Margarita Crews - Tailspin Farms

September 30, 2025September 30, 2025

WELCOMING OCTOBER 2025

Welcoming October: A Month of Crisp Air, Cozy Vibes, and a Dash of Spookiness Hello, fellow autumn enthusiasts! As the calendar flips from September 30 to October 1, we’re officially diving into the heart of fall. The leaves are turning those fiery shades of red and gold, pumpkins are popping up on every porch, and there’s that unmistakable chill in the air that makes a hot cider feel like pure magic. Whether you’re here for the haunted hayrides, the harvest festivals, or just the excuse to layer up in your favorite sweater, October has a way of wrapping us in its enchanting embrace. Let’s kick off the month with some highlights, fun facts, and a calendar tease to get you in the spirit. Why October Feels Like Fall’s Grand Entrance October isn’t just any month—it’s named after the Latin word octo, meaning “eight,” because it was the eighth month in the ancient Roman calendar (back when they skipped winter altogether). Fast-forward to today, and it’s the tenth month, but it still holds that transitional magic. In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s when the Harvest Moon rises—peaking on October 6, 2025, at 11:47 p.m.—bathing the world in a golden glow perfect for late-night stargazing or early-morning walks through crunching leaves.

Fun fact: This full moon is called the Hunter’s Moon, ideal for spotting game in the fields, and it’s flanked by two meteor showers—the Draconids (early October) and Orionids (late October)—for some cosmic fireworks.

And let’s not forget the folklore: October is prime time for Jack Frost’s first visits, whispering promises of snowflakes on the horizon.

It’s a month that balances the warmth of summer’s end with winter’s playful nudge.October 2025: Holidays and Observances to Mark on Your CalendarThis year, October is bursting with celebrations—from federal holidays to quirky “national days” that beg for Instagram-worthy moments. Here’s a curated snapshot of key dates to plan around. (Pro tip: Use these for everything from family gatherings to solo self-care rituals.)

Date	Holiday/Observance	Why It Rocks
October 1	International Coffee Day & National Pumpkin Spice Day	Fuel your fall obsession with a spiced latte—because who needs an excuse?
October 2	World Farm Animals Day & National Boyfriend Day	Hug a pet (or your partner) and reflect on the unsung heroes of our food chain.
October 6	Harvest Moon Peak	Step outside for a moonlit picnic; it’s the closest full moon to the autumn equinox.
October 10	World Mental Health Day & National Chess Day	Prioritize your mind with a strategy game—checkmate stress!
October 13	Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day (federal holiday)	A day for reflection: Celebrate Native cultures with events or readings on history’s true narratives. 2 sources
October 16	World Food Day & Boss’s Day	Cook up gratitude—thank your leader with a homemade treat.
October 17	National Pasta Day	Twirl some carbs in celebration; October is National Pasta Month, after all!
October 20	World Osteoporosis Day & National Red Wine Day	Toast to strong bones (in moderation, of course).
October 27	National Make a Difference Day	Volunteer or spread kindness—small acts add up big.
October 31	Halloween	The grand finale: Costumes, candy, and carving pumpkins under the stars.

Beyond the dailies, the whole month vibes with themes like Breast Cancer Awareness Month (wear pink!), National Pretzel Month (twist into snack heaven), and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (empower through education).

Weekly spotlights include Free Speech Week (mid-October) and National Baking Week—perfect for whipping up pumpkin pies.

For the spooky side, the Halloween season stretches all month with “Frankenstein Friday” vibes and Howl at the Moon Night.

Fun Facts to Spice Up Your October Chats

Meteor Magic: Catch the Orionids shower around October 21–22, remnants of Halley’s Comet streaking across the sky—up to 20 meteors per hour if you’re in a dark spot.
Historical Hits: The five-day workweek was born in October 1926, and the U.S. Naval Academy opened its doors on October 10, 1845. Navy Day (Oct 27) salutes that legacy.
Global Goodness: From Bat Appreciation Month to Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, October reminds us to celebrate the quirky and advocate for the overlooked.

A Cozy Challenge: Your October Bucket ListTo make this month unforgettable, here’s a simple starter list:

Harvest a Haul: Visit a pumpkin patch and snap that obligatory “I’m basic” photo.
Moonlit Adventure: On the 6th, host a full-moon gathering—s’mores optional.
Bake the Season: Try a pumpkin cheesecake (National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day is Oct 21) or a pretzel braid for the month’s salty-sweet theme.
Give Back: Join Make a Difference Day on the 27th—plant bulbs, donate books, or just call a friend.
Spookify Your Space: Start with subtle decor now; by the 31st, go full haunted house.

October, you’re a whirlwind of wonder—may it bring you more treats than tricks, more warmth than wind, and endless reasons to smile. What’s your must-do this month? Drop it in the comments (or just daydream it). Until next time, stay groovy. Cheers to the tenth month,

Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You

“Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog post! Your support and interest mean the world to us, and we are grateful for every moment you spend here. Stay tuned for more, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!”

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace

September 20, 2025September 20, 2025

SUNDAY

Sunday: A Day to Refuel Your Soul and Embrace Gratitude

Sundays have a special kind of magic, don’t they? The week’s hustle fades into the background, and the world seems to slow down just enough for us to catch our breath. It’s a day to pause, reflect, and refuel your soul with gratitude, love, and connection. So, take a deep breath, let the worries slip away, and let’s dive into why Sundays are the perfect day to recharge and celebrate life’s blessings.

A Moment to Breathe

In the midst of our busy lives, Sunday offers a gentle invitation to slow down. It’s a day to step away from the to-do list and endless notifications and just be. Start your morning with a deep, intentional breath. Feel the air fill your lungs, grounding you in the present moment. Maybe it’s sipping your coffee slowly while watching the sunrise or taking a quiet walk in nature. Whatever it is, let this be your time to reconnect with yourself. This simple act of slowing down can recharge your spirit and remind you of the beauty in the present.

Gratitude: The Heart of Sunday

Sundays are a perfect time to reflect on your blessings. No matter how challenging life gets, there’s always something to be grateful for – a warm bed, a kind word from a friend, or the laughter of someone you love. Take a moment to jot down three thing you’re thankful for today. Maybe it’ the roof over your head, the meal you shared, or simply the fact that you’re here, alive, and full of potential. Gratitude has a way of shifting our perspective, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, our souls light up with contentment.

Love, Laugh, Live

Sundays are made for connection. Gather with friends and family, whether it’s a big brunch, a cozy movie night, or a simple phone call to catch up. These moments of togetherness are what fuel our hearts. Share stories, laugh until your sides hurt, and let love fill the spaces between you. Laughter is medicine for the soul, and there’s nothing like the joy of being surrounded by those who matter most. If you’re spending the day solo, treat yourself with the same kindness – curl up with a good book, dance to your favorite music, or indulge in a hobby that sparks joy. Live fully in these moments, because they’re what make life rich.

A Day to Refuel

Think of Sunday as your soul’s pit stop. Just like a car needs fuel to keep going, your spirit needs care to thrive. Whether it’ through prayer, mediation, or simply sitting in silence, take time to nurture your inner world. Reflect on the week behind you – what went well, what challenged you, and what you’re carrying into the days ahead. Sundays are a chance to reset, to let go of what’s heavy, and to fill your heart with hope and possibility.

Embrace the Joy

Above all, Sundays are about joy. They’re about savoring the little things – a warm hug, a shared meal, the sound of birds outside your window. They’re about laughing until you cry, loving fiercely, and living with intention. So, as you move through your Sunday, hold space for gratitude. Celebrate your blessings, big and small. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and let yourself feel the lightness of simply being. Take a deep breath. Relax. Enjoy your friends and family. Love, laugh, live. This Sunday, let your soul refuel, and carry that warmth into the week ahead. Here’s to a day that reminds us of what truly matters.

Some of our Post That Might Interest You

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Tailspin Farms

September 13, 2025September 13, 2025

IT’S SATURDAY

It’s Saturday: Embrace the Day with Loved Ones

Happy Saturday! The weekend is here, and there’s no better time to slow down, soak in the moment, and spend quality time with the people who matter most. Whether it’s your family, friends, partner, or even your furry companion, today is all about connection, relaxation, and making memories that warm the heart.

Why Saturdays Are Special

Saturdays have a unique vibe. The workweek’s hustle is behind you, and Sunday’s “prep for Monday” mindset hasn’t kicked in yet. It’s a day to breathe, unwind, and just be. There’s no need to rush or check off a to-do list. Instead, focus on what brings you joy and strengthens your bonds with those you love.

Ideas to Chill and Relax

Here are a few simple ways to make the most of this beautiful Saturday:

Morning Moments: Start the day with a leisurely breakfast. Whip up some pancakes, sip coffee together, or head to a cozy café. The key? No hurry. Let the conversation flow and enjoy the little moments.
Get Outside: Take a walk in the park, have a picnic, or just sit in the backyard with a good playlist. Nature has a way of melting stress and sparking meaningful chats with your loved ones.
Movie Marathon or Game Night: Pick a favorite movie series or binge a new show with snacks galore. If you’re feeling playful, dust off some board games or video games for a fun, low-key evening.
Cook Together: Nothing says love like a home-cooked meal. Try a new recipe with your partner, kids, or friends. It doesn’t have to be fancy—pizza night or taco-making can be just as memorable.
Just Be: Sometimes, the best moments are the quiet ones. Cuddle up, share stories, or simply sit in comfortable silence. Being present is the ultimate gift you can give.

Make It About Connection

Today isn’t about grand gestures or over-the-top plans. It’s about the small, intentional moments that remind your loved ones they’re cherished. Laugh together, share a hug, or reminisce about old times. These are the threads that weave your relationships tighter.

A Gentle Reminder

As you enjoy this Saturday, let go of any pressure to “do it all.” Life can be hectic, but today, give yourself permission to pause. The emails can wait. The chores can wait. What matters is right in front of you—your people, your peace, your joy.

So, grab your favorite people (or pets!), kick back, and make this Saturday one to remember. Here’s to love, laughter, and a whole lot of chill vibes. Enjoy the day!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Tailspin Farms

September 10, 2025September 8, 2025

WOW IT’S WEDNESDAY

How many pounds of potatoes does your family go through in a year? Probably more than you think! Canning potatoes gives you a great quick fix item from your pantry. You can use canned potatoes in so many ways! Try adding them to soups, stews, and casseroles. And don’t forget about mashed potatoes! I have to say when you are trying to figure out what to fix for dinner canned potatoes is a time saver.

Canning Potatoes

For 7 quart jars you’ll need about 20 pounds.. That is an average of 2.5 to 3 pounds per quart. This will vary according to the size of your potato and how much peeling you do.

Supplies and Ingredients

Pressure Canner
Canning jars
Canning lids and rings
Jar lifter and canning funnel
Large bowl
Potato peeler
Sharp knife

Ingredients

Potatoes – about 20 pounds will do 7 quarts
Canning salt – optional
Sea salt –

Prepare your jars and lids and keep them hot until needed. Check the air vent and overlock on the canner lid to make sure they are not blocked.

Preparing the Potatoes

Wash and peel your potatoes. Cut into pieces between 1-2 inch cubes.

Fill a large bowl with cool water and stir in 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Stir it up until it dissolves. This will keep the potatoes from turning brown as you cut them up. This will also rinse away some of the starch. When you are done peeling and cutting, drain, and I like to rinse again. The more you rinse the less starchy your jars will be.

If you have small potatoes that are 1 to 1½ inches in diameter you can leave those whole. Larger potatoes need to be cut into ½ to 1-inch cubes. As you cut them, put them into the salt water. If you have time, leave them in the water for 20 to 30 minutes, changing out the water about halfway through. After the potatoes have soaked in the salt water, get the tea kettle going for the hot to pour over the jarred potatoes.

Drain the potatoes in a colander. Pack the potatoes into the hot jars, leaving 1 inch headspace. Now add the boiling water leaving 1 inch of headspace.

Add canning salt, if desired, using ½ teaspoon in pints, ¾ teaspoon in 1½ pints and 1 teaspoon in quarts. Using a bubble popper or thin knife, run it around the inside of the jar to release any trapped air. Top off with boiling water if needed.

Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean dry cloth or paper towel to make sure it’s clean.

With your lid lifter, pull out the lids and put them on the jars. Screw the rings on finger tight.

Now take that water the lids and rings were in and pour that into the canner, adding a splash of white vinegar if you have hard water.

Processing Potatoes

Ok. Now that the lids are on, it’s time to put the jars into the canner. Put the lid on and seal it and turn the heat to high.

Allow the canner to vent for the specified length of time for your canner.

Now put the regulator on the air vent and bring it up to pressure.

Once it has reached the required pressure, start your timer.

Processing Times

Pints – process for 35 minutes
Quarts – process for 40 minutes

Be sure to use the pressure according to your altitude see the chart below. For more information, see this altitude adjustments page.

When the processing time is up, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to return to zero.

Once the pressure is zero, remove the regulator and wait another 5 to 10 minutes before unsealing the lid.

Make sure the lid is facing away from you when you open the canner.

After processing, remove the jars from the canner and allow them to sit undisturbed for a minimum of 12 hours.

After 12 hours, check the seals, wash and label the jars, and put them away.

Canning potatoes at home gives you a lot of bang for your buck!

Especially if you grow your own.

But you can also save big by stocking up when potatoes are on sale in November and December.

Stored properly, canned potatoes will last a minimum of 2 years.

Must You Really Peel for Canning?

Canning potatoes with skins on is not recommended. Potatoes need to be peeled for canning. It is a safety issue, not just a quality issue. Peels will naturally carry more bacteria that is found in the dirt. Scrub as you like. You’ll still get a cleaner product if you peel.

Yes, you really must peel. The reason is that the spores that can cause issues with botulism are found in the soil. Since the potato grows directly in the soil, there is a higher chance that botulism may be a risk. This is the same with all root crops.

How to Reduce Starchiness in Home Canned Potatoes

Rinse, rinse, and rinse again to reduce starchy, cloudy water. Adding clean, fresh water will reduce the amount of starch in the jars. That high starch content is unappealing but not dangerous.

One thing I noticed with my last batch of potatoes. As the jars set on your shelf… the water gets more starchy with time. This is normal and doesn’t hurt a thing. So don’t be surprised by the unappealing look.

Some of our Post That Might Interest You

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Tailspin Farms

June 22, 2025July 2, 2025

CANNING DRY BEANS WITHOUT SOAKING

Pressure canning dry beans is an excellent way to preserve nutritious ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes. However, many people avoid this process because it often involves soaking the beans overnight, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: the easy no soak method. This approach saves both time and effort while still producing delicious, canned beans that are ready to use whenever you need them.

My mom taught me how to can dry beans this way over sixty years ago. Since I started my own family, I have used this method of canning dry beans.

Disclaimer: Canning dried beans without soaking is referred to as rebel canning meaning this method is not approved by the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Canning dried beans USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) is not recommended. You will not find this exact recipe in a Ball canning book or any other canning book. Recipes approved by the National Center for Home Food Preservation require you to either cook the beans first or soak them for an extended period of time. For further safety, you can check the USDA guidelines on how to can dried beans.

Canning pinto beans dry can be done safely if you follow all safety precautions. For this recipe I am pressure canning pinto beans but you can use any dry bean you want. You can use kidney beans, navy beans, great northern beans, black beans or any other dried beans.

Equipment

Pressure canner – You must use a pressure canner when canning beans. Since beans are a low-acidic food you cannot use a water bath canner or a pressure cooker when canning dried beans.
Funnel – A funnel will make adding the beans into the jars much easier especially if you’re not using a wide mouth jar. It is recommended to use stainless steel anytime you are canning.
Debubbler – A debubbler will help to remove any air pockets the beans may create. If you do not have a debubbler a butter knife also works great.
Magnetic lid wand – This will help keep your lids sterile when applying them to your jars.
Stockpot – A stockpot is needed to boil hot water to pour over the beans. It is recommended to use a stainless steel pot as with any canning.
Jars – For this recipe pint or quart jars work best. Wide mouth jars work great but as long as you have a funnel you can use regular mouth.
Lids – Lids need to be new unused canning lids.
Rings – The rings can be used as long as they do not show signs of rust.

Ingredients

Dry beans – You do not have to use pinto beans. This recipe works for any dry beans.
Salt – As with any canning recipe you will need to use canning salt. Not traditional salt.
Water – Hot water.

Vinegar – You won’t be using vinegar in the recipe. It will be used to wipe the rims of your jars to remove any oil or debris.

Depending on what size jars you are using you will need to adjust the recipe accordingly. For pint jars you will add 1/2 a cup of dry beans. For quart jars you will add 1 cup of dry beans. Pint jars you will add 1/2 a teaspoon of salt to each jar. Quarts you will add 1 teaspoon of salt to each jar.

Step 1: Choose Your Beans

Select high-quality, fresh dry beans from a trusted source. Measure out the amount of beans you need based on your jar size and add them to a strainer. For quarts you will need 1 cup of beans for every quart jar. For pints you will need 1/2 a cup of beans for every pint jar.

Step 2: Prepare the Jars and lids.

Wash your jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water, then rinse them well. Add your canning lids to a pot of water and let boil.

Step 3: Boil water

In a large stock pot or tea kettle add hot water and bring it to a boil. Once it is boiling set it aside.

Step 4: Prep canner

Add water to your pressure canner up to the bottom fill line or approximately 3 quarts of water. Turn the burner on to begin heating the water.

Step 5: Fill the Jars

Using a scoop, transfer the washed beans into your canning jars. For quarts add 1 cup of beans and for pints add 1/2 a cup of beans. (It is going to look like a lot of empty space in the jar but DO NOT add more beans than the recipe calls for. The beans are going to expand as they cook and soak up the liquid. If you have too many beans in a jar it will cause it to burst.) Add salt (this is optional) 1 teaspoon for quarts and 1/2 a teaspoon for pints. Pour the boiling hot water over the dry beans. Leave 1 inch headspace.

Step 6: Add lids and rings

Add vinegar to a rag or paper towel and wipe the ring of each jar to remove any oil, food, or debris. Using the magnetic lid wand place your clean unused lids onto each jar and add a ring. Don’t over tighten the rings but ensure they are on finger tight.

If any of your beans float look them over thoroughly to ensure nothing is wrong with them. If you see a bad bean remove it.

Step 7: Process

Add your jars into heated water in your canner. Place your lid on and ensure it is locked. Turn up the heat on your stove. Once you see a steady stream of steam coming from the vent start the timer for 10 minutes. Dry beans need to process at 10 pounds of pressure. Allow it to vent for 10 minutes and then place your weighted gauge on the canner. (If you’re using a dial gauge canner add your pressure regulator.) Once the weighted gauge begins to rock start your timer for 90 minutes if you’re processing quarts or 75 minutes for pints.

Step 8: Remove jars

After the allotted processing time turn the burner off. Do not do anything to the canner. Allow the canner to cool naturally until the air vent has gone back down. Once the air vent goes back down remove the pressure regulator or weight whichever your canner has. Allow the canner to set for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes open your canner and using the jar lifter remove the jars from the canner.

In conclusion, canning dry beans without soaking is easy and straightforward. Just remember always follow safe home-canning practices, including proper jar preparation and processing time. With these simple steps, you can have delicious and nutritious beans ready to eat at any time!

Have questions? Please ask below on this post. And I’d love to see pictures of your canning projects!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

Tailspin Farms