Miniature car fans have a reason to visit shopping malls in the coming weeks due to the Hot Wheels Promo Tour, a circuit organized by Mattel. This event will travel through ten Brazilian states between July 25 and August 16, 2026.
During the tour, a unique collector's car will be distributed to consumers who make purchases of R$ 249.00 or more in selected line products. This edition is limited and will only be available at the tour stops.
The exclusive vehicle of this edition is a miniature replica of the Ford Mustang Boss 302, recognized as one of the most revered muscle cars in history. This model emerged in the late 1960s when Ford sought a Mustang capable of competing with the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 in the Trans-Am category. The special project was developed by designer Larry Shinoda, who had recently come from GM.
The name of the sports car supposedly came from a joke, as Shinoda nicknamed the secret car 'the boss's car' (in English, 'the Boss' car'). Under the hood, the Mustang was equipped with a 4.9 V8 engine, which became legendary among enthusiasts of the Ford model.
The promotion also serves to warm up for the grand final of Hot Wheels Legends, the brand's main automotive customization contest. The central idea of the contest is to transform a real automobile, modified by an enthusiast in their garage, into an official Hot Wheels miniature in 1:64 scale, intended for global sale to collectors.
This is the sixth Brazilian edition of this contest, and the national final phase will take place on August 16 in the city of São Paulo. The judges responsible for the evaluation will analyze criteria such as authenticity, creativity, and the so-called 'garage spirit' to determine the winner. To receive the gift, it is necessary to purchase a minimum of R$ 249 in items from the Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Cars (Pixar), or Thomas & Friends brands in participating stores. The exchange will only be made on weekends scheduled in the timetable, between 8 am and 2 pm, and while stock is available.
Dal with rice is considered the most beloved comfort food in India, bringing pleasure regardless of the day. Even after a tiring day, hot dal and rice can bring a deep sense of peace. Although there are many types of dal, many people particularly enjoy Arhar dal. However, even such a favorite dish can become monotonous over time.
Master Chef Pankaj Bhadauria recently presented three delicious recipes that can be made from Arhar dal (Toor dal) and served with rice. These variations include Dhaba-style Dal Tadka, sweet and sour dal with raw curry, and the beloved Sambar, all capable of enriching the dining table.
To prepare the dal in three different ways, it is first necessary to thoroughly wash the Arhar dal and boil it in a pressure cooker with water, half a teaspoon of turmeric, and salt to taste until two whistles are heard. Pankaj Bhadauria notes that to give it a Dhaba-style flavor, one can use not only Arhar dal but also mix it with half a handful of Masoor dal and half a handful of Moong dal. These additional lentils should be soaked beforehand and then cooked together with the Arhar dal. After cooking, the dal must be divided into three portions for preparing the three different dishes.
To create Dal Tadka, heat oil in a pan, add asafoetida and cumin. Once the cumin starts sizzling, fry finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chili. Then, add finely chopped onion and fry until golden brown. Next, incorporate red Kashmiri chili powder and a little garam masala, frying for about ten seconds. After this, add finely chopped tomatoes and simmer until completely soft and pureed. When the spices begin to release oil, pour in the boiled dal and mix thoroughly. Finally, garnish with finely chopped cilantro. The dish is garnished upon serving with desi ghee and a tadka of red chili.
During the summer, dal made from raw mango (kairi) has a special taste. For this, first peel the raw mango and cut it into slices. Heat a little oil in a pot, add half a teaspoon of mustard seeds, half a teaspoon of cumin, and 2-3 whole red chilies. After the spices sizzle, add the sliced raw mango and a little salt, cooking for 3-4 minutes. When the mango becomes slightly soft and translucent, add the boiled dal. Cook the dal and mango for another 5-6 minutes until the mango is completely tender and the sour taste develops in the dal.
The third variation from Arhar dal is Sambar. For this, heat oil in a large pot, adding half a teaspoon of Chana dal, half a teaspoon of Urad dal, half a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds, and whole red chilies. When the lentils turn golden and the fenugreek starts sizzling, add onions and curry leaves. After the onions become translucent, add chopped vegetables to taste. Then add salt to taste and cook the vegetables almost until done. After this, pour in sambar masala and enough water, bringing it to a boil for 5-6 minutes so that all the flavors combine. Finally, add tamarind paste and cook for some more time.
Blender jars have become an essential part of kitchen equipment, used daily for preparing various dishes such as purees, pastes, and grinding spices. However, due to frequent use, dirt accumulates on the jars, especially in hard-to-reach areas, including around the blades, the bottom parts, and small corners.
If a dark layer of grime has formed on the blender jar, there are simple home methods that allow you to thoroughly clean even the most difficult spots.
When washing the jar, people often limit themselves to the interior, ignoring the dirt that collects around the rubber ring (gasket) on the lid and under the blades. To remove this hidden dirt, you must first carefully remove the gasket. After that, you can use dish soap and water to thoroughly clean all hard-to-reach areas.
Around screws and handles, as well as under the blades, there are places that are difficult to reach with a hand or cloth. An old toothbrush can be used to clean these areas. Apply a little dish soap to the brush and gently scrub the corners and the area around the blades. After thorough cleaning, rinse the jar with water.
If stubborn dirt has accumulated on the bottom of the jar for a long time, it can be removed using a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Turn the jar upside down and pour one tablespoon of soda into the soiled area, then add one tablespoon of vinegar on top. Upon contact, they will begin to foam. Leave the mixture for approximately 10 minutes, then gently scrub the spot with an old toothbrush or another brush and rinse with water.
To prevent dirt buildup, it is recommended to perform a quick clean immediately after finishing work. Add a little water and 1-2 drops of dish soap to the jar. Then, place the jar in the blender and run it for 10-15 seconds. This will help remove small particles stuck to the blades and walls. After that, simply rinse the jar with clean water.
The Garuda Purana is recognized as an extremely important Mahapurana in Hinduism. It not only describes states after death but also teaches people about life rules, ethics, duty, and provides proven methods for achieving success.
Scholars and acharyas believe that if a person incorporates certain special rules outlined in the Garuda Purana into their daily life, their dormant destiny may awaken, and happiness and prosperity will always reign in the home. Below are three simple and significant actions described in the Garuda Purana that can eliminate any life obstacles.
In Hindu tradition, feeding the needy is called Mahadana. According to the Garuda Purana, one who provides food to the poor, helpless, or starving people according to their means sees poverty leave their life. The practice of Annadana guarantees the constant blessings of the goddesses Annapurna and Lakshmi in the home, which brings not only merit but also prevents scarcity of wealth and food in the family.
In Sanatana culture, the cow is revered as Gau Mata, believed to be inhabited by all deities. The Garuda Purana prescribes that when preparing any bread in the house, the first portion must necessarily be set aside for the cow. Furthermore, regular feeding and care for the cow are considered very auspicious acts. This helps to calm planetary imbalances in a person's natal chart, removes negative energy, and opens the path to success and positivity in life.
Ancestors or Pitrus are the foundation of the family. The Garuda Purana indicates that those who respect their ancestors and perform the rituals of Tarpana, Pindadana, or offerings on their memorial days receive the blessings of the ancestors. When ancestors are pleased, family disputes and conflicts subside, the lineage grows, and constant happiness, peace, and abundance settle in the home.
