As I am approaching the ripe age of 45 this September, I am fortunate enough to have avoided dreadful foot odor in my life. Well, I cannot state that claim for a few gentlemen that I have crossed paths with in my life. Now, the best remedy for such smelly situations is good old soap and water. However, if a gentleman is on the move without a shower in sight, off-putting foot odor could prove to be problematic. So, Arm & Hammer may have a solution for such precarious occurrences – foot wipes for the individual on the go. I was contacted a few weeks ago to sample and test product. Admittedly, I am not flexible enough to get a close whiff of my own feet, so I had to think outside the box.
Recently, my children joined a softball league for the summer. So what better opportunity to test these new Arm & Hammer Cleansing and Refreshing Wipes? Given my exposure to pee, poop, and puke as a father, smelling my 5 year old son’s feet – voluntarily – is not a big deal. Trust me, I have endured far worse as a parent. Now, while my son does not possess foul smelling feet post softball, his dogs have a warm, stale sneaker odor that is present. So, how did the Arm & Hammer wipers perform? Let’s take a quick dive below.
Observations
The foot wipes definitely have a pungent, potent aroma. The combination of tea tree oil and menthol is especially strong. It is not necessarily offensive to the pop, but it does have an aromatic pop.
The foot wipes are no different than perhaps a baby wipe. There are 30 foot wipes in a small resealable package. The package has a snap closure to prevent the wipes from drying out.
After utilization, the foot wipes dry quickly on the skin without actually drying out the skin.
I would say it probably too 2-3 foot wipes on my son’s feet to tone down the sneaker odor. It is for that reason that wished the foot wipes were larger. To tackle an adult foot, especially one with a robust stench, multiple foot wipes may be needed to get the job done sufficiently.
Of course, these foot wipes should not be a substitute for soap and water, but it does remove dirt and grime effectively enough until you can hop in a tub.
A pack of Arm & Hammer Cleansing and Refreshing Foot Wipes will set you back approximately $4.99. It is available at Target, Amazon, and Walmart.
Bottom-line: If you are a gentleman on the move with the need to address foot odor and dirt before you can jump into a hot shower, these Arm & Hammer Foot Wipes may offer some relief. Given the approximate size of a male foot, I would definitely suggest purchasing a couple of packs because you might burn through a pack quickly.
Details
On the go foot wipe with skin nourishing essential oils
Quick dry, non greasy formula leaves feet feeling cleansed and refreshed
Textured wipes remove dirt, sweat and unwanted impurities
Contains Fresh Guard® Technology and ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda to help eliminated and neutralize foot odor
Contains skin nourishing essential oils like Tea Tree Oil, Chamomile and cooling menthol and free from parabens and sulfates
To be sure, the thoughtful gentleman understands that every moment of significance carries meaning. Moments matter. This is especially true for the gentleman that has embarked upon the journey of fatherhood. Understandably, the journey is an arduous one, replete with important occasions that beg the focused attention and participation of a father. This is non-negotiable. Hopefully, this active role fosters an intimate relationship between father and child grounded in an appreciation and love exclusive to both involved parties. For example, approximately three years ago, my daughter was experiencing respiratory distress that prompted an expeditious visit to the emergency room. My wife needed to be home with our newborn son since, ironically, a hospital isn’t the best spot for a newborn outside of the initial birth. So I stayed with my daughter through a series of evaluations and treatments until she was discharged.
During the entirety of the event, I provided a calming and reassuring presence for her, as you can expect the circumstances would be quite frightening to a two-year-old. Now, some may think it odd, but I took pictures and videos during our stay in the hospital. I wanted to capture this moment in time; this moment that further strengthened our bond as father and daughter. To her, I was her protector – a source of depended comfort and safety. To me, she was my ward – simply my little baby girl. I had to be there for her. And every now and again – three years later – I still look at pictures and videos from those days we shared together. And upon viewing them, the emotions from that day come flooding back – in a positive way. Despite the circumstances, I cherish that time we shared together.
Now, I don’t assert that a father and child need to experience an extreme event to form a healthy, caring connection. However, I am asserting that a father should never shy away from moments with his kid(s), no matter how large or small. And he should embrace opportunity fully and make the most of it. Sure, a gentleman probably won’t engage in every waking event, but an honest effort is definitely demanded. There possibly can be a myriad of chances at a gentleman’s disposal: attending a recital, helping with homework, attending children’s school events, etc. Do not be mistaken, inaction is actually a conscious action. Gentlemen, as fathers, ensure the present-day with your kids isn’t a missed opportunity that becomes a distant past that you regret in the future. Make the most of your moments now!
I cannot overstate the following sentiment enough: The Internet is currently inundated with self-proclaimed lifestyle and relationship consultants dispensing brutally terrible advice to individuals that are obviously seeking to address some void in their lives. Generally, I don’t consciously wade into muddy social media waters, but some of the guidance that these men have offered is pure, unadulterated foolishness. Now, before I address the main issue of my unsolicited tirade, I have to place some due respect on the game. The recipe: Conflate some minor truth with your own prejudiced agenda, deliver inflammatory content in a controversial manner targeted at a specific demographic, and articulate your points so convincingly that you are perceived as a credible source. If the objective is to stimulate increased viewership, it is an extremely effective tactic, especially when combined with classic gaslighting.
So, what is it that has me slightly agitated at the moment? Well, I decided to view this one particular self-appointed expert regarding the definition of a high value man. After seeing all the buzz on social media, I wanted to see what had everyone talking. To be perfectly clear, the term high value man is extremely subjective. Nevertheless, the term was intriguing and I was curious regarding the involved prerequisites that had women clamoring for the opportunity to secure one. Viewing a few videos, it appeared the term revolved exclusively around elevated social status and wealth. Upon listening to one particular broadcast, I quickly realized the litany of responsibilities heaped upon women were tired misogynistic tropes that reminded me of a Mad Men era that became extinct long ago. I won’t explore a point by point analysis, but one proclamation that stood out was terribly problematic for me. Allow me to set the scene; a young woman calls into broadcast inquiring about the attainment of a high quality man. What followed was a bewildering, painful listen that left me wondering how people took this man seriously.
The speaker addresses the hard work required by a wife to keep said high value man. This assertion especially caught my attention: You’re (the wife) up at 5 o’clock in the morning, going to the gym, working out, making sure that by the time you get back, the kids are up. You have the kids breakfast ready, the kids are out the door. Make sure the kids get back home, the homework gets done, the kids are ready to go. I ain’t doing nothing for the kids. You have to get the kids ready to go…parent teacher conferences, homework, and everything else. I just look over it from an executive position and say great. Then you get the kids ready to go on and so forth. and then you serve your husband.
Now, if that looks like a tough read, it sounded much worse on video. And I even omitted some parts that further highlighted the servile role of the wife in the marriage. To be sure, this guidance from a “professional” is garbage. Now, full disclosure, I am not licensed in the field of psychology or social behavior, but anyone with a grain of commonsense can recognize bad advice when it is so nakedly blatant. Allow me to be perfectly clear, regardless of economic status, a man never abdicates his responsibilities as a father. There is more to providing for one’s family beyond providing for one’s family. In the context above, the husband (a 6 figure earner) has been reduced to the role of an automated workhorse whose sole purpose is to provide financial stability to his kid(s) and indentured servant. Apologies, I meant to type wife there.
Now, be sure to recognize this: An absentee father does not necessarily correlate to a man that does not reside with his children. An absentee father can indeed live under the same roof. If he is not fully present mentally, emotionally, or spiritually for his kids – then that man is indeed absent. A man simply cannot be disengaged from his children. A man should not be so absorbed in his professional life to the detriment of his relationship with his children, or his wife for that matter. You will work yourself to death and your job will be posted before your obituary, while your children won’t even know the man being eulogized. Fathers need to be fathers. That is why the advice and viewpoint above is so wantonly reckless. It is imperative that men are totally engaged in their children’s lives, whether in or out of the house. I understand that an individual has a right to their opinion. And the Internet is wide open for anyone to espouse an ideology on any platform. So, it is my duty to encourage, educate, and empower you with some facts courtesy of fatherhood.org.
Involved fathers improve their children’s overall emotional and social well-being.
Involved fathers reduce moms’ parenting stress.
Children with absent fathers are more likely to become absent fathers themselves.
Boys have fewer behavior problems and girls have fewer psychological problems when they have involved fathers.
Father involvement in schools is associated with higher likelihood of a student getting mostly A’s.
A father’s involvement during pregnancy positively influences health outcomes for mom, dad, and baby.
Daughters are less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior when they have consistent contact, and a sense of closeness with their dads.
Involved fathers lead to less distress in toddlers.
Children with involved dads are less likely to be mistreated.
One in four children live in a home without a dad.
Social media has elevated superficiality to such dizzying heights, the obvious deprivation of oxygen has impaired rational, logical thought in some individuals. If you are an adult and still utilize fabricated grade school metrics to assess beauty; perhaps you should reevaluate your current state of maturity. Now, I am not here to call anyone out for clout or stimulate website views – I run a small operation here. Nevertheless, small platform or not, moral courage is what compels my voice address disinformation and otherwise bad counsel. This is not rocket science. I wholly understand that the term “high value man” is a hot Internet catchphrase right now. However, the definition of value in this regard has been perverted to massage male fragility and insecurity while masquerading as a self-professed alpha male. Engaged fathers matter. Fully present fathers matter. Attentive fathers matter. I won’t get into deep dive regarding what determines a high value man. I’ve been chronicling specific standards that I believe a man should uphold on this site since 2008 – far before high value man became a buzzword. My thoughts generally focus on principled core values and ethical fundamentals. Many facets of a gentleman’s life (professional, family, community, talent/skill, personality) should account for what determines value. Bottom-line, again, fathers need to be fathers.
Today, without provocation, my daughter blurted out the definition of opaque. Approximately one week ago, she was discussing the concept of transparency (she had learned it in school), so I asked her if she knew the definition of opaque. She did not, and so I explained. Today, without provocation, she decided to reiterate that knowledge. She was so proud. And where did our initial conversation occur? It occurred during school pick-up. Me picking up the kids from school – fancy that. Miles knows how to pick fresh parsley, sauté vegetables, and grate various foods. How? Well, that is accomplished by inviting my son into the kitchen to prepare dinner for the family. Wait – I’m not supposed to be cooking, or shopping, or cleaning am I? Shame on me for engaged in matters of my home beyond paying a bill.
Trust, there is a tremendous benefit to being able to financially support or contribute to one’s family. Nevertheless, it would be woefully ignorant to underestimate the sense of fulfillment when you practice selflessness and serve your family. In addition to his family, a man will be performing a disservice to himself by depriving his life of those intimate, meaningful connections that can only be achieved through significant interaction. That value is incalculable. The pride that wells inside your chest as you watch your daughter recite the church poem you practiced with her days before. The gratitude you feel when your son grabs his stool to reach the counter because he never turns down an opportunity to cook with his father. The excitement you feel Christmas morning as you see the elation in their eyes as they tear through gifts. The feeling of devotion you feel when you set the alarm on your phone to wake up in timed intervals to deliver breathing treatments to your infant daughter through her crib bars. The trust you feel when you’re called to remove a splinter from a hand or foot. Amusement. Joy. Affection. In matters of your mental and emotional well-being, you cannot place a price tag on that. There are days when a memory or picture of my children is required to get me through the day. I need them as much as they need me some days.
Look, I’m not extraordinary special. I just understand the importance of engaged fatherhood. So, salute to Iman B. for exposing his son to woodworking during those special home projects. Salute to Adrian S. for his involvement in his son’s athletics and traveling out of state to attend championship tournaments. Salute to Milon B. for being involved with both his son and daughter during STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities. These are gentlemen within my peer group. And to any gentleman out there in the real world handling their business as nurturers and providers – salute to you too.
During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have embarked upon an exploration of fragrance that has unearthed some exciting and newfound discoveries. Sure, I have amassed a decent stock of cologne, but I really wanted to experiment and expand my olfactory options. That being stated, I am a gentleman with humble pockets, so my findings have been modest in nature. Now, before I learned of the love-hate relationship that many gentlemen have with the featured cologne above, I spied a bottle of Dior Sauvage a few years ago but never pulled the trigger on the purchase. I sampled the scent and it was pleasant, but again, I did not commit to the purchase. I was not in the market for a new fragrance, so I kept my funds in my wallet.
Fast-forward to the initial lockdown of 2020, and the casual perusal of cologne at the nearby shopping mall was no longer an option. And like many people across the globe, online shopping became the preferred method for procuring goods. Drawing upon my memory of the scent, I finally decided to commit the dollars. So, back to the aforementioned love-hate relationship that Sauvage invokes; it’s an attention-getting cologne that is ubiquitous amongst the male population due to mass marketing. Surely you’ve seen the Johnny Depp advertisements. Celebrity and popular criticism aside, I lean into what works for me. If you care for an honest assessment of this high-selling, 2015 release – continue on my friend.
I really, really like the presentation of Dior Sauvage. I’m a simple guy. The cylindrical flask boats a minimalistic design punctuated with subtle touches of elegance. The magnetic cap (which snaps right into place over the atomizer) is marked by three circular indentations that wrap all the way around. The Christian Dior logo is discreetly engraved on the top. The atomizer is stiff to the touch; exhibiting a slow, controlled mist when deployed. The bottle sports a dark, metallic blue hue that gradually fades following the length of the bottle. The effect is visually cool. The words Sauvage Dior mark the body of the bottle with slightly raised lettering. Simple, but still classy.
Warning: Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette can be an aggressive scent. It was quite harmless when I sampled it at the shopping mall. However, after performing approximately 3-4 pumps on the atomizer, I instantly recognized that was perhaps 3 pumps too many. Seriously, a gentleman must practice some restraint when it involves this fragrance. I would recommend approximately 1-2 sprays. Proceed with caution if you are feeling adventurous because too much will certainly induce a slight migraine. Dior Sauvage will definitely provide a strong 6-8 hours of performance with pretty good projection the first few hours.
The fragrance opens with a fresh, slightly citrusy introduction. Transitioning into the middle notes, Sauvage has a strong peppery vibe and earthy touch that can be overwhelming if the application is too heavy. Applied correctly, the result should be a warm, slightly spicy scent that settles into a woody, synthetic aroma.
Dior Sauvage is best suited for the modern gentleman that gravitates toward sharp, bold fragrances that demand attention without being overly obnoxious. In my humble opinion, this fragrance performs best during evening hours; preferably in sophisticated settings that welcome a touch of class. This is a year-round fragrance that performs best in an wide open setting. This cologne needs to expand. And trust, it’s potent enough to cut through any competing aromas in the surrounding area. Given that fact, I would not recommend this cologne for the office. The close quarters with fellow colleagues may be too much.
Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette can be procured in the following sizes: 1.0 ounce priced at $56.00, 2.0 ounces priced at $80.00, 3.4 ounces priced at $97.00, and 6.7 ounces priced at $150.00 – Available in-store and online: Dior, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, and other fine men’s department stores.
To be sure, the thoughtful gentleman understands that every moment of significance carries meaning. Moments matter. This is especially true for the gentleman that has embarked upon the journey of fatherhood. Understandably, the journey is an arduous one, replete with important occasions that beg the focused attention and participation of a father. This is non-negotiable. Hopefully, this active role fosters an intimate relationship between father and child grounded in an appreciation and love exclusive to both involved parties. For example, approximately three years ago, my daughter was experiencing respiratory distress that prompted an expeditious visit to the emergency room. My wife needed to be home with our newborn son since, ironically, a hospital isn’t the best spot for a newborn outside of the initial birth. So I stayed with my daughter through a series of evaluations and treatments until she was discharged.
