With just a few days before Empty Nesterhood,  I find myself being a bit nostalgic.  Both girls are officially heading off to college this week while our house suffers the nuclear destruction of scattered clothes and dorm gear. They're so excited to create their own great memories and Stoli-s to pass on.  We've been having the many life discussions such as the importance of working hard and making the right decisions with the Skyy being the limit.  They both Absolut-ly assure me that they will be responsible and even promise to get Smirn-off sleep. 

Of course a big college concern is drinking alcohol.  With Rachel and Jennifer not yet of legal age, I addressed some wonderful alternative uses for alcohol, vodka in particular.    While many of their friends will partake in the traditional "night time" use of vodka, I encourage them to take the less intoxicating path.  Amazingly, vodka has many handy uses:

• Fill a spray bottle with vodka and spray on mold and mildew and watch the mold disappear.  Double it as a kitchen cleaner but fear not about it smelling like a bar as vodka is odorless (Just don't use it near your stove as vodka is flammable!).  
• Add a shot to your laundry as a natural antibacterial and odor killer.  The alcohol neutralizes the odor-causing bacteria on your clothes.
• Clothes smell a little musty from the closet?  Without having to wash them, give them a little spritz of vodka from a spray bottle in a well ventilated area.  Because vodka is clear, it won't stain or even leave a scent.  
• Continuing with our odor theme, got stinky feet?  Just soak them in a tub full of vodka and water for 10 minutes.   
• Run out of astringent?  Grab that vodka bottle and a cotton ball and apply the vodka straight as a cleanser that helps tighten up pores.  
• Vodka even works great for our frizzy haired friends due to its low pH.  Add one shot to a 12 oz conditioner (avoid those for color-treated hair).  Shake well and apply a few times a month to smooth out those problem areas.
• If you feel sick or feverish (not to be confused with a hangover!), use a washcloth to rub vodka on your chest and back as a liniment.
• To help heal cold sores, dunk a cotton swab in some of your favorite vodka and dab it on to help it heal faster.
• Finally, put 1/2 cup vodka and 1/2 cup of water into a zip-close mushy freezer ice pack that you can use ay time.  Works great for the morning after.

What are your thoughts?  Do you think I will use these  tips more or will I use vodka the traditional way with two girls in college?  Let's have a conversation on  Jill the Health Coach FB page