I am honored and thrilled to announce that I have been named Atlanta’s real-life Ken Doll! On Friday, February 18, I will be the special guest at Wreak HAVoC’s Fake February Barbie and Ken Valentine’s Day held at Opera Atlanta.

So whether you have that special someone or you bring a group of friends, join me this Friday and have the perfect Valentine’s Day celebration. Dress as your favorite theme Barbie and Ken – preppy, athletic, hipster, jersey shore…be creative!

Click here to RSVP! Hope to see you there.

Be M Famous

CMC

Thank you all for supporting the mascara promotion!  As many of you know, I created Christopher Macken Cosmetics, a brand of high-end, high quality cosmetics.  This weekend we “tested the waters” with a Twitter teaser, asking for new and existing followers to re-tweet and follow in order to be eligible to win.  The response was wonderful!  I am truly grateful!

After the random drawing, the winners were chosen. Click HERE and HERE to see if you were the lucky winner! If you were the lucky winner, email me and include your mailing address.   Congrats!  If you weren’t the lucky winner this time, remember, I am going to be giving away something new every week – from wine to sub sandwiches. If you would like to be entered to win products from some of my favorite places, subscribe to the weekly M Famous Monday’s newsletter by clicking here. Thank you again and good luck next week!

Mr M Famous

As I was sitting on my balcony this morning having a cup of coffee, I looked down and noticed a young couple holding hands and walking out of my building.  I don’t know what struck me about seeing this, but I started to think, “Hand holding” is such a very strong, public statement.  As they walked away, they passed a car where an older gentleman was holding the hand of what looked to be his wife as she feebly stepped onto the curb of the sidewalk and gained her footing.  I couldn’t help but think about all the different times I have held hands with someone and the many different reasons for doing so…

…My mother holding my hand and walking me into school on the first day.  Somehow her grasp comforted me, letting me know that everything was going to be alright.   Or perhaps the many Thanksgiving dinners with the whole family gathered in the kitchen before fixing our plates.  My Grandmother orchestrating the event by asking us all to join hands in prayer as my Grandfather blessed the meal that she had spent most of the night before preparing.  I always held my oldest cousins hand. We would squeeze each other’s hands to see if we could make the other say something during the prayer – in turn getting a stern look from Grandmother.  In spite of the antics surrounding that moment, there was a feeling of togetherness that kept us so close with each other.  …That same cousin later in life marrying her husband as they took each other’s hands and left the church where they were married by my same Grandfather that has led us in prayer all of our lives.  Running through the shower of birdseed they were joined by their hands and their hearts.

I can very distinctly remember my grandmother holding the hand of her mother as she passed away.  The whole room was silent as they shared that moment for the last time.

Of course there is the moment when I nervously reached over to grab the hand of my date at the movies or the times as a child when you join hands with your friends in a game of Red Rover.

Next time you are out and about, look around.  Take a sec and think about the people around you that are holding hands.  A young couple holding hands for a short time, or an elderly couple that may have been holding hands for years.  A mother holding her child’s hand as she reminds him to look both ways before crossing the street.  This very simple gesture that we often overlook and don’t give a second thought, comes from such a terrific place, a loving place!  I cannot think of a time that a simple touch of two hands would be for any other reason other than love.  Whether for comfort, support, understanding, love, safety or to help keep someone from falling; it really is a beautiful thing.  That’s just my random thought and observation for the day…My advice to you all today… go hold someone’s hand!  I promise it will lead to a great day!

Just a thought…

Mr M Famous

As I sit here in my condo overlooking the frozen tundra that once was Atlanta, Georgia, I am trying to think of something to do other than listen to another Cher Remix on Itunes. So I figure that now would be as good a time as any to release the newest fun and exiting interactive blog that we are starting at the “House of M Famous.” Drum role please….After much thought and a few giggles over this idea, I am happy to announce that we will be posting stories that have been submitted to me about couples and their relationships.  I know what you are all thinking – not another mushy blog post about perfect couples and how they are so happy to be together.  Well, sit tight, this is where the twist comes in….This segment will be chock full of stories submitted by couples and friends of couples, detailing the good, the bad and the unfaithful.  Now of course all names will be changed to protect the innocent but the plot will remain just as it was reported to me.  I have lovingly chosen to title this segment – are you ready for it – “Hitch or Ditch!”  Read the stories and vote – comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message – on whether the couple should get “Hitched” or “Ditched.” Now, of course, I will provide a witty commentary on the story and will give my final observation. Hitch or Ditch will debut on Thursdays, and I will give all of you until Saturday night at midnight to vote!  Sunday, I will tally the votes and give my final rundown of what the public thinks about the fate of these couples.  Fun times always lie ahead at the Christopher Macken web site.  So tune in on Thursdays to see which couple needs a little unbiased advice. Friends, family and coworkers sit down and submit the “on Goings” of your friends’ relationships and let the public be the judge and jury…it’s time to play…Hitch or Ditch…First story comes out tomorrow!!!!  Let the games begin!

To submit your story please email me at askmfamous@christophermacken.com.

Have an M Famous day and be safe!

Mr M Famous

Happy New Year, everyone! You were on the edge of your seat waiting for Part 2, weren’t you! Sorry for the delay…..I think I really enjoyed New Year’s Eve Happy 2011!

So where was I….oh yeah, Graceland!!

The next day we woke and dressed and headed out the door.  In route to see the home of a legend, a former dwelling place of not just a person, but rather a persona!  As we made our way to Graceland, we passed by SUN RECORDS, and though I didn’t see the ghost of Elvis on Union Avenue, I couldn’t help but feel humbled to be there.  Out of that tiny little recording studio an ICON was created….where rock and roll was born  We made our way through the neighborhoods to get to the “mansion.” The area sure didn’t look like I thought it would.  The homes actually looked quite run down and poor.

We were met in the parking lot by a rep for Graceland, and we climbed in his Range Rover.  He drove us in through the back gate and by the grounds’ keeper’s residences.  I knew that we were definitely in a different area of the “compound” than many people get to go.  As the car stopped and we got out, I realized that we were parked right next to the very place that Elvis would have once parked.  We entered the Mansion, decorated for the holidays just as HE would have wanted – lavish and flashy and VERY ELVIS PRESLEY.  We saw everything but the upstairs and even the very kind person that was giving us the VIP tour couldn’t make that happen.  Very few people ever saw the King of Rock’s private living quarters.  He wanted it that way.  The employees make it a point to keep everything just the way he left it.  It was unbelievable.  You could actually feel the spirit of this legend.  Perhaps when you achieve so much greatness and you pass away that greatness is left here.  We saw everything – the house, the cars, the grave and even his iconic plane – the Lisa Marie.

We completed our tour and were given two cd’s of Elvis’s latest albums and the music from the upcoming Elvis Cirque Du Soleil show, thanked the Graceland Rep and left the compound. After all that touring, we were starving!  For those of you who know me, you know that I am always hungry and sushi is always a fave.  But in Memphis?   I was told about this place called D? Sushi Lounge.  Now, I have had sushi from all over and this place had, hands down, the BEST sushi that I have ever had.  The sushi chef made us a special plate so we could try almost everything.  I was floored.  Here I am in Tennessee and eating sushi that was better than any place I have been to from LA to NYC to Miami. The staff took very good care of us, and I would like to thank them for their hospitality.  This is definitely a spot you HAVE to try.  It’s worth the plane ticket I assure you!

We closed out the night at my new favorite bar – The Molly Fontaine Lounge – an old antebellum home that has been turned into a bar and lounge decorated to the “T” and named after the ghost of the girl that is said to still haunt this place.  Everyone was charmingly chic as they sipped their drinks and puffed their cigarettes.  Sitting in oversized chairs and socializing.

On my last day, I visited the Lorraine Motel where MLK was shot and the woman who has been protesting outside of it for 22 years.  To see the very spot that he was killed and the window where the gunman sat to shoot him gave me chills.  A civil rights leader that began a fight for equality that we are still trying to achieve, inching closer and closer with every year.

I could go on for days about my trip and trust me that there is far too much to tell you in a 2-part blog.  This city is different in a very charming way – a city off the delta that has been the home to so many “beginnings” and determined to never have an end! A city with a Southern culture that is definitely unique to only Memphis.  A city where the old and the new seem to coexist with an understanding that progress will never overshadow past.  I left Memphis just as it was beginning to snow.  I said my goodbyes to my friend and boarded my plane for Atlanta.  By the end of my trip I think I was starting to slow down to meet the pace of Memphis, but no sooner did I touch down in Atlanta, I was back up to speed, rushing through the airport and making phone calls.  I will be back soon Memphis… Have a plate and a cocktail waiting for me!

M Famous in Memphis!

Christopher Macken

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Imagine for a moment what it would be like if you could take a step back in time.  If there was some way that you could walk down a street that seems to have been frozen in time…YOU CAN and I DID!  Memphis, TN was just that.  Beale Street was an amazingly nostalgic experience.  One filled with JAZZ and food, drinks and fun.  Of course, the reason for my trip to Memphis wasn’t just to see the city….

Upon arriving at the International Airport in Memphis on a chilly evening I couldn’t help but notice that there was a since of calm in the air.  Nobody was in a rush – except me, of course. As I went down the escalators, I saw my friend there to greet me.  This was to be my first trip to Memphis, and I had an insiders VIP look at it.

First Stop… Beale Street!

After parking, we boarded the Cable Trolley that took us ten feet off of Beale.

One dollar a trip – half the price of Marta and a quarter the speed.  We creaked all the way down the old streets – the new city and the old seemingly in a battle for dominance.  The construction sites of new trendy lofts give the old mills and factories new purpose and promise.  The facades of the buildings still in keeping with the history of the city and horse and carriage rides adorn the edge of the street much like taxis do here in Atlanta.

The lights of the bars, pubs and restaurants were almost pretty, all shining in a way as if to outdo the other for attention.  Of course, the one that caught my eye was the legendary BB KINGS.  We walked in and were greeted like we were old friends.  At the table we didn’t need a menu. I wanted BBQ!  My first meal in Memphis was going to be what the city is famous for (well that and Elvis).

We ate and drank and walked in and out of countless other bars all with live music and jazz singers (singer) and goats! Oh yes you read that right, goats. The bar, Silky O’Sullivan’s, is named after this over the top owner who is commonly seen on Beale Street wearing a crown and robe fit for a Drag Queen.  His flashy personality seems to fit the man that many lovingly call “the King Of Beale Street.”  Half way through my Absolute and Tonic he walked in – cigar in hand.  The women – old and young alike – swarmed hoping to get a hug.  I was in the presence of royalty! My friend and I walked out into the courtyard to check out the large pin of GOATS!  Now look people, I have been into many bars in many cities and never have I ever seen a goat. I have seen a couple of people that may look kind of like one, but never a real goat. As my jaw dropped, my friend simply looked at me and said, “welcome to Memphis!”

Sullivan’s concluded our evening, and we made our way back to the trolley and alas, the car.  Driving home we passed by the Flagship Peabody Hotel.  The first of three hotels that are famous for the ducks that live in the fountains and have a rooftop home that is more like a penthouse than a roost for fowl.  This trip was turning out to be great, and it was only the first night.  We went home and got some rest.  The next day was going to a busy one, and I have to say I was very excited…Graceland here we come!

Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of Walking In Memphis

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I would like for everyone to take a moment and take a very nostalgic walk with me – one that has had many ups and downs, twists and turns and experiences that are unparalleled.

Picture a 6^th grade boy – introverted and awkward, wanting so badly for the more popular children to like him.  Shy among his peers and creative, this child was kind and caring and always felt like the teachers liked him more than his classmates.  Over the years, he was tormented and bullied, because he was different.  Not exactly knowing how he was different, he knew he wasn’t like everyone else.  Secretly he held inside that he was gay.  So afraid people would find out and the teasing and taunting of “fag” and “queer” would get worse, he just knew it. Severe depression consumed him, and that combined with years of bullying from his fellow students, lead him to a suicide attempt his senior year in high school.  He wasn’t able to graduate and even if he did, he had no vision of where he fit into the world in the future.  In his head, if college was anything like the Hell that was high school, he had no desire to go.

Now, flash forward to that same boy, only exactly ten years later…sitting at a long table at the front of a room of teachers, community, civic, political and religious leaders.  His suit a far cry from the jeans and polo of high school, sitting with him at the table are experts in everything from Criminal Justice to adolescent development.  As the room of 100 plus people ask the panel on which he sits how to put an end to the epidemic of bullying that has been progressively been getting worse with the advent of CYBER BULLYING.

A week ago I was asked by The Georgia Afterschool Investment Council (GAIC), the Georgia Municipal Association and America’s Promise Alliance to sit on a panel as a part of an anti bullying Summit entitled, “An Afterschool Grad Nation Summit: Creating Bully Free Environments for Student Success” in Milledgeville Georgia to address the problem of bullying and keeping children in schools.  I have not lived in this community in sometime, however I was more than eager to come back to the town that I will always call home and help.  As I sat there I have to admit, I was so humbled and honored.  Just ten years ago I never could have envisioned this day.  A day where my peers and fellow citizens were not only embracing of me as an equal, but where also visibly disturbed as I told of specific beatings and cases of bullying that I endured as a child. I got chills just sitting there as I spoke with my hometown’s Mayor (he and his wife have always been very supportive of diversity) on how I may be able to assist in this initiative.

That very moment I will admit made me the most proud…of myself, my town and my fellow Georgians.  We stood together… black, white, man, woman, straight and gay.  We stood united to fix a problem.  We looked past our differences and gazed onward.  I am so proud to have been able to be there to see that.

I have done many things in these past ten years – developed my own cosmetic line and started no less than three other companies.  I have met celebrities and traveled.  I have been on TV and have so many more things to come I am sure.  I live in a beautiful city, in a beautiful building.

Being asked by the local news to make a statement (view the video here and read the article here) on what we were doing and hoping to accomplish, being surrounded by such amazing men and women who have achieved so much in their careers and feeling like I was a part of something so much bigger than me – truly extraordinary.  Something that could actually help many children to live a happy life and to ensure that suicide is not an option for any child.  We discussed how the town as a whole can show that we embrace diversity and each other.

If this isn’t a testament to how terrifically things are changing, I don’t know what is.  I don’t know if I will be asked to be a part of anything like that in the future, but I tell you this – that day will go down in my scrapbook as a monumental day for me.  I never felt like a cool kid in high school, but I have never been more happy to have been different than I was as I looked in the audience and saw my Mother’s face, fighting back the tears.  I have seen her do that before…at my bedside in the hospital ten years ago, but this time it was different…this time it was as if to tell me…”look how far we have come.

I love you Mom and cannot even begin to tell you how thankful I am for you.

Be M Famous,

Christopher Macken

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Hello all.  Thank you all for your emails and inquiries requesting a new blog post.  I have been so very busy – no excuse, I know.  Those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter may already know about the “goings-on” but for everyone else lemme just tell ya…

First of all, I am now the Creative Director of a beautiful salon here in Midtown Atlanta.  The feeling is so great to be able to go into a salon everyday and know that I am actively achieving my dreams and goals (still with many more to go).  Let this be proof positive that if you dream it, you can achieve it!  I have to say that the responsibility is great and the task can be stressful. However, it is worth it at the end of the day to know that I work with such terrific people and work for owners who share a great vision of the true meaning of a high-end salon.  To those people I say – thank you for everything!

In other news, all of you know just how much I LOVE having a full social calendar, and girls and boys, it has never been more full! YAY! From Gay Pride Atlanta to Halloween parties, I have been having a blast. Child please!?!?!?! Ok, so let’s talk PRIDE people. I had so much fun with my friend (that has been known as “M”) but will now and forever be known as “Tree House.”  LOL! She knows why.  I was so touched by Delta, Coca-Cola, Orbitz and Smirnoff Vodka for sponsoring the festivities.  These amazing sponsors are proof that the tides are turning in a beautiful, accepting direction.  The care and support of such large and powerful companies gives me hope that the rest of the country will come around as well.  It is so great!  Best way to describe it…LIVE IT LOVE IT LIVE IT!!!!!  Oh, and “Tree House”…May I have a to-go cup please!?

As I am sitting here writing to all of you, I am just getting settled in for the evening and unraveling my layers (love the cold weather). Coco and I are sitting at my desk that is nestled up to a large picture window that just so happens to be directly to the right of the balcony door of my new condo located on the 12th floor of  a gorgeous condo building in Midtown.  As I look up from my computer I see the buildings of Buckhead Atlanta and all of Atlantic Station.  The city lights are truly breathtaking and the sounds of the city never grow old. With this kind of view and Adam Lambert playing on the IPod (thanks Mom), I have to ask how I got so lucky?  Many of you may be thinking that my view of the sky line explains the title of the blog.  No sir!  Actually, it is to describe just how high I set my goals.   I moved here a mere 5 months ago. Just five months ago I was very new in a city about which I knew very little and had even fewer contacts.  But, something in me said that it was time for me to take this step.  I can tell you that the move was not an easy decision, but I truly felt that I needed to make a giant leap, knowing that it was in God’s hands.

Now naysayers always exist….but my inner voice kept telling me to reach for my goals….Hence the title of this blog “View from the Top.”  Though I have achieved so many of my goals, I am still not anywhere close to being at “the top.”  I want to encourage all of you to set your goals as high as your heart will allow.  Aim for that brass ring and reach for it.  Don’t allow anyone to ever tell you that you CAN’T! If I had had listened to those people, I would not be enjoying myself as much as I am now.  This reminds me of my favorite quote…”Life is about the journey and not the destination.”  Though I am far from my final destination, I am thankful for every minute of the climb. Push yourselves and grow from the journey.  Even when no one else seems to believe in you, know that I do.  How are you going about achieving your dreams and goals? What is your story? Email me, and I will blog about it.

*This Blog is dedicated to all of the children who have lost their lives as a result of bullying.  Just 10 years ago I was recovering from a suicide attempt after years of being bullied, because I was gay.  My hope is that no child ever has to resort to something like that ever again.  No goal is out of reach and every life has value.  Love yourselves and each other…not for the reasons that make you the same, but for the reasons that make you different! Loving one another is the only way to live “An M Famous Life,” and it is a major step toward your own “View from the Top!!!!!”

God bless you all!

Be M Famous

Christopher Macken

Before I tell you all about the goings on of this weekend, I am going to have to tell you about this musical called “Pageant” currently showing at the 14th Street Playhouse on the corner of 14th Street and Juniper Avenue in Midtown Atlanta.

Ok, picture it, I am just tweeting away when I receive a tweet from @pageantatlanta asking me if I would be a guest judge.  How exciting, right?  I mean, I have only been in Atlanta for a few months and already I am being asked to judge something.  But, hold the phone…what or who am I judging?!  I started getting concerned when I realized that I just committed to be a judge for something that I knew nothing about, and for all I know, I could be judging the 8th annual “Owner Pet look-a-like Contest” of south Peachtree Road.  Can’t you just see that, me crowning some lady named Trixie and her Chug (chihuahua-pug mix) Mipsy, the 2011 Miss South Peachtree Road!  At any rate, I digress.

So off I went to the Pageant Atlanta web site to check it out.  This musical has received ample praise from the New York Times as well as the London Times and had plenty of praise all over YouTube as well.

Perhaps I have gotten ahead of myself.  You are more than likely thinking, “what does a musical need a judge for anyway?” You see the whole premise of the show is that these 6, ummm,  well…girls (played by men) are competing to be the next Miss Glamouresse, a beauty company much like Mary Kay (can I say that?)  The characters range from the Bible Beating “Miss Bible Belt” to the rough and tumble yet oddly seductive “Miss Texas,” who I actually voted for to win.  Now, this is where the judges come into play.  The winner of this “Pageant” is determined nightly by the guest judges, so every night there is a chance of a different “girl” winning the grand title and crown.  I literally laughed from the time the curtain opened to the time I got to shake the hands of the cast after the show.  A simple blog doesn’t even begin to describe this show.  Let me tell you, this is a perfect date night destination, as you will find yourself laughing for the remainder of the night with your special someone while humming the tune, “I’m banking on Jesus, cause Jesus is my co-signer” (you will  just have to see the show to understand). I encourage everyone to check them out and don’t wait too late to see it either.  Oh and take some cash. They have a cocktail bar – I was in heaven.  The house staff are all so incredibly friendly and set the whole tone for the night as you enter the theater.  I don’t want to continue and give too much away.  All I can say is, “to Dustin Lewis and the rest of the extremely talented cast and crew, thank you for sharing such a great show and experience with me.  I was honored to be asked to judge and thanks to all of you, sore from laughing (I’m not kidding I really laughed that hard).”

For those of you that know me, it comes as no surprise that I like to travel with a crowd.  Last night was, of course, no exception.  After the show we walked over to the W Midtown Hotel where I ran into someone we will call Z, a good friend of mine, just before he and his friends jumped into the limo for the evening.  I was super temped to go, but alas I decided I should head home and take a rain check – not like me I know!

Here’s the thing, Friday evening lasted a bit longer than expected.  Notice that I said evening, because it sounds better than saying early Saturday morning.  I won’t bore you with the details of things, but I will give you a basic rundown of the events…

…cocktails at my apartment…call for the car…cocktails on the roof of JE’s building overlooking the city…call for the car…Burkhart’s…cocktails…drag queen…members only jacket….drag queen…call for the car…Blake’s on the Park…cocktails…”hey how are you”… “no I didn’t hear that”… drag queen… “oh hide, it’s my ex”… shots with JE… call for the car… ride home singing “Don’t Worry be Happy” with the Jamaican driver..  and may or may not have ended with the pool and Waffle House.  I can’t confirm or deny anything! (wink)

So now you understand why last night; a great show, a cocktail at the W Midtown, a late dinner at Cow Tippers in Midtown, and then off to bed was just perfect!

Oh that reminds me, not sure why, but it does,… anyone know when my birthday is…coming up soon…Just guess how old I will be….

The Holiday party season is rapidly approaching; please remember, Living an M Famous life is more than great parties and beautiful people…It is doing so responsibly.  ALWAYS “Call for the Car” or have a designated driver!

MUAH!

Christopher Macken

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It is Wednesday of a shorter week thanks to the Monday holiday.  As you all know, Wednesday means that another burning style question will be answered in order to assist you in living an M Famous life!  Check back each Wednesday for new tips, tricks and even a few giggles.  If you have a question, please feel free to share it with me.  Email your questions to, askmfamous@christophermacken.com.

This week’s question was emailed to me at askmfamous@christophermacken.com.

Jen from Marietta, GA says, “Hi there! So excited to FINALLY get the answer to this question!  I love to read the trash magazines, Us, OK, Life & Style, and I have noticed that the stars like Jen Aniston and Sandra Bullock are wearing brown with black.  They look great, but can I do that, too?  My friends say no, but I wanted to get your thoughts.  Thanks!”

Jen, thanks for the great question!  This is one of the more common questions of the season.  Your friends are only slightly correct.  Throughout many fashion journals and guidebooks, which by the way change from season to season and fad to fad, this has been a combo that has been widely frowned upon.  However, there has been a minor shift in the fashion plates of late.  Though this is still very touchy ground, I am going to say that, yes, sometimes you can.  Let me give you an example. Notice here the lady isn’t

wearing an entire black outfit with the brown jacket – that would kill the look.  She has kept it casual by wearing a dark wash blue jean.  This technique is an important key in combining the two colors,.  With this outfit, the accessories and boots are definitely what make it work.  The brown leather jacket has been given a purpose with the addition of the knee high brown leather boot, which I am going to hope are a “riding boot style” – NO HEAL. The addition of the brown leather bag suggests a consciousness of all of these fashion choices.  Let’s face it people, some women (and men) can walk into a room wearing their 1983 Levi jeans tight-rolled and converse shoes and pull off the dated look all because of their personality.  If you are going to wear brown and black together, my advice is to “Own the Choice” to rock it by accessorizing with the most important addition to any outfit, the confidence that you like the way you look.

P.S.- this will however be a passing acceptable fad so please do not grow comfortable combining the two “swatch crossed lovers” of Brown and Black…

Be M Famous,

Christopher Macken

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