STARS: Downloading Music to an MP3 player using YouTube

I had been trying for weeks how to download music onto an MP3 player for my incarcerated uncle.

He cannot have a smartphone so iTunes, Spotify, TIDAL or the other music mediums were out.  I didn't want to pay for a bunch of music either.

I sought out some of my tech support connects and was put onto youtubemp3.today. I actually type that link into my browser. 

I then type the song I want converted to MP3 format. Once that happens, a link appears for me to be able to download the MP3. I found that using the green button yields the better results far as downloading the song. 

I then opened my files and drives. I transferred the songs, around 15-20 at a time from my main drive to the music folder on my MP3 player that was plugged into my PC. I simply copied the downloaded MP3s and pasted them. 

I hope this helps out folks that need or want another medium for listening to their favorite music. 

STARS: Planning a Suprise Party

I grew up in a family that did suprise parties for seemingly everyone, specifically milestone birthdays (18th, 40, 50, etc). 

First thing I do when I plan a suprise party is check with the close friends/family/spouse and see what they have planned and the person's availability.  I also do this when I know the person is into suprises..

I then set a date and venue unbeknownst to the person. I then assign an accomplice (I have played this role at least 6 times). 

One important thing I do is make sure nothing out of the ordinary routine is performed with the person. They will suspect something is off and may get upset, especially at a spouse or significant other. Keep everything routine and covert. 

You then have the accomplice make plans with the person, while everyone else is in place with the party setup and location.  I make sure my story is airtight and ties in within a normal routine. Going to dinner or for a special movie or even to pick something up are common scenarios that tend to work. 

Also, I make sure all parties present hide their cars or park them away from the venue to drown out suspicion. This seems to work better in public. 

I then hold the party, also ensuring everyone is on time so that nothing else is suspect.  Also, the story/lie has to be held up. When you yell "suprise" you want that true element of surprise. 

Hopefully that person has a very pleasant surprise and a good time. 

STARS: Planning a successful family reunion

I think about the second Saturday in September with fond memories. This was the date for years that I held and organized my family reunion.  Due to certain factors, I decided to give it up. However it was a good run. 

I secured a good indoor location and steady date that was memorable and convenient.  I wanted to do it after school started but just before all of the after school activities kicked into full gear. Plus, I wanted a time where the weather would be at a medium temperature. Saturday is typically the best day to do anything socially also. I looked at every month, season and happening and decided upon the second Saturday in September.

I then had to make sure I reserved the location in advance, got the word out via social media, phone calls, texts and word of mouth. I also set up signs and gave directions to assist others in arriving at the venue. Additionally, I had set guidelines for the building and the nearby cemetery. 

I then held the reunion each year. I devised creative ways and activities to encourage folks to stay longer. Family history and old pictures seemed to work the best. 

The reunion was then held, I set up a donation jar to give back to the church since it was free. I arrived early to set up with others and we always left it better than we found it. I also brought some food and made sure that there were plenty of paper products. 

I kept the family reunion going for seven years using this method. It was memorable among many, although attended by few. Therefore if you have a family that really wants a reunion, I hope this post helps

STARS: How To Rest Yourself

Many of us are tired from the summer, back to school, work, the CFA v Popeyes battle.  It's important that we practice self care and recuperate. 

I like to lighten my load for a few days and relax. I do very little TV, social interaction or social media. I get more sleep and relaxation. 

I then do fun things I like such as running, coffee shop, music, writing, and taking a drive.  

I even plan a vacation or a small getaway. Doctors recommend that we take a full week off from work every week. I already have my time scheduled and exactly what I an going to do. 

I also meditate, drink apple cider vinegar and do yoga. Breathing is important. 

I return much more rested and charged and ready to get back in the game.

STARS: How To Successfully Navigate Carowinds

You see many that speak of how to successfully navigate tourist attractions such as Disneyworld. I don't see many that talk about properly navigating Carowinds, especially with a season pass. 

First, I would highly recommend getting a season pass, with at least the drink and meal plans add-ons. The park is now open 10 months out of the year so you have plenty of opportunity to use your pass. General admission ranges from $30-$60 and parking is $20/vehicle. A season pass without add-ons is $105. Therefore, you get a definite return on your investment.  

I would advise riding the rides during the springtime and evenings as it can be cumbersome and uncomfortable to do so during the summer. Also, try to go on weekdays or evenings only. It is extremely crowded on weekends there. 

You also want to spend as little inside the park as possible. Have an extra person to hold your belongings when you ride rides and even when you go to the waterpark so you don't even have to rent a locker. If you don't want a meal plan, no problem. There are restaurants nearby and you can pack a picnic lunch and eat it outside of the park. 

Also, have the app download to your smartphone and know all of the dates from season pass preview night to New Year's Eve. Plan accordingly, the more the merrier, and have fun. 

Lastly, keep a physical copy of your pass and your phone on you, and pack a bag in the warmer weather if you want to attend the waterpark and the general park. Both have different entrances/exits and closing times.  

Failing to plan is planning to fail. Do so and as you may hear over their loudspeaker "enjoy your day at Carowinds!"

STARS: Dealing with someone through an anxiety attack

I only try to talk, especially write, about things I know. I can definitely relate to anxiety and panic attacks since my mom has anxiety and has had many attacks, especially recently.

I recognize that my mom is having an attack through her behavior, silence, eyes, shaking and often crying.  I make sure she is in a quiet, tranquil place. I encourage her to breathe and air out any frustrations. 

Her and I then pray together as we both truly believe in the power of prayer. I then remain quiet and simply there for her. 

Next I then contact her mental health advocate and a crisis hotline, in that order. The number I use is 

Finally, I carefully monitor her throughout the coming days. A person is affected for up to a week after an anxiety attack. They need time to heal and replenish as they often take so much out of a person. 

STARS: Caring for your beard

Yes we are still in the midst of summer. However, with football beginning and Fall, No Shave November, etc, around the corner, you may want to grow a beard. 

Growing and properly caring for a beard is a lifestyle and an art. 

I let mine grow from scratch, from my clean shaven face. I then shape it up into the form I desire a week upon it growing. 

I then continue to shave and shape twice/week due to my sensitive skin and lack of desire for razor bumps. I use premium razors like Gillette. The Dollar Shave Club has proven to be effective also. 

I trim my beard every two weeks using my special beard clippers. It's a great investment to make. Another great one is some sort of beard oil to rub into your beard for smoothness.  I prefer coconut oil which has a variety of usages.  

This is how I reduce gray, keep my beard at a decent thickness and make it healthy looking. You may want to seek out a barbershop or a dermatologist if your beard is not growing and developing as you desire it to be.