Today, we bring you a conversation with beauty blogger Mariel Rittenhouse Goodson. Mariel recently joined the Living team as a blogger for our new beauty blog How Lovely, where she shares her daily beauty finds and advice. Read on to find out more about Mariel and blogging routine...

What drew you to blogging?

After working as a beauty writer for five years, I’ve amassed bazillions of tips, but not all of them make it to print. My job allows me access to some of the world’s leading experts and I wanted a place to share everything I’ve learned along the way. I pick up something new almost daily!

How do you scout out the best stuff for your blog?

I’m a nerd at heart so I spend hours scanning the latest dermatology and medical journals for studies, as well as industry sources like WWD and Cosmetics and Toiletries for product info. I also attend as many events as my deadlines allow so I’m lucky enough to get sneak peeks of the latest launches. And of course all my publicist friends help me stay abreast of breaking beauty news!

What designer or artisan are you currently obsessed with?

I’m a huge fan of Lisa Hoffman Beauty fragrances. She infuses essential oils with gorgeous notes like neroli and Japanese agarwood. Each kit comes with four renditions of the same perfume: one for morning, daytime, evening and bedtime so you can scent yourself depending on whether you want to feel uplifted or more low-key. It’s genius.

What products are you currently coveting?

I am dying to try the Tria! It’s an at-home laser hair removal device that’s FDA-approved and backed by many of the dermatologists I trust. I’ll do anything to avoid hot wax. I’m also really looking forward to my LashDip appointment–it’s a temporary lash-enhancer that gives you fuller fringe for about two weeks. There’s nothing more appealing than long, feathery lashes.

Tell us about your daily bookmark routine. What’s your favorite website?

I’m a New Yorker so I always check the Post and Gawker.com to see what’s happening in my world. When it comes to online beauty columns, I love the New York Times’ Samurai Shopper, New York Magazine’s The Cut, and TheBeautyBrains.com, which enlists scientists to answer questions. I told you I was a nerd…

When you’re not blogging, what are you most likely doing?

Horseback riding or cooking! In my spare time, I train green horses (a.k.a. young horses), which means that when I’m not primped and polished, I’m covered in manure. I also co-host a food blog–FeastontheCheap.net–with my mom and we’re documenting our joint culinary efforts online. So either way, I’m getting my hands dirty–I guess you could say I like to really put those beauty products to the test!

Tell us about your workspace.

I am dreaming of the day I have a proper office, but for now, my desk is setup next to my bed in a one-bedroom apartment I share with my husband (and two large dogs). It’s very cozy, to say the least. While I’d love to have a big colorful inspiration board, right now, the best I can do is a file cabinet… albeit a VERY organized file cabinet. I keep everything fairly neat and tidy since there isn’t too much room to work with.

How hard is it to separate your real life from your blog?

I do my best to keep things pretty separate. When I’m horseback riding, that’s where my mind is (otherwise I’m on the ground). When I’m cooking, my brain stays on-task (so I don’t get burned). But I do find that when I’m out shopping or dining with friends, I’m always looking for new ideas, new products, and new tips. Every time I see my colorist, dermatologist, or hairstylist I always bring a notebook. Your next great idea could be right around the corner.

If you weren’t blogging, what do you think your outlet would be?

Although I get a chance to broadcast the latest and greatest in print, if I weren’t blogging and writing, I’d probably be bombarding my friends and family with YouTube videos and homemade podcasts.

Best advice for other bloggers?

Spell-check is your friend! While blogs are more casual than print media, grammatical errors can be so distracting and detract from the impact of the info you’re sharing. It’s important to spend as much time editing a post as you do writing it. You want to position yourself as an expert. Secondly, never leave home without pen and paper–the lady sitting next to you on the subway could clue you into some amazing beauty secret. You never know!