Hello everyone and Happy Holidays!  For some time now I have been telling you that I have had a BIG announcement to make.  As I am sure you will all understand I had to wait for the perfect time to make this announcement and that time is HERE!

I am very pleased and honored to announce that I, along with all of M Famous Enterprises and Christopher Macken Concepts, are now joining forces with one of Atlanta’s TOP destinations for all things beauty.  As of today it is official that I am the Consulting Creative Director of…   …The Salon at BLUE; The salon division of BLUE MEDSPA in Atlanta.  This premier location boasts a state of the art, three story facility right in the heart of fabulous Midtown Atlanta.

As I am sure you all know by now, I don’t ever associate my name with anything less than perfection and BLUE MEDSPA is just that.  Offering everything from Facials and massage to Botox and cosmetic surgery… and now “Red BLUE Carpet Hair”, they are your final one stop shop to “flawless”.  A reputation for excellence and proudly serving many of the Atlanta Elite, BLUE MEDSPA was obviously the perfect place for Christopher Macken!  The actual spa is breath taking and allows you to get away without having to leave town as well as the price point will not break the bank.  BLUE MEDSPA and I believe that everyone should have the right to feel beautiful and are happy to be expanding the BLUE team of professionals.  I am currently seeking a few talented full-time and part-time stylists to join our team!  If you are interested, please feel free to contact me at cmacken@christophermacken.com .

Please take a moment and check out the web site www.bluemedspa.com

I can assure you that we are eager and happy to service all of your beauty needs!

Thank you again for being an “M Famous Member” and all of your love, encouragement, and support!  Without all of you, none of my dreams would be coming true!  Stay M Famous everyone!

Christopher Macken

As I sit here at my desk and think about all I have to get done today…all the phone calls that need to be made and the presentations that need to be perfected, I am reminded of what I was doing one year ago.  One year ago I was waking up on my friend’s sofa in his apartment in Buckhead.  I can still remember staring out of his window and thinking to myself, “What does this city have in store for me?”  One year ago today I woke up as an Atlanta resident for the first time, looking for an apartment and a job and friends and the list goes on.  I was on my quest to reinvent my life… again.  After all, I had made it in metropolitan Florida, so surely I could do it here in Atlanta.  Though I had no clue where I would start, I knew in my gut this was right where I needed to be.

Of course people told me that I was crazy to walk away from everything I had going on at the time in order to plant my flag in a new city, but I felt this is where I was being told to go.  Here I am one year later, sitting at my desk and staring at this beautiful city with my balcony door open hearing the sounds of the city as it wakes up. It makes me feel like a part of something so much bigger than me.  And I know that I will hit that very city hard in a couple of hours continuing to ensure that my flag is firmly planted. Almost one year ago, I told my best friend and PR Manager “E” to make a list of things I wanted to accomplish in my first year: 1.TV 2. Print 3. Radio.

Well, I write for DIY Weddings Magazine as a style columnist, I have been back on the air for various radio stations and a couple of weeks ago, I filmed my small role in a show called Necessary Roughness on USA Network ( a TON of fun). In February I was even named the “Living Ken Doll of Atlanta,” and I feel like my life is coming together beautifully….My dreams are coming true…. And this is JUST THE BEGINNING!  My company is doing well, and my jewelry line is already getting some attention even though it is not “officially” on the market. One piece is on TV and another was worn by singer Tony Terry at an event with Hinton Battle.  I thank the Universe every day for my blessings and even for the hard work it took to get here.  I am far from done ATLANTA, so show me what you got! I have big projects in the works and am about to bust to tell you what they are!  The M Famous name will grow by leaps and bounds in the coming year.  If this is what I accomplished in one year, just wait to see what can I do in the next few.

I say all of this to say that there is no such thing as DREAMING TOO BIG!  Go ahead, reach for the stars.  As I sit here and reflect on the past year, I am so happy that I kept my head in the clouds.  Daydreaming has always served me well.

To all of my friends, family and followers, thank you so much.  I love you all and thank you for the support.  I could not have made it this far in just one year without you.

Love to you all,

Christopher Macken AKA Mr. M Famous

Please - Tweet Me, Facebook Me or comment below

Let me start by saying that I LOVE feedback from readers, tweeps and facebook followers. Hitch or Ditch has been so fun, and I thank each and every one of you for reading and participating.  I want to continue to give you a voice, so if you have a salon that “rocked your mop,” and you want to recommend them, OR a salon that turned your “Hair Do into a Hair Don’t” and want to warn people….let me know!  I want to review and investigate them.  Send your story to askmfamous@christophermacken.com. Comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message. Tell me your name or remain anonymous! We have all been there and this is your chance to speak up!  So without further a due I would like to present….

The Head Case Report!  First Case File….Helmet Salon

Ladies and gentlemen, I must warn you that the time has come where pigs may be flying.  Hell may be a bit frigid, and Gary Busey is now sane!  All of these things happened at the same time around 1PM on Monday. Why you ask – I went to a salon and allowed someone to “trim” my hair!  Those of you who know me, know that I am very particular about my “mane,” and since I am a trained hair artist as well, I rarely trust anyone with my locks.  On top of that, I am in the middle of the process of growing my hair out AGAIN, so, of course, the anxiety was even higher.

Ok enough with the back ground story.   Monday, I went to take my daughter (standard poodle named Coco Chanel) to her grooming appointment at The Pet Set in Midtown. By the way, the Groomer there does a fabulous job, and the staff seems to be friendly and caring.  After dropping her off, I walked out the door and remembered that my hair also needed a small maintenance trim (kind of hard to do yourself) and there is a salon right next door.  Helmet Salon, located at 970 Piedmont Avenue, is a salon that I obviously have known about for quite some time, and I have heard both good and bad things (more good than bad).  So I took a deep breath and walked into the trendy midtown salon.  First of all, there was a guy there that recognized me and immediately struck up conversation as he was checking out.   His hair looked nice.  Clearly, I was looking for any reason at all to back out of the hair trim!  I started screaming on the inside… What if the cut too much?  What if they ruin my hair?  I know I sound a bit obsessive.  That song by India Arie, “I am Not My Hair,” is NOT my theme song.  Anyway, I digress…

…Back to the guy paying for his hair cut. The man’s hair was perfectly cut.  Now let’s just hope they can cut longer hair just as well.  When the receptionist, Lauren, finished up with the gentleman, she turned her focus to me.  “How can we help you?”  Ok, so she is cute and pleasant.  After I proceeded to explain to her what I wanted, I asked her to PLEASE be honest with me. I asked that she recommend someone who is not scissor-happy and would do a good job, and I told her that even if that certain person wasn’t there, I could and would come back another time.   She explained that I would be very pleased with the stylist Sonae.  I’ll be the judge of that I thought…

Finally after an hour of nervously window shopping, the time came for me to face the person that I was supposed to trust with my hair – my entire identity.  ME trust someone else with MY look?!?!  What was I thinking?   I thought for a second that I should cancel and leave.  I was directed to the waiting area where I made a cup of coffee from the complimentary beverage stand and was joined by Lauren as she struck up very friendly conversation with me.  I think she knew I was pretty nervous.  I must say that her level of customer service was great.  After a few moments Sonae rounded the corner and introduced herself, escorted me back to her station and sat me down in the chair.  This felt very strange….Being the one IN the chair.  Oh goodness!  She went through the consultation with me and told me she had already been “briefed” on what I wanted but wanted me to tell her in my own words.  Then she said the magic words that helped to put my mind at ease…“Is it ok if I cut your hair dry?”  AhhHA!  She sounds like she knows what she is doing.  Then she picked up her shears and her comb….my heart is racing and she made her first cut and then her second and before I knew it….. she actually gave me a SMALL trim.  She didn’t LOB it off.   She carefully went through the whole cut, explaining the whole time what she was doing.  Now of course when she finished, I asked if I could style it myself.   Baby steps Sonae…Baby steps. My hair cut was perfect!  She did EXACTLY what I asked her to do and nothing more.  I’m telling you, if you want me to recommend a good stylist, I would suggest you call 404-815-1629 and ask for an appointment with Sonae.  Her cuts are GREAT!  Thank you girl… I will be back when I need another maintenance trim.

This has been a “HEADCASE” report from the HOUSE OF M FAMOUS! Sonae at Helmet in Midtown is “M Famous Approved” for Cuts! (I would like to watch her color technique as well if I can get an invite hint, hint) I want to know if you have ever been. What did you think? Who did you see? Chime in on Helmet Salon or send me your idea for my next report. Comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message.

Be M Famous!

Christopher Macken

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

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

After much preparation and excitement, I am so thrilled to FINALLY announce that I have partnered with DIY Weddings Magazine to write a quarterly style column featuring ASK M FAMOUS!

DIY Weddings Magazine is an online wedding publication that is full of budget saving tips and tricks. With more content and less advertising, this publication is perfect for any bride!

I will be featured in each of the 4 issues this year as Ask M Famous. From rehearsal dinners and engagement parties to wedding day fashion and matters of the heart, I, Mr. M Famous will answer those tough questions and provide a witty and refreshing look at planning your perfect day. So put down the wedding planner and set that stack of books aside, Mr. M Famous is here to help!

Keep an eye out for my first column in the Spring issue available in March!

Be M Famous!

CMC

P.S.- Don’t forget to email your questions to askmfamous@christophermacken.com.

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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Ok so we all know the old saying, “Do not put off for tomorrow what could be done today.”   Well normally I would agree with that, but in this case, things are simply falling right into place for me by waiting until the last minute.  All week I have been sitting down at this computer and staring, quite blankly I might add, at a screen that had a couple of sentences on it and I might add, not very good ones at that.  So, I tried all the usual tricks to get the creative juices flowing: candles (I’ve gone through three pillar candles), music (every genre you can think of), having a glass of wine… or three (that usually does the trick). But, nothing!  The only thing that my attempts got me was glazed over and singing along with Bobby Brown to “My Prerogative” and dancing around the house with the dog while using my wine glass as a microphone (the reverb on a good red wine glass gives you very nice pitch and tone) … “can’t tell me how to live, it’s my prerogative….  do what I want to do….”

What was the big problem?  I just write about my life and what is going on right…  It’s not like I am penning the 8th Harry Potter book (oh but wouldn’t it be great if they came out with one), but this week has provided plenty of reasons to be distracted. This week has literally been one social engagement after another.  Wednesday evening at Steel Restaurant and Lounge was fabulous, as usual, because I got to go out and celebrate the successful launch of the “Ask M Famous” style column.  Most of you are aware that Steel is my standing Wednesday night spot – free sushi and $5 Kettle One Drinks.  It is really a blast.  I have met so many cool people and will, of course, be there this upcoming Wednesday at 5 p.m. with some close friends who will be in the area.  Come hang out with us!

So, Thursday it was my turn to play hostess with the mostest. I had a small gathering of people over for dinner and cooked a fabulous meal.  You should know, I am trying to learn to cook (thus far in my life, the only thing that I could make without fail has been reservations.)  I am enjoying having people over and showing them a great time with great food and, of course, a fabulous bottle of wine.  If any of you have recipes that I can try, please send them too me at askmfamous@christophermacken.com or copy and paste them to the comment section of the blog.  That way you can share them with everyone as well.  At any rate, my guest of honor on Thursday night was one of the team members for a certain potential Georgia Governor candidate who just happens to be a Republican.  It was a great opportunity to actually speak with someone regarding the issues and not a television commercial.  Now if you know me, you know that I am not going to get very political or try to sway you in one direction or the other; the point of me saying this is to encourage you to actually research the candidates and decide what platform suits you best! Continue Reading »

Hey Ya’ll (attempting my best Gomer Pile impersonation).  I feel like it has been forever since I posted a blog.  I know I know….  I promised an update for everyone two months ago, shortly after I moved to Atlanta and well… I didn’t follow through.  I could say that I was super crazy busy, or that I have some important reason why it slipped my mind like ADHD, ADD or LMNOP, (don’t think too much about that last one) but the truth is that I had just left a Salon that was very dear to my heart and couldn’t bring myself to write.  The truth is that I sort of walled myself up.

Well, I am not walled up anymore.   I feel like the time I spent back in small town USA after the fast paced life I led in Miami and Orlando was time well spent (all but the last month, nudge nudge wink wink).  We will call that last month, uhum “split ends of the worst kind!!!” Glad that is over.  I did make some amazing friends that I will continue to treasure in Atlanta.

Alas I was able to regroup and grow my company to the place that it is right now.  I have a terrific new publicist, and she is leading the company through a growing period that it has never gone through before.  I am so excited to be back on top of my creative game.  I have a huge new area of the company that will be announced soon.  (That same publicist says I can’t say anything yet, or she will kick me with her classic black leather 4 inch Manolo Blahnik if I didn’t listen…  hey, who owns this company anyway?)

I guess one of the best developments recently has been the social life…  And I have been social.  Most of you that have followed me for a while, know how full I keep my social calendar.  With that being said, Atlanta is by far the most social city I have ever lived in.  This city thinks a great deal of a stiff drink with well-dressed, beautiful people.  One of my new favorite hang-outs is Steel Restaurant and Lounge located at the bottom of the Plaza Midtown Towers.  The drinks are great, and the sushi is to die for!  It has become my standing Wednesday evening appointment.  The staff is funny and kind and the ultra trendy people there are more that eager to chat.  LOVE IT LIVE IT LOVE IT.  Not only does my publicist like how social I am; she encourages it.  She is already penciling in invites for me to charity events and art exhibits.  Atlanta truly does have so much to offer in the way of culture and adventure. It’s not even September, and I am already thinking Christmas parties and where I will be for New Years.  crazy huh…  CRAZY AND FABULOUS!!!

Oh how could I forget…  Miss Coco Chanel (my beautiful black standard poodle) is adapting very well to being a pompous metropolitan pure breed.  As a matter of fact I have stumbled across the most amazing groomer.  The Pet Set on Piedmont Road in Midtown Atlanta is terrific.  They are a Doggie Day Spa and Hotel.  She loves it.  After taking her to get her hair did, we usually head over to Piedmont Park where she gets all of the attention she wants…  judging from the way she prances, I think she knows how beautiful she looks.  No kidding, to date 5 people have stopped us for pictures of her…  I feel like Mister Cellophane…  Should have been my name…. Continue Reading »