Welcome to My Essential Lifestyle
Hi there, I’m Violette—founder, fellow seeker, and the hands (and heart) behind My Essential Lifestyle. I’m honored you’ve taken a moment to step into my little corner of the world.
I created this space not as someone with a perfect life, but as someone asking honest questions with you. If you’ve ever wondered how to tune out the static, cherish what lasts, or make ordinary days feel truly lived, you’re already among friends. Each word on this site is written for you—the reader who craves meaning, not more; connection, not performing; and who feels at home where real stories and practical habit-building meet.
Our Story: Where Essentials Began
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the little things that make daily life feel steady and meaningful. Not the grand overhauls or the once-a-year resolutions, but the everyday rituals and choices that quietly set the tone for how we live.
There were times when I chased what looked good on paper or online—the routines I thought I should follow, the “must-haves” everyone was buying. But what I learned is that life only starts to feel full when you focus on the essentials: the habits that support you, the spaces that bring you comfort, and the decisions that align with your values.
My Essential Lifestyle is my way of sharing that belief. It’s a place where I write honestly about what works for me, invite others to reflect on their own essentials, and back it all up with credible insights and expert perspectives.
Living well at home and beyond.
My mission is to help you notice what matters to you—to offer a companionable voice and practical tools so you can shape an essential life on your terms. Here, every choice and every small victory counts.
Editorial Standards: Promise of Trust
When it comes to lifestyle advice, credibility is everything. That’s why I created clear editorial standards that guide every article on this site:
- Experience First - I share lived experience—what I’ve tried, what I’ve kept, and what I’ve let go of—always paired with trustworthy sources and expert insights.
- Clarity Always - Advice should feel human, not clinical. Everything here is written in a conversational, approachable style that respects your time and energy.
- Practical Value - Every piece should leave you with something you can use: a tip to try, a new way to think about a choice, or a reminder that brings more balance to your day.
This mix of personal voice + expert grounding is how we keep My Essential Lifestyle trustworthy, relatable, and genuinely helpful.
My Three Essentials
This site is built around three pillars—the essentials I believe shape a meaningful life:
Living Well Wellness that’s approachable and personal. From morning stretches to mindset shifts, I share the habits and routines that support my mind and body in sustainable ways.
Everyday Spaces The home is more than walls—it’s the backdrop of daily life. Here, I write about the ways I organize, decorate, and nurture spaces that feel supportive, functional, and uniquely mine.
Mindful Choices The decisions we make—how we spend, what we prioritize, where we invest our energy—define the rhythm of our days. In this section, I share lessons I’ve learned about money, values, and choosing with intention.
Together, these categories reflect the essentials that keep me steady: caring for myself, shaping my surroundings, and making decisions that matter.
Meet the Team: Writers Who Live the Essentials
Although this site carries my voice, I’m lucky to collaborate with a small team of writers and researchers who bring credibility, depth, and lived experience to every piece we publish.
Violette Pesci
Editor-in-Chief & Founder
I’m Violette—the creative engine and heart behind My Essential Lifestyle. My background in human-centered design, years spent collaborating with wellness leaders, and deep love of thoughtful prose come together here. I’m endlessly curious about how our habits shape the stories we live, and nothing excites me more than crafting each piece to spark a fresh idea in you.
I’m Violette—the creative engine and heart behind My Essential Lifestyle. My background in human-centered design, years spent collaborating with wellness leaders, and deep love of thoughtful prose come together here. I’m endlessly curious about how our habits shape the stories we live, and nothing excites me more than crafting each piece to spark a fresh idea in you.
Emilia Novikov
Senior Wellness Editor
Emilia brings a vibrant curiosity to every story she tells, equally at home leading sunrise retreats as she is diving into the science behind everyday habits. With a decade spent as a certified yoga educator and mindfulness advocate, her journey has taken her from bustling city studios to quiet corners of teaching hospitals.
Emilia brings a vibrant curiosity to every story she tells, equally at home leading sunrise retreats as she is diving into the science behind everyday habits. With a decade spent as a certified yoga educator and mindfulness advocate, her journey has taken her from bustling city studios to quiet corners of teaching hospitals.
Bella Grey
Home & Space Editor
Bella is an organizer and interior consultant whose work has transformed everything from city apartments to remote retreats. She holds professional certifications in design and environmental psychology and balances a keen sense for aesthetics with smart, actionable strategies.
Bella is an organizer and interior consultant whose work has transformed everything from city apartments to remote retreats. She holds professional certifications in design and environmental psychology and balances a keen sense for aesthetics with smart, actionable strategies.
Leah Morgan
Money & Lifestyle Writer
Leah is a financial educator with over 8 years of experience helping individuals and families build confidence around money. She’s contributed to financial literacy programs and written for several personal finance outlets. What makes her stand out is the way she connects numbers to everyday choices—writing about money not as something intimidating, but as a tool that supports intentional living.
Leah is a financial educator with over 8 years of experience helping individuals and families build confidence around money. She’s contributed to financial literacy programs and written for several personal finance outlets. What makes her stand out is the way she connects numbers to everyday choices—writing about money not as something intimidating, but as a tool that supports intentional living.
Anastasia Ellery
Mindful Living Curator
Anastasia’s curiosity for what truly makes a good life is contagious. With a background spanning culinary arts, financial wellness, and habit science, she approaches mindful living like a spirited explorer—experimenting, questioning, and sharing what works (and what decidedly doesn’t).
Anastasia’s curiosity for what truly makes a good life is contagious. With a background spanning culinary arts, financial wellness, and habit science, she approaches mindful living like a spirited explorer—experimenting, questioning, and sharing what works (and what decidedly doesn’t).