Summer so far

I have been drafting this for weeks. It began with “Somehow it is already mid-June” and now it’s late July. I keep setting it aside and coming back, still with the same overarching theme: summer has been (very) hot and felt (very) long. I tend to thrive with routine and cooler weather, but I do love the slower pace of summer and a good summer storm. Appreciating what one season means to another, the balance and the rhythm of it all. My highlights: Farmer’s Market Thursdays for tomatoes, sourdough, and zinnias. My current skincare routine. A lot of reading. I love the unhurried mornings and when my kids are tan and happy and have spent hours outside.

We just spent time in Highlands, North Carolina (will write more on this soon) and it was lovely. At some point before any trip my husband and I are supposed to go on without children (however rare) I panic and want to somehow squeeze us all into the room we have booked. We ended up surprisingly leaving the house just the two of us and made the long car ride to the mountains. I couldn’t have been happier in the 70-degree temperatures. I went to the spa, read books, sat by the pool, and loved every minute. Then, we were back home to the hot, humid, Alabama south to celebrate the shop’s one year. And, anyways, somehow it is already late July.

Favorites lately

Being pregnant in the heat of summer, I feel mostly unstylish and swollen, but here are a few things I’m loving.

This linen dress. It’s the easiest throw on that doesn’t feel frilly or like a nightgown. And on sale!

Donni linen pants. Flattering cut and I love the cream color.

These pajamas. Lightweight and crisp, the key is to wash and hang to dry so they feel unreal cool putting on at night. Eyeing the navy next.

Phone chain. Stylish and fun, but mostly extremely convenient. This shell chain just arrived in the shop and I think it may have to be my next. But also, this mushroom chain.

Candle. The Botanika candle by Mad et Len is the refined, “right” kind of coastal. It has notes of kelp and salt air and the right amount of edge with the black forged iron vessel (handmade in a small French village)

LESSE sunscreen is my go-to. A non-nano zinc that actually calms my redness and makes my skin feel wonderful. I have tried others this summer but always come back to this and love the brand as a whole.

This necklace makes any simple outfit feel stylish in an understated, effortless way. I love with just a white tee and shorts or when dressing up a little. Also eyeing this red shell necklace. Very into red this summer.

Zara Home lamps (here and here) We recently moved into a new house and a good lamp goes a long way. We have so many things I need (want) to purchase and do (painting, wallpapering the kid’s rooms, dining room table and chairs, art) and these lamps were an easier purchase for a little immediate satisfaction while we wait on the bigger projects.

I have been using an old summer raffia bag because I can’t seem to commit to something new, but I may have to go ahead and order one of the following because they would transition nicely into fall— see here and here.

My current skincare routine that no one asked for

There are few things better than being freshly bathed, in comfortable pajamas, skincare applied, with a really good book to read or show to watch. I usually have my four-almost-five-year-old chatting to me about mermaids — Another summer highlight: watching Aquamarine, Rip Girls, The Thirteenth Year (as odd as I remembered, anyone else?) and other throwback movies with Ellen. Anyways, I was sad to give up retinol because the U Beauty Resurfacing Compound is unfortunately as good as they say, but the following routine has eased the pain.

Step 01. Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm — Skin feels insane after and I love the spa-like scent.

Step 02. Return Eye Concentrate — I especially love adding the Chebula Eye Patches in the morning. The combination of the two has been 10/10.

Step 03. Chebula Active Serum — Love the ingredients and noticeable evening of skin tone.

Step 04. Super Intensive Face Oil — Even though summer is (wildly) humid, my skin craves hydration and this product has changed the entire texture of my skin. And I feel much brighter. Also, The Super Hydrator is the moisturizer that makes you leave all others and never look back.

Step 05. U Beauty Sculpt — I never skip. Too good.

Step 06. Barrier Bioactive Treatment — Every other night or so, I use this as my final step and it is the richest, most decadent product I have ever tried. Seriously. Skin feels like silk in the morning (which I have never said before using)

Last thing… I just added this brand of forehead patch and use immediately after applying my skincare. Might be placebo, but in my mind I wake up with much less exaggerated lines. Very pleasantly surprised. (Note: Much easier to apply than Frownies but probably not as effective)

If you read anything here, let it be that Barrier Bioactive Treatment is just so good.

What I’ve been reading

I have been a little addicted to Goodreads this summer. I just finished Sandwich and June Baby. Honestly, both were a little sad, but I enjoyed and they did have the right nostalgic summer feeling.

I also just read The Dutch House by Ann Patchett and always become friends with her characters. I needed a little summer thrill after the past few selections and am now reading Lisa Jewell’s new book It Could Have Been Her (liking so far) and I obviously have Calamity Club on my list. Any other suggestions?

Lately in the shop

Last week, we celebrated one year of being open and it feels surreal. Most days I still can’t believe we did it at all. Since opening, I find myself simultaneously more energized and exhausted. Tired from the busyness and the inventory logistics, the to-do’s, but energized by the process and inspiration, creativity, people, brands and products.

Lately, we have focused on our brand and brand growth, marketing, visuals, social media. Entering the world of ShopMy and learning the process of how to use on the brand side. Also carefully looking at our inventory and thinking through what to bring in next, reaching out to dream brands and, to my surprise, often getting “yes” emails in response. We recently had a wonderful weekend in Atlanta with LAKE. We also just launched Summer Chapter Two and I wrote about it here if you’re interested in the process. Now, we plan for fall (!!)

Talk soon

xx, Mary Grace

Summer Chapter Two

I love the beginning of summer but there is still a rush to it all. The second half of summer has a certain stillness. By now, we are all hot and settled into the slower pace and longer days. The breeze feels different, the air is thick and makes us tired—and somehow we all slow—if even just a bit. I love when the late August days bleed into September and we savor the last of it while (eagerly) anticipating the first crisp morning of fall. We read more books, linger a while on the things that feel too indulgent in the other months of the year. Summer Chapter Two is inspired by the hot sun on the beach, the slow, and the still.

Creating seasonal collections for the shop is a very satisfying creative process. Thinking through functionality, design, the unexpected accessory. Sitting on the floor with printed out images of different products and categories with different textures and colors and imagining how it will all feel together, displayed in the shop, displayed online. Summer is especially luxurious for me since I love anything raffia or rattan and love the way the different straw colors and shades look with our matte black pottery or the Mad et Len candles and perfume.

I think I wanted this collection to feel like walking the long boardwalk to the beach in July. The wood and sand are hot on your feet, the sun beaming overhead, nothing to do but embrace the heat and feel summer wash over you with a slight sunburn. There is something nostalgic about the thick summer air, especially coastal (especially southern) I love the way the new jewelry pieces with their shells and charms feel a little artistic and whimsical. I love this black Suni hat so much I want (need) it. I love seeing it all together and it’s funny being in retail because the collection is so lovely to me I often get sad when we sell something and it leaves us and I have to remind myself that it is quite literally the point.

I hope you enjoy summer ch two. I hope you wear your hat in your garden or on the beach and you treat yourself to a beautifully whimsical new piece of jewelry and get a little tan and read the book you’ve been wanting to read—

You can shop the full collection here.

xx, Mary Grace

When starting GARDEN, I was most excited for trips to visit brands and showrooms, see the newest collections, & order for the seasons ahead. February was our first trip to see brands in person. Before then, we were doing all ordering and brand discovery through video calls and email— it was so very nice to tangibly see the products, feel material, try things on. It was the coldest week maybe of the year but we bundled up and left inspired— with full FW26 orders. I am still adjusting to preparing seasons ahead. Retail is a whole new world for me.

Where we stayed:

The Marlton

Greenwich Village

Will 100% be staying here every time I visit. Creature of habit but also it was just lovely— rooms are completely tiny but comfortable and perfect. When we walked into the room I did what I always do when traveling, scoping the coffee situation for the morning, and there was no in-room coffee maker to which I obviously panicked (I must have coffee the moment my eyes open) But even the early morning walks to the lobby in a coat over my pajamas felt very poetic. It was dark and cozy and very old school NYC (not that I have any reference of old-school-NYC. But in my mind, it was that)

Favorite spots:

L’Appartemente 4F: West Village location (so close to hotel)

119 West 10th Street

Absolutely must go back. I don’t have words for the almond croissant or chocolate chip cookie other than divine. When we stopped by the walk-up window, there wasn’t a line, just a few children getting post-school treats with their mom and it was lovely and idyllic. A very quick walk from The Marlton.

King | 18 King Street

Lovely food, lovely atmosphere, 10/10. It was winter, so we had a cozy warm dinner— but now writing this in June, I would love to try their summer menu.

Favorite brand visits:

Janessa Leoné, Comme Si, Leset

Shopping & Inspiration:

Nickey Kehoe | 49 E 10th St (close to hotel)

Dôen | 384 Bleecker Street

Leset | 380 Bleecker Street

Ann Mashburn | 926 Madison Ave

La Ligne | 996 Madison Ave

Honorable mentions: A few doors down from The Marlon— Madison Fare frozen yogurt. We went twice. 1 W 8th St

We tried many matches and didn’t find one we have to have again. I think Jack’s Wife Freda was our favorite of the trip, but next time we plan to find the best— I’ve heard Blank Street? Tell me the best!

Since publishing —

— in February of 2025, we opened a retail brick-and-mortar and established our online brand, GARDEN. My real, true, day-to-day-life has been that of a mother of young children and a shop owner.

We opened our doors last July on a hot and sticky summer day. Since, I've had a million circling, swirling thoughts about this whole new experience and life lately and I am completely overdue to write.

It has been a chaotic and wonderful (almost) year of having the shop and I am excited to share a personal, unedited side of it all here — IN THE GARDEN xx

xx, Mary Grace

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You know that phrase “jack of all trades and master of none”

For me, it’s more an “aspirant of all trades”—

My sister is an artist. My best friend is a jewelry designer. I have several talented friends in interior design. Another friend is a successful florist. I long for my “thing.” I often feel as though I’m floating in the creative space— an unanchored admirer.

I’ve tried my hand at it all. Writing was my first creative love. My dad is an author— actually, an attorney who wrote his first book in law school and kept it under his bed for years before publishing. He is brilliant and interesting and I just love him. I have always loved that we share this passion for writing. I wasn’t sure if I shared in his talent, but the love was there. I thought I may write books or become a journalist or work for an exciting print publication, but as a college journalism major, it all felt too structured, rigid— Colorful, poetic language was often frowned upon (as were my fragmented “artistic” sentences) and I discovered that other than the Today Show with coffee, the news was not for me.

I took a photojournalism class, bought my first camera, and immediately found a new passion. I didn’t quite excel in the class because I kept going a little too creative rather than journalistic, which led me to enthusiastically begin my creative photography pursuit— weddings, families, a little bit of everything. I pursued this for years, but always felt a little empty. This was during the time when photographers on Instagram were all the rage. I would browse my feed with such envy, such frustration, seeing these gorgeous grainy film shots of florals and brides, and feel a deep sense of longing— but never fulfillment. Frustrated and burnt out, I moved on, declining future wedding bookings and wondering what could be the thing.

I assisted one of my absolute dream stylists on a brand campaign— A four day shoot one hot July in Florida. This specific stylist was one I had admired from afar for years (still do, even more). I happened to meet her while working at an interior design shop and café. Walking onto the brand shoot— a gorgeously designed home, perfect props everywhere, even the messes were beautiful— I felt overwhelmed with the “this is it” feeling— I have to do this. But she, the stylist, was a visionary. Everything she touched felt like effortless beauty. How many pears should be leaning in a bowl, how to style the hat rack in the entry… I could see it flow from her in a way I didn’t think it would ever flow from me. I watched the photographer capture it all- envying her, admiring her all in one. I envied the way she shot with such confidence. I remember so clearly the moment they told me I could take a few shots for my portfolio. I was shaking excited, thinking that it would be the thing that opened doors, the thing that got me “ahead”— but I completely froze. I couldn’t frame any of the shots right. I thought, “This must not be it either.” I talked to another stylist working the shoot that I absolutely admired, and she told me, “If you just shoot one thing a year that you really love, you are doing great.” But I didn’t shoot one thing that year I really loved— or the next year. Instead, I looked around at the creative shoots, stylists, interiors, again with a deep longing. Will it ever be me?

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I moved on a while later, after a slow dying of the fire, eventually put out by lack of opportunity, drive, or talent. Maybe one or maybe a combination, I’m not sure I’ll ever know— but I moved on to interior design. I fixated. I had “missed my calling.” I was coming off working for the interior design shop, crossing paths with many designers who all seemed so in their element. I romanticized the ways they splayed samples on their desk and how they chose the right marble. I thought, “Okay, this makes so much sense. I love the elements of design and appreciate the beauty of a space. I love curating.” I knew nothing of what it actually entailed, but as an absolute, undeniable homebody, I thought, this must be it— I spent many evening walks, anxious and confiding in my husband, asking if he thought I should go back to school. He graciously entertained the conversation, but being young and married, we were wanting to buy our first home, grow an actual savings account… Also where do you go back to school for design? How does it work, what does it cost, how long does it take? I googled many, many things, talked to a few design friends, and eventually decided I would try to find a designer to work for. Shadow, learn, and see if it was for sure a fit before committing. Around this time, we decided to move back to my hometown, a sleepier small town where job opportunities often seem to be who you know or who your parents know—friends of friends, old neighbors—rather than the big city corporate scene of answering phones at a design firm or interning or assisting. Still, I sent my little resume to the designers I knew back home. My mom (bless my mom) walks in the early, early mornings and one day texted me about a design shop she often passed and thought it looked like the place for me. I emailed the designer (who ended up, yes, being someone we know) but didn’t hear back. Almost a year later, I was working in a social media and marketing position for a retailer (A very sweet experience I’m so thankful for. Sometimes it’s in the “in-between” jobs where you meet the people who you love and who love you, and who root for you, believe in you, celebrate you when you have your first baby— just sweet all around.) Anyways, I received an Instagram message or maybe an email one random day in May and it was from the designer of the sweet little office my mom would pass on her walks and it turned out she needed someone after all. Felt like fate? Stars aligning, I began working for her. I was fascinated. I knew nothing. I will never forget the feeling of sitting in the office, alone, surrounded by samples of fabric, wallpaper, marbles, hardware— I would go through it all again and again, creating little flat lays. I was soaking everything in. I watched this designer have such clear vision and direction, such a confidence in what worked in a space, what didn’t— I loved it. We went to Atlanta to ADAC and I felt like I was living in that “romanticized” design life. Inspiration all around. I weirdly loved the emails, the ordering, the “busy” or “office” work, the vendor back-and-forth, but I learned that I maybe didn’t feel like design came to me like it came to her. Would it with time? Maybe. But I started to feel like, if anything, I was growing more of an appreciation for the designers I admired and their skillsets, rather than feeling like I was in my own— During this time, we found out we were pregnant with our firstborn. I remember designing her little nursery and thinking that it was all very meant to be— I loved it, but it wasn’t mine. I tried it on, it just didn’t quite fit.

So I became a mom, we became a family. My favorite yet. I love it, now with two—Ellen, three years old, and our littlest, William, almost three months old. I definitely feel the “this is it” feeling, this is what I’m made for and I am bursting at the seems with joy and love.

But— I still spend my free time dreaming. I bought a film camera to re-kindle my love of photography. I started writing again. I long for the feeling I saw in the stylist, the designer. Last February I woke up with a new dream. Very specific and exciting. It’s amazing how in a season of thick, all-consuming grief, creativity kept a light on for me. Maybe soon I’ll share about this dream and specifics, but for now it is still just mine. My cozy, dim-lit, warm-glowing lamp. Perfect for a cup of tea.

While I float, admiring, I long to settle deep into my creative identity. I feel it coming with time, with life— All of these little things along the way will weave together, I just know it. I will come into my own. Maybe with a camera again. Or this new dream. Or just with all of it, piece-by-piece. Maybe I moved on too soon from styling or photography. Maybe it really does just take time and grit and experience. But I am realizing that sometimes not having “one thing” is okay. I don’t have a title to pin to my name, my creative identity is a little obscure— but I am learning to be okay with that.

Someone said to me in my hardest season when I needed to even just stay afloat, “Keep yourself in the way of beauty.” And I think creativity can be just that.

Xx, MG

With a newborn, winter has actually been quite lovely— Pajamas all day, new skin care, no make-up, and reading with an endless cup of hot tea. Here are a few of my favorite finds and wishlist items.

1. Smocked Dress

   I ordered this dress for Ellen because I just couldn’t resist. Meanwhile, let me throw on my five-year-old Lulu leggings.

2. Cocktail Napkins

   I want to grow my linen collection to make hosting friends or just enjoying home more special. Bobbins Design has my favorites and I love scrolling her Instagram for color and font inspiration. She just launched a new website— (I really wish I had appreciated these things when I was getting married at 24. And silver. What was I thinking with my “all-white minimalist” registry?! My sweet grandmother tried. Listen to your grandmother.)

3. Blue Beauty Drink

   One of my best friends has raved about this— so it’s in the mail on its way to me! “Nourishes all the way down to the cellular level to promote a true beauty glow from within.”

4. Ina Garten’s Be Ready When the Luck Happens

   Ina has kept me company. Her story has warmed these dreary winter days and I am savoring each page not wanting this book to end! She is my friend! I literally couldn’t love her more.

5. Hill House Home Pajamas

   I have eyed this pair of pajamas for a very long time. Finally treated myself and I wear them almost every night. They are so comfortable. The ruffle sleeve detail is so dainty and feminine and sweet. I also want matching for Ellen!

6. Powder Blue Ember Mug

   I don’t think I have ever loved a mug— or maybe any material possession— more. I have been an Ember girl for a few years now. I just ordered this blue version and I think it is absolutely perfect.

7. Cozy Slippers

   I have tried several styles of slippers and none have been my favorite. Could this pair be the one?!

8. If Only If Nightgown

   Ellen got this for Christmas and it’s a dream. Nightgowns make everything (even three-year-old attitude) sweeter. I want a collection of If Only If nightgowns for her and for myself!

9. Minnow Cardigan

   I know everyone knows and loves Minnow and it’s nothing new, but the lines of this cardigan and the shade of blue are *perfect*. It feels year-round classic and cozy. I want to order for Ellen and then save for her baby brother, William, because Minnow pieces are such good quality.

10. Primally Pure Clarifying Mask

    Okay, my skin has been dying for this and I didn’t know. I ordered several Primally Pure products for an “easy regimen” and it took a few weeks, but now I am seeing great results. The winter cold and heat in my house (and probably lack of sleep with a newborn) have not been a friend to my already sensitive and dry skin. These products have made me feel dewy and fresh again.

11. Lake’s Cozy Robe

    Again, everyone knows and loves Lake. Nothing new. But this robe is a true classic. It’s well-made and heavy without being “hot” and the shade of blue is just right. I wear this daily.

12. John Mark Comer’s Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

    This book is completely changing my life in so many ways— an invitation to unhurried countercultural living. “For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.”

13. Blue Floral Blanket

    I love the sweet floral— it feels more sophisticated than most I have seen. And everyone seems to rave about the softness. *Add to cart*

To me, Spring begins March 1st. With February being the last month I count as winter, I plan to soak in the slow and cozy. Take epsom salt spa baths. Wear my sweaters, drink my tea, and “un-hurry.”

Xx, MG

My maternal grandmother, Ellen McGlynn, has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. She’s hilarious, fun, and brilliant—gentle, kind, and lovely. My constant intercessor and spiritual mentor. When we were young, my sister and I would spend the night at her house often. Our favorite thing. She would run a big bubble bath and make a delicious dinner and let us wear her pajamas and sleep in fine sheets. She’s always fresh and clean, and always smiling. If you see her driving in town, she’s behind the wheel just smiling to the world. I remember one time in the grocery store when a lady behind us complimented Yeye’s (as we call her) purse. Yeye quietly asked the cashier for an extra grocery bag, emptied the contents of her purse into the bag, and handed the lady behind us the purse with that sweet smile on our way out of the store. I named my daughter Ellen McGlynn.

Her mother, my great-grandmother, was Elizabeth Murray McGlynn “Betty.” Maiden name Allison. We called her “Bee.” My mom is Elizabeth Allison. And now my daughter is Ellen McGlynn. We are a family of deeply bonded (and deeply feeling) women.

My great-grandmother, Bee, often said, “Remain a mystery,” and the McGlynn girls hold this close. I think she meant it in the context of men and dating, but I’ve come to apply it to all aspects of life. I’m a private person, mostly— I like keeping my closest feelings for my closest people and my inner circle small and secure. Yet, I’ve recently discovered Substack (late to the party) and it feels both nostalgic and new, pulling me away from “remaining a mystery” just a little. I like this outlet for sharing my thoughts— some may be shallow, some not at all. Maybe some outfits or skincare or maybe my process with grief and joy. Definitely too many run-on sentences.

My parents lived in town for years, and I loved those early morning walks with my mom. Window shopping, soaking it all in. The weather, the sounds of the world waking up. This space feels a bit like that—quiet enough to truly feel it all.

Xx, MG

*Image is Pierre Frey fabric that reminds me of my grandmother. Timelessly beautiful and classic— Feels like home.