! Lol, yes I was completely clueless to how earthshaking and exhausting a heartbreak can be. I think the worst part for me was mentally replaying all hours spent together looking for clues. It made me completely nuts ? I’m sorry to hear you’ve just been through it, and I hope you too will be able to let it go and come out of it with a smile in the end ♥️ x

  • There was never any doubt on my end of your value and drive as an individual. Though you do not owe any of us your story, I’m grateful to read it, as I often wondered how you were doing.

    • Thank you, Kaitlin, your message mean so much to me! And thank you for following me after all these years. I’m happy you enjoyed the post and that it answered some of your questions. X

  • Celina, I’m so glad you came back to blogging and am delighted to see you have been doing so well. I remember stumbling across that forum in 2013 and was absolutely shocked myself. Never read worse vitriol in my life and my heart went out to you. Being Norwegian as yourself I am just not accustomed to that level of online cruelty. Obviously these girls were not representative and they were just envious of you; it was so clear from how they commented on your beauty, happiness, lifestyle and your relationship with James. However, I can understand what a shock it must have been. But no happy or successful person, as these girls pretended to be, would ever feel the need to trash someone else like that. I’m so glad you have put it behind you and come back stronger. I never gave up hope that you would start blogging again and have seen from your Instagram comments that we are so many girls and women from all over the world who feel the same. This is obviously a much truer testament to how well liked and actually irreplaceable your blog was.

    • Thank you, Anne! I’m really grateful to hear your view on the content of this forum and impression of the girls. I really appreciate it! And I’m humbled to hear my blog has been irreplaceable with so many great blogs out there, thank you! X

  • Håper det går greit at jeg kommenterer på norsk. Jeg har alltid gjort det, og føler at det blir litt mer personlig for meg på den måten ?

    Dette var en skikkelig fin post! Jeg blir helt satt ut og imponert over ærligheten din. Syntes du virker som et utrolig fint og varmt menneske, med gode verdier og beina godt plantet på jorden. Jeg kan ikke forestille meg hvor vanskelig mye av det du forteller om har vært, og jeg beundrer deg for at du velger å dele.

    Det er så trist og provoserende å lese at enkelte mennesker bruker tiden sin på å spre løgner og hat om andre, og at det blir så ille at man ikke orker mer av det. Jeg håper du slipper sånne opplevelser denne gangen, og om du skulle få det, så vit at det er mange av «oss» lesere som virkelig beundrer deg for hvem du er og hva du får til <3

    Håper alt står bra til i Stockholm og at du nyter det nye huset. Gleder meg til å lese mer ?

    • Hei Camilla! Selvfølgelig går det like bra å kommentere på norsk ? Tusen takk for fine ord, det betyr så mye for meg!! Og tusen takk for at du følger bloggen etter alle disse årene ♥️ X

  • Well done ! I feel like we have lived a through similar relationship circumstances, I used to read your blog when I was married and then when I got divorced you went off line, during that time I was in a relationship that although was not good for me, However it was what I needed at the time. Now I’m single but as you put it find it men “over performing” haha I guess que sera sera .. glad it all worked out for you on your journey ?

    • Thank you for your comment, Ves! I’m sorry to hear you’ve gone through some difficult times. The “over preforming” is a little cringy lol! As you say, que sera sera, I’m sure the right one will come along when you least expect it. Until then I hope you’re enjoying the time as single ??

  • What a ride you have been on there past years, your blog has truly been missed ♥️ This post made me think about all the that has happened in my life at the same time, getting my nursing degree, and training as an OR nurse, two little kids… And seeing Some of your old pictures actually made me a feel a little nostalgic

    • Thank you for your comment, it means a lot to me that you’ve missed the blog ? It sounds like you’ve had quite the ride yourself, well done scoring a nursing degree and training as an OR nurse while also having two kids – that’s quite impressive!! X

  • Det här var så intressant att läsa, och tack för att du delar med dig! Jag läste din blogg redan i 2010 och det är så roligt att du är tillbaka 🙂

  • Thank you for opening your heart and your little secret garden with us! You are a very breave and independant women to go after you dreams and what you really want in life. I remember being so envious while reading your blog back then but not in a negative way. I thought your life was perfect and that I wish I were you. I guess we never know what’s really going on in people’s life 🙂 I’m really happy you start blogging again, I think you’re beautiful, genuine and not self centered and that’s a breathe of fresh air! I’m sure this is why all the people love you, you were always so classy and elegant, not trying to hard just to get followers 🙂 Anyway I don’t have time to follow a lot of people but I’m really enjoying your post. Thnak you and stay safe in your new house. Would love to see more a the house and the evolution of the deco! (We just moved to a new apartment in Paris with my boyfriend and have minimum furniture as well). And sorry for the long message :p

  • Hi Celina! I loved reading your blog back in 2011 or thereabouts and I used to comment every now and then.
    I remember once when people in the comment section were accusing you of living off James, Dagens Næringsliv had just published an exposé on how much Sophie Elise was earning on her blog, and I left a comment saying there’s actually a lot of money in blogging or something to that effect, and the people on that forum singled out my comment and claimed you wrote it yourself. I’m ashamed to admit it, but after a while I got a bit uncomfortable commenting on your blog knowing every comment would be dissected and ridiculed, so I can only imagine how bad it must have been for you. Those people on that forum really had it in for you:(

    It’s so nice to see you blogging again, it almost feels like catching up with an old friend, and I’m so happy to read about everything you’ve accomplished since then. Also, congratulations on your pregnancy!

    Best wishes,

    Ingrid

  • Aww Celina, what an interesting post and very generous of you to share so much thank you. So happy to see you back, you seem like such a pure soul I’m sorry for what you have been through…everything but especially the trolls. Even more remarkable for you to come back bravo my darling xx

  • Really enjoyed reading the update of your life. I was curious what happened to you and James, but thought it wouldn’t be polite to ask?
    I was in a relationship years ago where I had to choose between listening to my heart or head, so your post hit really close to home. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a ‘nice’ separation for us, so I always find it endearing to hear when couples stay civil to each other after a break up.
    And so sorry to hear people were spreading rumours about you! I hope they won’t resurface now you’ve started blogging again x

  • Celina,
    I am a long, long time reader. I adored your early blog because it was so beautifully designed and your life so glamorous and exiting, especially to a small town girl. I’m 40 now and a Mother, and thrilled that you’re back online and with a new baby! That readers trolled and dragged you breaks my heart, especially as a blogger you had this gift of sharing your life without bragging and without vanity, a rare trait in today’s world. Keep it up, and try not to let the negativity get to you! You’re baby is beautiful!
    – Moira

  • Celina! I am so happy to see you blogging again. I followed your posts back 2011-2013, and looked forward to reading about your personal style so I could style my work outfits 😉 Congratulations on your little one! It makes me happy to see and read about how hard you worked to overcome mass adversity and hardship, especially from crazy toxic online social media. You are an inspiration. Well wishes from the US xx

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