You’ve heard all the news about a glass of red wine being good for the heart. It’s also a great stress-reducer (which is maybe why it’s so good for the heart!)

Anyway, here’s the short and sweet on this stress-reducing secret:  As the appointed dinner-hour approaches and the tension could begin building, don’t miss out on happy hour. Have someone pour a glass for you and enjoy while pulling everything together at the end.

Note: This tip comes courtesy of one of the participants in my KitchenSmart classes.  She discovered that it works not only on holidays, but for everyday meal making, too.  So be sure to keep this one with you for Monday to Friday cooking file.  In fact, my husband has found that a glass of wine is perfect with a couple slices of French bread spread with Rosemary Yam Butter.  (I made a batch last week and he has been enjoying it ever since.)

• Stress-Reducing Secret No. 1: Don’t Get Caught in the “Last-Minute Pressure Cooker”
• Stress-Reducing Secret No. 2: Steer Clear of Holiday Shoppers
• Stress-Reducing Secret No. 3: Take A Trial Run
  
• Stress-Reducing Secret No. 4: Go Casual–with Diamonds
• Stress-Reducing Secret No. 5: Put the Party Before Perfection
• Stress-Reducing Secret No. 6: Don’t Forget the Health Benefits of Wine
• Stress-Reducing Secret No. 7: Just Give (and You’ll Get Back in Multiples)