First of all I would like to personally apologize to everyone for being so tardy in the posting of this blog…. I wanted to do some research and be certain that I was telling you the correct information.  I have recently had an overwhelming number of people asking me about skin care and how to prevent and slow the aging process.  Let’s face it people…we are all image conscious…and our faces are the first sign of aging!  I think one of the most surprising things to me has been the recent overflow of MEN concerned with anti-aging.  It seems that men are becoming more and more aware of the need to maintain their youth.

Obviously, there are plenty of topical and even surgical ways to get that quick fix, but for those who may be on a budget or not willing/in need of such drastic measures yet, I know some proven ways of fighting off Father Time for as long as possible. First, I would suggest you start this journey in your very own refrigerators!  Oh yes, you read correctly!  Many of the things we use in our kitchens to prepare our meals can help turn back the hands of time.  I personally do a PURE OLIVE OIL treatment one night a week.  I would advise you to place a towel over your pillow to keep the oil from getting on your linens, but olive oil HAS been known to improve skins elasticity and promote a healthy glow.  You will be able to see a difference quickly and your skin will feel moisturized and refreshed.

Another way to feel your skin tighten is to use egg whites.   I know what you are thinking, however you will agree with me if you try it.  Get a paintbrush and paint on a thin layer of egg whites on problem areas and feel the tightening as it dries.  I encourage you to be cautious around your eyes mainly because egg whites in your eye is just gross.

For those of you that would like to see an instant improvement, you can always use Preparation H.  Don’t laugh!  When I modeled in my younger days, the makeup artists would always start by applying Preparation H Cream (not ointment) around my eyes to eliminate the bags under my eyes (as a young model we partied a good bit and late nights never mixed with an early morning photo shoot).  Within minutes my eyes would look rested and refreshed.  I still use this trick to this day when my schedule is a little overloaded with appearances, and I am feeling tired.

Now for all of you that may want a topical cream to do the trick, I suggest visiting Blue Med Spa in Midtown Atlanta!  They have a friendly and helpful staff that will pair you and your mug up with a cream that will do exactly what you need.   While you are there, be sure to ask about their preventative injections!

Thank you all for following and sending in your questions!  Keep them coming, and I will do my best to send you in the right direction!  Leave your comments and feel free to share your own beauty secrets!  I love trying new things!  Thank you all again and remember…you are all beautiful just the way you are!

Live an M Famous Life,

Mr. M Famous, 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

Hello from Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville, GA! As I mentioned before, I am in my hometown this weekend to promote Crowning for a Cure – a pageant that is sponsored by Sassy and Classy Salon to benefit Relay for Life. I am honored to be asked to judge tomorrow’s event, and look forward to seeing so many new and familiar faces.

I have been on a radio tour this morning, and now I am going to spend my afternoon and evening with old friends and family. I cannot wait to relax and unwind at the lake. I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend, and next week you can expect a full blog complete with photos of the pageant.

BTW, if you missed my radio show on Waking up the Lakes with Tony Taylor on Z-97, click the 2 links below. We had a ball!

chris macken 1

chris macken 2

Be M Famous,

CMC

Hello, hello! How was your weekend? It was just plain gorgeous in Atlanta.

I just wanted to take a moment and sit down to fill everyone in on the incredibly exciting things that are developing here in my world.  As many of you know, I have been in Atlanta for 9 months, and in that very short time, many things have taken off far faster than I could have ever hoped – I am so grateful!   Some of the most recent “happenings” include my affiliation with DIY Weddings Magazine as well as a partnership with a Music Artist Development company in which I oversee the image of the artist.  I am also meeting with “mega event” producer and clothing designer, Valery Knight, to potentially partner with her here in the Atlanta area.  I am truly having the time of my life watching my career unfold before my eyes.

Recently, I have had the privilege of meeting some of the neatest people. Just last night I was hanging out with Lil Scrappy’s mother, “Momma D” and some of the production team in town for the recording of a music video they are filming with P Diddy and Snoop Dogg. “Momma D” is a riot and always fun to be around.  Oh, and just so we are all clear, my father wanted me to explain, Lil Scrappy is a hip hop recording artist, and as he says, P Diddy is the guy from the Ciroc commercials.

I spent the day today scheduling meetings with people before I return to my hometown of Milledgeville, Georgia. I have been asked to be a guest judge for the Relay For Life Pageant that is being held in Gray. It is sponsored by Sassy and Classy Salon, and all proceeds go to the Jones County Relay for Life.  I am honored to be asked, and to be honest, I am very excited to be able to assist with such a noteworthy cause.   So, I am headed home early Friday morning to go live on WGUR 88.9FM at 7:30 and then over to WMGZ Z97.7FM at around 9 am with the hilarious D.J. Tony Taylor.  Some of you may recall that some years ago, I was a regular personality (Marcus Nieman) on the “Winning Wednesday” show with Philip and Tony.  I must say that I am excited to return and look forward to a good time in that same familiar studio.  If you can pick up the stations please be sure to tune in this Friday morning.

While I am in town, I plan on spending much needed quality time with my family as well as hitting up The Brick for their legendary wings and of course, Aubri Lanes for a glass of wine on Saturday evening – just a nostalgic walk down the streets where I grew up.  I hope all of you will be able to attend the pageant and support Relay for Life.  If you have ever been affected by cancer, you know they do so much.

Oh, and as for DIY Weddings Magazine…new and very exciting developments are already beginning to unfold, and I will be sure to keep you all posted as they do.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement, and I hope to see you this weekend.

Be M Famous,

Christopher Macken AKA Mr M Famous

After a gorgeous weekend in Atlanta, I put together a bit of a long-winded response to Hitch or Ditch 10. This one was truly tough, and I thank you for the advice you each offered to Samantha. If you missed her story, please read it here.

Judging by the responses, I think it is safe to say that everyone feels my concern for this young, beautiful, bright girl. It pains me to think that she feels like there are only two options.  True, none of the hands are easily played; however, all of them can play out and in drastically different ways.

I am NEVER in support of a parent forcing their child to get married.  In my opinion, it serves no one when you force them to wed.  At this age, the two of them should be getting to know each other AND themselves.  I can be certain that, if these 2 young people are forced to get married, they will more than likely wind up getting a divorce within 3 years – then what has been accomplished?  The child has been brought into an unhappy home; the parents are focused on why their marriage isn’t working; and in the end, everyone is right back where they were before they said “I Do.”

I did some research, and what I found was startling.  For Samantha, if she marries at her age, the likelihood that she will get divorced in 5 years is 30%, 10 years is 50% (which lands their child at a very crucial age to be caught in the middle), and by 15 years almost 70% of teen marriages have ended in divorce.  I got this information from The Center For Law and Social Policy.

I just want to look at her mother and say, “What are you thinking? Support her emotionally and maybe some financially.”  I do think that she should get a full time job and take care of her child if she chooses to keep it.  I will NOT be chiming in on the abortion issue here.  I am a firm believer that a woman has the right to choose what to do with her body, and as a man, it is not my place to even enter into that discussion.

In addition to the full time job, she should go to college.  She may have to miss out on a few things, but the child has to come first.  It is my thought that at this point she will no longer be continuing her education for herself but rather for her child.  Perhaps Reid can decide to go to the same college, and they can share responsibility.  There are so many options here for the two of them, and I would like for her to see that point.  This is not going to be an easy situation, however nothing worth having is ever easy! Show of hands for those who agree?!  I know she can do this.

To Samantha, who no doubt will read this, I do not pity you, but I do support you and know that this child can be a gift.  You are smart and outgoing, and this is something that you CAN handle.  You made an adult decision and now you have to make even more choices.  If you and Reid still want to get married after college, then I support you.   I want you to know one thing if nothing else sinks in…You don’t have to trade in your future for the baby and visa versa. You can have both! It will be hard, but it can be done! I know my views are a bit out of the norm, but hey, since when have I ever been the “NORM?” 

You can do it,

Christopher Macken

Well today is Monday, I am getting closer and closer to hitting that Sunday mark! Below is a Hitch or Ditch that caused me to really struggle with my answer. If you missed the story of Anonymous, read it here, before checking out my take below.

I went back and forth on this issue.  I have to tell you that, as usual, I can see both sides.  We are always told that you love someone for what’s on the inside.  I tend to “sort of agree with that.”  I say sort of because the whole reason you fall in love in the first place is because of some sort of physical attraction.  I doubt that anyone has ever walked into a bar and ordered a drink while thinking, “That guy over there is not attractive at all but I bet he’s nice….I’ll go see if I can get his number.”  I also agree that as your love develops you tend to not care as much about the superficial things.   Notice that I said “As Much!”  Attraction is very important – emphasis on the very.  I know plenty of couples that have the very blunt, very open agreement that if at any point the other needs to shape up, the spouse reserves the right to speak up.   I truly think that having a strong attraction keeps the relationship healthy.  My father still tells my mother that she is beautiful.

With the two of you entering into a marriage, I think this is something that you should express to him.  Let him know that you want to do all of things that you use to do together.  Tell him that you miss that time together.  Work out  or go running in the evenings.  If you truly fell in love with him for reasons outside of the way he looks then, yes, you should definitely “HITCH” but if not, I am sorry to say “Ditch.”  If you are finding that you are not in love with him because he has let himself go, then perhaps you have mistaken love for lust.  If that is the case, then it is time for you to rethink getting married.  Either way, the best way to find out is to talk with him.  I have said it before, and I will say it again, communication is key!  A strong marriage has to be built on more than rock solid abs!

Best of luck, and thank you for writing in!

Christopher Macken

AKA Mr M Famous

Email me,  Tweet Me, or Facebook Me

Thursday has arrived once again – only now it is Friday! Time for Hitch or Ditch – Round 9!  The newest entry is below – comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message.  I know the following issue is tough. Please offer any advice you may have…..

Hi Mr M Famous, I really hope you can help me address a problem that is threatening to prevent me from marrying a man that I really do love. My fiance and I are planning to get married in the fall. We have been together for about 5 years. We met in a cycling class at the fitness center in college. He was active on the flag foot ball team for his fraternity, and I was a cross country runner for the University. Since we graduated from college and left our respective sports behind, we have both admittedly been a little more careless with our exercise routines – we were, of course, religious about it in school. Honestly, it is one of the reasons we fell in love so quickly. Our passion for staying fit was a priority for both of us so it made it easy to be together regularly. However, he has taken his careless behavior to a new level over the past 6 months….he has gained almost 60 pounds! It tears me apart to say this, but I am no longer attracted to him. I am still 100% in love with his heart, but his outward appearance is such a turnoff. I am a very visual person. I take good care of myself for that reason. I NEED to be equally attracted physically and mentally. I know he is self conscious and sensitive about his weight gain, so I have tried to be understanding, but we are edging towards a point of no return. And, on top of it all, I have to say, I kind of feel like it isn’t fair that I signed up to marry one guy that has morphed into another. I hate feeling that way, but it is the honest truth. I have tried a few subtle hints and I try to keep junk out of the house, but he is not catching on. Lately, I have found myself avoiding wedding planning that NEEDS to be done and I think I am subconsciously putting it off. What do you think?

Anonymous

So,  everyone what do we think – Tweet Me, Facebook Me or comment below.  Anonymous needs our help!

Be M Famous

CMC

TGIF! I have to sincerely apologize for the tardiness of this response. The House of M Famous is working on a few really great developments, and while it is no excuse, my response was a bit late. My late reply was compounded by a few technical difficulties, and here we are posting 2 blogs in one day. Look at it like a 2 for 1 deal….Most of all thank you for your patience!

If you missed the story of RR, read it here, before checking out my take below.

Well, let me start by saying good for your Father for being the kind of man to step up to the plate.  I am so happy that you have the beautiful relationship that you do.  Of course, the strength of your relationship will never be weakened by the addition of someone else.   With that being said, let me also say that I completely understand where you are coming from.

Years ago my grandmother passed away.  I felt as though I lost my best friend.  We were very close, and so much of my childhood was centered around spending the weekends at her house.  I can remember how sad my grandfather was – he was lost.  He eventually started dating again, and there were a few of his girlfriends that we liked, and one that I didn’t care for too much. Of course, they continued dating, and then after a while, my parents told me that they would be getting married.   I was not very happy, because she was nothing like my grandmother and would never be like her.  I can remember one time she and I got into a bit of a spat and being the quiet and shy person that I am (yeah right), I told her how I felt.  Later, my grandfather sat me down and told me that my grandmother was gone and that my soon to be step-grandmother would never take her place.  I realized then that he was so lonely, and to be honest, his new “Bride to Be” made him happy again.  She gave him a companion.  She may not have been the person that I would have picked at the time, but it wasn’t my decision, and he deserved to be content.

I think that you should talk with your father and let him know how you feel, but assure him that you will love him no less and that you do understand that it is his decision.  This is actually one of those situations where it is not right for me to tell you that they shouldn’t get “Hitched.”  It is, however, my place to say that you have to get these feeling off of your chest. Otherwise they could fester.  Let’s look at it like this, you and your father have been through much more difficult situations.  We all deserve to find love and perhaps it is his turn.  I know the two of you can talk it out.

My thoughts are with you,

Christopher Macken

Email me,  Tweet Me, or Facebook Me

Thursday has arrived once again! Time for Hitch or Ditch – Round 8!  The newest entry is below – comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message.  This one is from a dear friend of mine. Please offer any advice you may have…..

Christopher,

I am writing to you as a friend, but also as a woman in need of non-biased advice. Please change the names in the following email. I don’t want to make a bad situation worse. You know how people talk. I love you and thank you for providing friends and followers with a place to vent and ask for help.

I know some of this will be repetitive for you, but I want to make sure the readers have the back story. As you know my father is getting remarried this year. I know, we NEVER thought this would happen. I was actually so secure in thinking that he would never actually marry his girlfriend, that I never even bothered to worry. As an only child, my bond with my dad is immense. But as an only child with only one parent, that bond is even greater! My parents have been divorced since I was in the first grade, and my mom passed away when I was in third. My dad is absolutely incredible – he is father and mother – in one person. I honestly do not feel like I was ever “cheated” by only having one parent. We were this dynamic duo working our way through middle school, teenage years and college. He supported me and challenged me without smothering me in the slightest. Of course I miss my mother – she was an extraordinary woman, and my dad has always done a great job of telling me stories, funny, random, sad and touching, which helps me remember her.

Having said all of that, I am now married with a baby of my own on the way, and my dad and I are still as close as ever. He started dating “Dot” about 4 years ago. He met her at the grocery store of all places. Dot is the total opposite of how I envision my mother would be 30 years later. She is a nice enough lady, but she is a bit loud, she loves white wine a little too much, she dotes on my father day and night, she has redecorated his house to her taste, she dresses slightly too young for her age and she wants to be my best friend. Believe when I say that I know I sound like a twelve year old brat. I know the situation could be so much worse – he could have gone the typical route – too young, in it for the money, fake everything. He didn’t, but I am still mortified at the thought of Dot becoming a part of my family…officially. I have just been tolerating her because I thought it gave him something to do. I never thought he would want to grow old with her!

I know I am not alone in this situation. I feel like your readers must have experienced this or something similar or know someone that has. I just need advice. I need to know how to talk to my dad and tell him how I feel….beg him not to marry her. I need to know if I should talk to my dad or is it going to put a rift between us that can’t be fixed? I am stressing over this to the point that my husband says I am going to go into pre-term labor – he is joking but only slightly. I need to deal with the situation but I don’t know how.

Take care my friend,
RR

So,  everyone what do we think – Tweet Me, Facebook Me or comment below.  RR needs our help!

Be M Famous

CMC

Sorry for the delay – we had a few technical difficulties this morning, but I can tell you that this one was worth the wait. I am going to label it as another “Stay Hitched” or Ditch situation.  Check out our newest entry below – comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message.  You have until Saturday night at midnight to vote and offer advice!  Sunday, as usual, I will tally the votes and give my final rundown.  Keep those stories rolling in! 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…

Mr MFamous,

My husband cannot have children……..Still shocks me to “say” that outloud. I have wanted to be a mother since I was old enough to understand where babies come from. I think I always just assumed that wanting them would be enough of a reason for having them to just be super easy. I never actually considered that not being able to get pregnant would be an option. My husband and I have been married for 5 years. We wanted to travel and enjoy our time together before we had kids, so we spent the first years of our marriage just being a young carefree couple. Almost 2 years ago we decided we were ready. We started trying under the assumption that it would happen quickly and easily. After a year of trying and no baby, we both started to get frustrated and worry. So we went to see my OBGYN and she started testing my hormone levels. The preliminary tests on me were normal so we moved to him. 3 months ago we found out he is completely infertile. The likelihood that he will ever be able to get me pregnant is almost nonexistent. After the shock wore off, I feel like we tried to move to the “we can fix this” phase. We started investigating treatments and sperm donors, even adoption. But I have to tell you, as the weeks have gone by, I find myself getting madder and madder at him – furious actually. I know that sounds irrational, and he can’t help it. He didn’t plan this, but the site of him actually disgusts me at times. This last year has really taken its tole on us and my patience level is just wearing thin. The fact just remains that I want to be pregnant and experience that and I want my child to be a little of me and a little of my husband. And the fact that he will never give me that is just feeling more and more like a deal breaker every day! I am considering leaving him. I am young enough to find someone else that can make my dreams come true. Again, I know that sounds crazy and awful – it feels a little crazy and awful to admit it, but how is this reason for leaving him any different than finding out other dreams and aspirations don’t line up for a husband and wife? Like money or where you want to grow old? I think my marriage is falling apart and I had to reach out to someone even if it is just a blog post on a random web site – no offense.

Rebeka

So,  everyone what do we think – Tweet Me, Facebook Me or comment below.  Rebeka needs our help!

Be M Famous

CMC