Mary Grace

Refillable Candles, Refilling an Existing Candle Jar and Candle Refills to pop into those jars are becoming increasingly more popular in the candle industry. Toted as the “newer, more sustainable option”.  The problem is? It’s deadly.

Navigating the many thousands of ingredients in skincare can bewilder the most seasoned beauty buff. If you’re seeking products with anti-ageing benefits, the ingredient maze gains further mystique. Every beauty house is spruiking a different hero ingredient and you’re left wondering which, if any, are the most effective, and whether some miracle potion exists, aka Death Becomes Her, that will defuse those fine lines creeping up around your mouth and eyes and retain your youthful visage forever. There are many facets to skin ageing, not just wrinkles. A product labelled ‘anti-ageing’ won’t necessarily smooth out skin creases, so it’s important to look past the marketing jargon and stake out skin-active ingredients that will proactively fight the hallmarks of ageing. Because skin ageing is a reflection of overall body ageing, it’s important to take a holistic approach, encompassing body and skin.   The best defence is a good offence From the time you hit twenty-five, skin begins to visually age. Yep, sh*t just got very real. This doesn’t mean that we suddenly sprout lines, but the collagen and stores in our skin begin to deplete, reducing elasticity (the ability to snap back into place, after creasing). Maturing skin doesn’t hold onto moisture as well, aiding the appearance of crepiness and fine lines; it also needs a leg-up with exfoliation as cell turnover slows down, to keep it from looking dull. Establishing a solid skincare routine in your twenties will build your skin’s resilience to the effects of ageing, but it’s never too late to start. Cleanse, tone and moisturise, twice daily; remove makeup with religious fervour; add in a facial oil if your skin doesn’t feel hydrated with moisturiser, alone, and incorporate hyaluronic acid and vitamin C into your skincare (we’ll touch on why, below).  And you’ve heard it a million times, but sunscreen that face, g-friend! There isn’t a dermatologist alive who won’t agree that sun damage is the number one cause of premature skin ageing. Since entering my thirties, I swear my face ages five years for every bout of sunburn! When choosing a sunscreen, look for a formula as close to pure zinc as possible. This will not only reduce your exposure to potentially harmful synthetics, like oxybenzone, but prevent that notoriously greasy feel that will have your makeup slip-sliding off your face. Little Urchin is a light, velvety SPF 30 that wears well under makeup. Blend with your moisturiser and apply to your skin after serums and oils, but before makeup application. There’s a reason that skincare products are advertised as able to reduce the *appearance* of fine lines – they don’t necessarily undo skin ageing. Sure, some ingredients plump and smooth the skin to make lines less obvious but bar invasive procedures, like cosmetic injections and face lifts, there is no one miracle cure to turn back the clock. However, taking care of your skin with good quality active ingredients can slow that mother-ticker down. If you’re in your thirties, forties or beyond and still relying on chemist brands for your beauty regime, it’s time to step it up a notch.  Many lower-cost skincare products are less concentrated with the good stuff and crammed with synthetic fillers, of questionable benefit to your skin and wellbeing. The sooner you can establish a sound preventative routine, the better your skin will fare as you age. Great skin from within Skin is truly remarkable stuff. Not only does it do a stellar job of keeping our insides snugly protected – it is similarly skilled at keeping things out. Yes, it’s true that skin is porous and can absorb what we put on it, but it takes time for ingredients to achieve a level of concentration that may impact the skin’s appearance. This makes routine application of the good stuff important and consuming anti-ageing foods a wise move, so that you’re bypassing your skin’s natural defences. There is a lot of talk in beauty about adding hydration and antioxidants to the skin, but if you’re well hydrated, your skin will be also. If you consume antioxidants, in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll be helping to neutralise internal free radicals, which contribute to skin ageing. Drinking 2 litres of water, taking a food-based vitamin C supplement and eating a wide variety of fresh produce, will go great lengths to safeguard your skin from premature ageing. Conversely, too much salt and coffee will dehydrate you, while sugar, alcohol and smoking promote oxidation, which is often expressed through the skin as dryness, poor skin tone and the early appearance of lines. Red capsicum, papayas, blueberries, spinach and broccoli are just some superfoods with skin-loving benefits. Your age-busting skin heroes There is no one smoking gun to prevent or reverse skin ageing. Healthy skin requires consistency and care for your whole self. If you’re chronically tired, stressed and relying on processed foods, you’ll need to overhaul more than just your beauty routine to safeguard your skin. But, setting up healthy skin habits can be a great first step in practicing self-care and establishing healthier habits overall. It’s important to choose skincare products which feature most, or all, of these skin heroes in good concentration, and use regularly, to experience their benefits. Hyaluronic Acid Everyone’s paranoid about fine lines and wrinkles but skin dryness often appears well before these two party-poopers and, if not addressed early, can snowball into other more visible signs of ageing. Skin loses its ability to retain moisture with age, thanks to decreasing stores of hyaluronic acid (HA) – a naturally occurring component of healthy skin that holds water. While it’s not possible to replenish the skin’s stores of HA with topical skincare, applying HA mimics the effects of the skin’s inherent reserves, plumping skin cells and smoothing the appearance of lines. HA is a humectant, meaning that it draws water from the deeper layers of the skin to the outermost layer, the epidermis. HA also helps to hold moisture in the skin that would otherwise evaporate into the air – it’s been shown to hold one thousand times its own weight in water! To experience the benefits of HA, be sure to choose a moisturiser or serum with a concentration of at least one percent, like our Hydration Intense Hyaluronic Acid Serum & Skin Replenishing Miracle Serum. Apply after cleansing and toning but before moisturiser and SPF. Because HA isn’t oily, it sits well under makeup and it’s the perfect hydrator if you’re prone to breakouts. Vitamin C   A powerhouse antioxidant, vitamin C protects the body from free radicals – volatile oxygen molecules which cause oxidation and cell death. In the skin, free radical damage can be seen in the form of dullness, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. Because the body doesn’t make or store its own vitamin C, and it’s needed for virtually every process in the human body, supplementation with a non-GMO, food-based C is almost always a good idea. You can also eat plenty of C-rich foods, like citrus, capsicum, strawberries, blackcurrants and broccoli. Vitamin C is present in high concentrations in the skin, meaning that skin is highly vulnerable to environmental stressors. Sun exposure and pollution rob vitamin C from the skin, with even minimal UV exposure shown to deplete the skin’s vitamin C concentration by 30%. Applying C to the skin may help to protect from sun damage and premature ageing but be sure to select skincare with a high concentration of this power-packed vitamin. 2-in1 Face & Eye Dream Cream contains several forms of natural vitamin C. As vitamin C is sensitive to light, heat and oxygen, look for protective packaging, like amber glass or opaque plastic, and be sure to seal the lid tightly after each use. Vitamin E vitamin E is considered by many experts to be the most important antioxidant because it protects cell membranes and prevents free radical damage. Known as a photo-protectant, vitamin E promotes cell repair to actively fight sun damage. Vitamin E works in synergy with Vitamin C to mediate the effects of UV rays, as within our Bulgarian Rose Otto Face Elixir. It is well documented that vitamin E improves the appearance of scarring, stretch marks and hyperpigmentation, while helping the skin hold on to fat and moisture, to delay the onset of skin ageing. Both topical application through skincare and upping dietary intake of vitamin E have been shown to benefit the skin. Get your fill of this fat-soluble vitamin by eating cold-pressed sunflower oil, nuts, grains, oats, kiwi, tomato and avocado. You may wish to take a vitamin E supplement with your healthcare provider’s blessing – taking 400mg a day has been shown to reduce photodamage and wrinkles. Alpha Hydroxy Acids The stratum corneum, otherwise known as the topmost layers of the skin, tend to increase in thickness as we age, leading to a dull, rough exterior, void of that youthful glow we all know and love. Alpha-hydroxy acids, known as AHAs to the initiated, are a type of non-abrasive exfoliant, which remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and break down cell bonds in the stratum corneum, producing smoother skin in as little as a day. With time and regular use, AHAs may also improve fine lines, skin yellowing, blotchiness, and dark spots. Additionally, AHAs, like the malic acid in our 2-in1 Face & Eye Dream Cream, prep the skin to readily absorb the goodness found in serums, face oils and creams, and encourage smooth, even skin tone. We prefer to use apple-derived malic acid over synthetic AHAs, as they are less irritating to the skin. You can also incorporate AHAs into your diet by eating lemon, grapefruit, papaya, pineapple and tomato. The takeaways Remember, healthy, vibrant skin begins with taking care of your whole self. While we can bottle all of the most effective ingredients to fight skin ageing, there is no substitute for staying hydrated, getting your 7+ hours each night and eating a wide array of fruit and vegetables.

The Australian Non-Toxic Awards celebrate products that work in perfect harmony with our bodies, our environment and our society. We value exceptional products that are: Safe – containing only non-toxic ingredients and materials. Ethical – manufactured fairly using ethically-sourced ingredients & materials. Sustainable – produced ensuring long-term environmental quality for future generations. Responsible – beneficial to the welfare of local and global communities.

  I don’t know about you, but I’m forever watching Instagram and Youtube videos of fabulous bloggers showing off their amazing daily routines and I’m always wishing I could be one of them. I’m always promising myself that today will be the day that I’ll start doing better, start trying harder- and then I don’t. The problem is, I never have the time. I’m always on the run, and it absolutely doesn’t help that I’m allergic to almost everything in the world. If it’s synthetic, I can’t use it. Which is why I find it so important to release products that I know I can wear.  I wanted to release something special, something that encompases many of the properties and benefits of a multi-product daily routine! The Mary Grace Bulgarian Rose Otto Face Elixir was it. She’s everything I’d been searching for, a personal favourite of mine and if I can be frank, she packs a damn good punch. With no fillers and no chemicals, this Face Elixir is Combined with wheat germ, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Rosehip Oil to nourish the face, replenish the skin and leave you feeling incredible. It can be used as a serum on clean, dry skin, can be mixed with your favourite cream, used to blend cosmetics or as a make-up remover. I use it daily, more so when my eczema breaks out. It really helps to soothe and heal the skin and return it to its former glory. Let’s break down the ingredients and take a good look inside; Soya Bean OilHigh in Vitamin E, Soya Bean Oil may aid in retaining moisture in the skin, reducing inflammation, restoring flexibility to the surface area, diminishing wrinkles and reversing sun damage. It may also help in tightening and firming the skin, which can visibly reduce sagging.  Wheat Germ OilAn incredible cocktail of Vitamins E, D, A, B, antioxidants and fatty acids. Applied topically to the skin, this incredible oil can help reduce skin damage, help form healthy collagen which evens and tightens the skin and fights free radicals. It’s also a fantastic face cleanser, known to remove excess sebum which can create other skin ailments such as acne, pimples, etc. It’s also great for helping to reduce the visibility of scars and marks on the skin. Sweet Almond OilRich in Vitamin E and Vitamin A, this potent beauty may aid in keeping skin cells healthy, protecting against UV radiation damage, healing irritated skin and reducing acne. It’s also rich in Vitamin A, fatty acids, protein, potassium and zinc. It can help lighten dark circles under the eye, relieve eczema, rashes and sun damage and is perfect for removing makeup!  Jojoba OilLong used for it’s incredible benefits, Jojoba oil is one of nature's best gifts. Known for it’s anti inflammatory properties, jojoba oil is also fantastic for long lasting moisturization, is deeply hydrating and is nutritious for the skin. High in Vitamin E, B, antioxidants, chromium, copper and zinc as well as it’s anti-microbial properties which help to prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin and is great for healing wounds. Vitamin CRich in antioxidants, Vitamin C helps to treat UV damage, encourage collagen development and inhibits melanin production - which prevents skin discoloration and dark spots. It also helps to reduce brown spots whilst enhancing normal skin pigmentation and aids in keeping the skin plump and firm. Vitamin C may also aid in preventing the premature ageing of skin. Vitamin EAlong with all of the other amazing ingredients in this face elixir, we’ve added pure Vitamin E to enhance them! It’s easily absorbed by the skin and applying it topically may increase the amount of Vitamin E stored within the sebaceous glands. It helps to reduce the speed in which facial products applied to the skin dissipate when exposed to UV light-  making anything you put on your face naturally last longer and is fantastic for reducing acute and chronic skin damage caused by UV rays.  Rosehip OilAlso rich in Vitamin A, Rosehip Oil is fantastic for reducing visible signs of aging, dark spots, wrinkles and inflammation. It contains molecules that are so small, they can penetrate deep into the layers of your skin, heightening its effects. It improves skin moisture, collagen levels, brightening and evening out skin tone, exfoliating the skin, reducing scars and helping to fight against acne.  Bulgarian Rose Otto Essential OilTraditional Bulgarian Rose Otto is considered the finest of all rose oils. Sourced from The Valley of the Roses, located in Central Bulgaria which has been established for over 300 years. The oil is water distilled to protect their essence and the petals are picked in the early hours of the morning to maximise the oil content then placed into a large vat of water and heated to release the natural oils. Known for its beautifying properties, Rose Otto Essential Oil is great for helping the skin appear younger, diminishing the signs of aging and slowing free radical damage. It’s great for all skin types, especially sensitive skin and dry or mature skin. Increasing the natural glow, it helps with broken capillaries and scars as well as eczema and other skin issues. On a deeper level, Rose oil aids in purifying skin and pulling toxins out of its outer layers. It has strong antibacterial properties and adds a deeper level of moisture to any product. 

Mary Grace is commited to helping, any way we can. We have been quietly donating, regularly, to various fundraisers and are personally feeling the effects of these as we are directly impacted by the Green Wattle Creek Fire & now have the Currowan Fire creeping up from behind. We've been looking for ways to help encourage further donations and wanted to compile a list for ease of finding the right charities and fundraisers- whatever you can do to help makes a huge difference to the lives of those affected. Whether it's money, clothes, a place to stay, or your prayers and well wishes... it all adds up. An Ode To Australia It's times like these that we get to see the absolute best, and the absolute worst in humanity. I don't need to remind you of the destruction, or the pain and anguish that those affected either directly or indirectly are going through. Everyone is running scared and times are apocalypic. There is so much negativity and anger coming through, like waves of a different kind, bombarding us all from every angle... so in light of that, I wanted to say: Thank You. Thank you to the soldiers on the battlefield, who are doing an amazing job, giving and sacrificing all that they have to be out there protecting us. Thank you to those on the sidelines, doing all that they can to help out, big or small. Thank you to those opening their doors to strangers, or giving supplies to another in need. Thank you to the corporations who are providing care or money or some sort of relief. Thank you to the bosses who are giving their staff the time to be where they need to be right now; whether it's with family, protecting their homes, or out there fighting the fight. Thank you to the countries who have sent troops to help us, we need and appreciate your help. Thank you to those who hold us in their prayers and hearts, because they matter, too. Everything matters. Every little thing matters and all I can say, again, is... Thank You. How You Can Help There are countless fundraisers and Charities, these are just a few. To Donate Money Directly to the Firies: Click Here Directly to the Families of our Fallen Firies: Click Here To Celeste Barber's 'Please Help Any Way You Can. This is Terrifying,' NSW Fires Campaign: Click Here To the CFA, Victorian Bushfire Relief: Click Here To the Redcross: Click Here To Bendigo Bank & The Salvation Army's Bushfire Disaster Appeal: Click Here To Donate Goods & Services To Givit: Click Here To Vinnies: Click Here To Donate Blood: Click Here To Find A Bed: Click Here To offer nation wide housing via Air B&B: Click Here To Gippsland Farmer Relief: Click Here To Help our Animals & Wildlife To WIRES: Click Here To RSPCA Bushfire Appeal: Click Here To Koala's In Care: Click Here To the Koala Hospital: Click Here The Rescue Collective: Click Here Other Things You Can Do Check in with your locals. The Fire Stations, Donation Centres, Community Programs, Evac Centres, anywhere else that might need any assistance or physical items dropped off. Check your Facebook for select or direct feeds that allow the posting of offers for assistance. Leave bowls of water across your propery for the wildlife. Check in with your neighbours, especially the elderly, the young or otherwise needing further assistance.  Call your friends and family and check in, make sure they're safe. Make sure you have an evac plan sorted, know where to go if trouble hits. If there are any we missed, or you feel should be on this list, please let us know!

Mary Grace x Valleygirl & TEMT. I was 12 years old when I first walked into a Valleygirl store. For the bulk of my high school and uni days, Valleygirl and TEMT were my go to store for clothes and accessories. It doesn't seem like much to the outside world but for a teenage girl, clothes shopping on your own, especially the first time, is like a mark of independence. It's the start of ones journey towards finding yourself. I used to walk into their stores, marvelling at the set up so perfectly colour coded in sections, fingers running over the racks of clothing thinking "yeah, this is heaven." Fast forward nearly 13 years and I’m beyond thrilled to announce that Mary Grace has partnered with these iconic brands. It's a childhood dream come true. Mary Grace is the gift with purchase for BOTH brands online orders over $75! To click onto either of their websites and see a slide with my product on there has my younger self squealing at the sight.  Head on over to Valleygirl and TEMT to shop up a storm and pick up this exclusive Beauty Bundle along the way! MG xx

Between birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, promotions or even just letting someone know that you care, there are so many reasons for why you would need find a gift for the women in your life. But with all of these occasions and even more personalities to appease, it can become harder and harder to find someone that perfect gift. So if you’re stumped on coming up with the best gift idea for the women in your life, we’ve put together a list to help you bust that ‘gifting’ block! The Beauty Junkie A lover of all things beauty inside and out, but loves getting to show it on the outside just a little bit more. She has a drawer full of eyeshadow palettes and a few too many contour kits, but two things she can never have too much of? A highlighter brighter than the sun and a staple matte liquid lipstick. Our picks for the perfect gift? Our Liquid Gold Rose Gold Liquid Highlighter – highly pigmented, extremely blendable and enriched with skin loving minerals. Or our Mineral Matte Liquid Lip in Rapture – a warm mocha shade which won’t dry out her lips.  The One With Sensitive Skin Whoever said that women with sensitive skin can’t use face masks, we wholeheartedly disagree with – they just have to be a little more careful with what they choose! Give her a little bit of TLC that won’t aggravate her skin by looking for something both natural and gentle. We think our Pink Clay – Sensitive Face Mask and Applicator Brush Duo is the best gift for this lucky lady. Made solely from superfine French pink clay which is known for its gentle nature, proven to have anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties and also helps to eliminate toxins. The Environmentalist This friend has all the latest environmentally friendly gadgets. Think beeswax wraps, metal straws and the chicest reusable bags on the market. You need something eco-friendly that still has a little luxury. So what do we suggest? Our ProRemover Facial Wipe – set of 3. Soft and gentle, this little facial wipe is more than what it seems – non-toxic, recyclable and reusable for up to 200 washes… There’s no way she won’t love this. The One Who Already Has Everything She has everything, but you still need to get her something. Well why not a candle? We are strong believers that a woman can never have too many candles and that there’s a scent for every occasion. Our favourite is the Vanilla Praline Scented Soy Candle by Endless Candles. It’ll leave her home smelling divine with its subtle infusion of malt, caramel, vanilla and maple. The Classic Timeless and elegant in her own way, yet she still she reminds you of Elizabeth Taylor or Audrey Hepburn. A classic gift pack, packed with delectable delights is right up her alley. We think our La Vie En Rose – Life in Pink Gift Pack is the perfect gift for this woman. With a Sugar Dusted Berries fragrance, the Natural Lip Balm, Diffuser and Hand Cream is sure to make her smile!

People aren’t just obsessed with pink clay masks because of the Instagram worthy colour. That little container of soon-to-be-mud has some incredible beauty powers too, but what’s so good about it? Let's break it down. It Doesn’t Remove the Skin’s Natural Oils Clay is a popular ingredient when it comes to face masks but unlike the other clay colours, pink is the most sensitive. It cleans your skin without stripping the natural and essential oil from your face. This is especially useful for beauty lovers who already suffer from dry skin and find other masks leave them feeling like the Sahara Desert! It Exfoliates With it’s natural mild grainy texture, the pink clay can also works well to exfoliate the skin. We all know how bad plastic microbeads are for the environment, so this is a great environmentally friendly option to minimise blackheads, hormonal breakouts and congestion. Plus it’s still super gentle so a great option for those with sensitive skin! It Removes Pollutants Whilst living our best life, everyone’s skin has to put up with a lot of pollution in the air. Pink clay extracts all of those negative toxins your skin may have absorbed throughout the day. After removing your mask, you’re left with nothing but the good stuff to keep it nourished and make your face glow. It Keeps Skin Fresh & Young Pink clay masks are rich in Silica, which can help to improve skin elasticity and cell renewal for supple, younger looking skin. We live in a world where anti-ageing products can cost A BOMB with pots of moisturisers and fancy serums pricing upwards of $300. Pink clay masks are a more affordable and natural anti-ageing option for skincare lovers. It’s Great For Sunburn Sunburn can happen to the best of us, despite our efforts to protect ourselves. Pink clay is an effective way to calm red, inflamed and sensitive skin. Sunblock is your first step of protection but when you’re dealing with that after burn, this could be a good answer. Bonus if your mask has added Aloe Vera in it too! Just make sure you don’t leave the mask on too long if you’ve got sensitive skin as it might begin to aggravate it.

It’s no secret that people’s lives today are busier than ever. Between work, study, family, friends and trying to keep up with the Joneses – it is safe to say that your you time is lacking and that work-life balance is much easier said than done. So how do you take a step back and put yourself first? The answer is simple… Be more “zen”. We explore the concept of zen, how it can help you and what you can do to make sure there is more of it in your daily lifestyle below. What does it mean to be zen? Taken from a traditional school of Buddhism which focuses heavily on meditation and the core dynamics of nature, to be zen is to be calm and relaxed through chaotic times. Even more so, it is learning to not worry about the things which you cannot change and putting yourself first. The art of being zen typically involves being present and meditation, however it can also manifest itself in a variety of different ways and can truly be whatever you make it. How can it help you? Aside from physically enabling you to unwind and de-stress, another benefit of the art of being zen is that it can help guide you to true peace and happiness. However, that’s not all. “Zenning” (or peacing) out can help with the following and more: Reducing anxiety and depression Minimising PMS and IBS Boosting the immune system Improving your overall mood How can you implement more zen into your daily lifestyle? It’s easy to say “be zen and get on with it”, but how does one actually implement zen and relaxation into their daily routine? We believe it’s best to start small, to meditate and to add in some self-care to your everyday. The art of being zen doesn’t come as second-nature for everyone and it can even be incredibly daunting for some. Remember that although you may feel you are being pulled in a million-and-one directions, you can always dedicate some time to being zen. Start small, and break up your you time into smaller 15 minute chunks, rather than a few hours or a day at a time. Engage in some self-care, but know that it doesn’t have to be extravagant and incredibly time consuming. A wise woman once said “self-care is not attending some extravagant ‘spa day with the girls,’ but rather being able to identify when you need to slow down and perhaps cancel that spa day.” Learn what works best for you, your schedule and how you are feeling. An easy way to indulge in some self-care? It can be anything from giving yourself a hand massage with some indulgent hand cream, leaving a face mask on for 15 minutes or even lighting a candle and putting your feet up to read a book. Last but not least, in line with the true art of zen, do some meditation. Whether it is sitting and focussing on the breath, being quietly aware or listening to a guided meditation, any will bring a little more you time and lightness to your life.

Sitting lush on the shelf they perch, resting kind and unassuming as plants do. Hues of green lolloping about gently or standing proudly to attention. Giving life to barren walls, sad places, and stale air by converting pollutants into fresh oxygen. They’re little miracle workers, plants are, but the potential for a death on our hands often shies us away. This doesn’t mean though, that there’s not a plant for you. Find one that fits your habits and pop that burst of green in a funky pot. If you’re trying to live a cleaner and more grounded home-life, then start with one of the following low-maintenance indoor goodies. They literally clean the air in your home. Plants pair well with the good life.  ALOE VERA The Aloe Vera is a holiday-lover’s best friend. Thriving on abandonment this plant can go weeks without watering, say 3-6 weeks depending on your environment. Take that road trip up the coast, run away camping with the family, or just introduce it into your busy life without apprehension. Dubbed the plant of immortality by the Egyptians, use the inner gel as a soothing anti-inflammatory for when you return from your holiday burnt to a crisp. Make sure to let the soil dry out an inch deep before watering and place in an area with lots of indirect sunlight. They’re great for bedrooms because they release oxygen at night, plus they reproduce easily so you can have many more to repot of gift! Filters: benzene, formaldehyde. PEACE LILY A peace Lily is great for the new plant enthusiast. Stare away at your new prized possession because in a few days it’ll have something to say. When its leaves droop, it is time for a drink! Easy as that. While it is still low maintenance it requires a watering every 3- 7 days. Even when left sagging for days though, a drink will see the leaves perking back to life within minutes. Try it, it’s quite amazing. These deep dark glossy leaves look gorgeous on any backdrop and when they flower white, they hold a crisp and gentle company. Sit them in indirect light to partial shade. They can tolerate low light, florescent light, and thrive in indoor temperatures. Great for the bathrooms and damp rooms as they absorb mould spores down into their root system for food! Filters: ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene.   SNAKE PLANT The snake plant is one for Miss Independent who needs more sleep and less on her mind. You can admire its thick glossy striped leaves, while not having to remember to water it for 2-5 weeks while it removes up to ninety percent of your indoor toxins. Labelled a bedroom plant, snake plants exhale oxygen all night long, helping you get the beauty sleep you desperately deserve. Plus, they’re tall upright appearance makes them a no-fuss addition to any bedside table or floor. They’re tolerant to a variety of light conditions but will thrive in indirect light. While these plants don’t like being over watered you can take cuttings, place them in a jar of water, and just let them do their thing – sprouting roots into a completely independent companion.  Filters: formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, benzene.   ENGLISH IVY The English Ivy is great for home-bodies. The rapid growing leaves will creep, crawl, and dangle over furniture becoming part of the household. Old houses will find these a treat for they easily cover up background blemishes and a study has proved them affective in removing mould spores from the air! So if you’re prone to allergies and asthma, these hearty vines are worth a shot. They look cute in hanging baskets or popped atop shelves where they cascade down. They like bright natural and florescent light, but direct sunlight will burn their leaves. When the top inch of soil is dry it’s ready for a warm water drink, but be careful not to over water these – letting them dry out in forgetfulness is better!   Filters: formaldehyde, benzene, mould spores, airborne faecal matter (pets!).  - Pair your new plant with one our candles for an atmosphere that says ‘Zen’ and get cosy as the air around you is filtered clean and filled with a tasty scent.

It can be hard to relax when our persistent minds are chatting away, talking negatively of this and that. Picking at our hearts. Mantras are a kinder noise with a message for rewiring, a rhythmic phrase that can release stress and encourage new habits of the mind. They can be done anywhere and everywhere so really, there’s no excuse. Show yourself some love with a little mantra and like any habit, if you stick with it, the affects can be profound.   “I change my thoughts, I change my world” Fizz, crackle, and pop go our thoughts, running through our mind. Bumping into nerves, whispering actions on the sly. There’s a complex map going on in the brain and every time we give energy to a thought, we thicken its road map - but create new routes and the old ones will fall away by default. It just takes perseverance and yes, your life is worth it. Chose to turn your nose at self-doubt, never to engage. When an unwanted thought creeps, stamp it out with heart-warming daydreams. As you change habits within they will naturally unravel into the world around you and the authenticity you feel will run rich and deep.   “Progress not perfection” Sure, demand more, but don’t miss out on the journey. All the milestones that cause for clapping of the hands and a smile on the face. All the discoveries, relevant to goals or not – new food, friends, places. Time moves fast and with it, so do we, so heave the weight of perfection off your shoulders and take a stroll in the park. The air touching your nose and filling your lungs before rushing back into the world. You can set the bar on the highest of buildings but there are many stairs climbed prior that deserve a pat on the back. You have permission to be proud of where you're at right now.   “I create this life” Time to hang up the blame belt and take control. Slip into a feel-good outfit, blast some tunes, and give into life being your responsibility with utter excitement. Feel the jitter under your skin. Where to next? You decide. You are a wizard with a wand, a coder in the matrix, a child with Lego at their fingertips. Maybe all you want is to boogey in your bedroom chanting this mantra until you collapse, but seriously, now that you’ve claimed your life as your own, what is it deep down that you truly want? Because like you said, “I create this life”.   “I am grateful for…” Life frequently gets the better of us and we forget to make time to see all the wonderful things we have. Sit with gratitude and let it bring you back to earth. Look to your hands, they help you every day, the subtle rise and fall of your chest as you breath in fresh air, the eyes that read these words or take in all the vivid colours around you. What friends and family have shown support? What’s the best part of your day? What is your favourite food and how lucky are you to have access to it? Gratitude is a filler. It is there to give when nothing else will. So take a moment to be grateful and let it wash over you like a warm shower at the end of a long day. With love, always.Mary Grace x

  As the largest organ of the body, our skin laps up whatever ingredients we lather across it. But what exactly are we feeding our skin? How many of us look at the back label? In the case of Mary Grace, all our body lotions are produced naturally for sensitive skin. Treat your body to a silky pamper with an array of scents whilst doing a good deed for yourself and the animals.  What exactly do we use in our lotions and why are they so nourishing? Each of our body lotions shares a common base made up of coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E, Green tea extract, chamomile extract, and calendula flower extract. We know these are ingredients you recognise already, but why are they so good for the skin? Coconut OilEveryone’s favourite. This tropical goody is ultra-hydrating with high levels of lauric acid, making it great for dry skin and sunburn. It’s also high in vitamin C and E which aids in reducing cell damage – hello youthful skin. Apricot Kernel OilUnlike many oils this one is light, leaving behind no greasy residue. With a deep nutty presence, it’s an effective emollient softening up a dry complexion. Derived from the seeds of apricots this oil is an anti-inflammatory, helps lock in moisture, and is kind to sensitive bodies. Shea ButterSuper solid and buttery in its original form, shea butter is an anti-inflammatory, rich in hydration and a sensitive-skins best friend.  Cocoa ButterThis creamy goodness not only hydrates the skin but helps to heal it from the inside. Cocoa butter contains types of antioxidants called polyphenols that encourage cell regeneration and overall skin health. Vitamin EA group of fat soluble compounds ready to neutralise free radicals in the air (everyday pollution), which damage cells encouraging ageing. Vitamin E is the protective layer between your skin and the outside world. Green Tea ExtractAn ancient Asian tea known for its many health benefits. Green tea extract is another antioxidant rich ingredient, warding off bacteria and soothing inflammation - great for flaky itchy skin. Chamomile ExtractAnother tea known throughout the ages for its benefits. Chamomile contains an array of compounds, such as Bisabolol, that have strong anti-inflammatory properties, are anti-fungal, and non-allergenic. Calendula Flower ExtractThe extract from this pretty flower is antibacterial and helps treat slow healing cuts – great for those with low immune systems. It’s also known for brightening the skin, giving you a healthy glow.  You can find our range of Body Lotions & Hand Creams Here & Here

With all the technology these days, many of us read only from the bright glare of a screen. Magic in its own right, but nothing like escaping into tangible paper illuminated by a burning flame with the soft golden light flickering against wall and skin. An air of company that is soft and pleasant. The words of others offer insight into our lives and the world around us. Take an evening offline and indulge in a few words for the soul. Not sure where to look? Read on.

It can be hard to satisfy our wanderlust within, but with scents, we have the ability to visit a world that is entirely our own… And in these busy lives we lead, where do we most often want to go? Somewhere that allows us to just unwind...