The Nerada brand has a history dating back to 1882. In fact, right back to April Fools Day, 1st April 1882. On this day, four brothers, Herbert, Sidney, Leonard, & James Cutten rowed over 50 kilometres on the Tully River before they came upon Bingil Bay. The significance? This area is where Nerada Tea hails from. 100% pesticide free, black tea, 100% Australian grown. All 600 kilos plus of it every year.
As one of those chosen to promote Nerada tea, I was delighted to receive a pack of 4 different tea bags, as well as Iced tea suggestions and Nerada information. The challenge here? Some promotional work for the brand, showcasing iced teas. Hmm well lets see what we came up with!
This one was not iced, BUT the lemon & ginger in this delightful teacup set was a superb way to start the day. During the heat of the Brisbane day, one then turns to iced tea. This is the time you need not just chilling, but refreshing!
I trialled this simple recipe of my own, Lemon & Ginger tea (yes the same one from the morning), chilled it in the fridge for a few hours, with slices of lime. Add the ice, sprinkle a little ginger on top and wow! Great combination! Lime, Lemon & ginger iced tea. Refreshing, plus what better way to chill than in the pool with a refreshing poolside beverage!
Adding that with this drink, even Hubby, who is a coffee fan, loved this mix. Now thats saying something!
The mix above, was chilled blackberries, soaked in black tea. Not being a sweet tooth I personally enjoyed this, but for Hubby, not so much. However, if you were to add some local Australian honey this would sweeten the whole mix.
What was my favourite tea? The peppermint. Why? Because it is seriously pepperminty! Over ice, slice of lemon and some mint leaves this was a lovely drink.For that extra dessert, why not add some chocolate syrup round your glass, pour the tea over ice, and you have an after dinner mint! Ok a little naughty for the waistline, but your tastebuds will love you! Note here, I didn’t actually trial this one, but, sure sounds good!
Experiment with these tea bags, they can be used hot or cold. For the sweeter tooth, don’t forget to add a little honey.
Don’t forget the chamomile! I loved that one hot, but yet to trial cold.
Thank you to Nerada for the opportunity to assist with promotion!
( #dinelivetravel trialled these teas after being chosen as a Nerada Tea Taster.)
At a build cost of around $15million, this recently new hotel for the luxury Sebel brand, has a lot to offer. Sebel brand itself, emerged back in 1963. In those early days, you could expect to mix with a number of celebrities who favoured Sebel. Betty Davis, Elton John, Zsa Zsa Gabour, all enjoyed the comfort of Sebel hotels.
Interior designer, Siobhan Gnomes McNabb, captures many styles with textures ranging through from smooth to exposed brick and concrete, both in the 58 rooms and throughout the hotel. You cannot help but reach out every now and then to run your hands over the corrugated and rough surfaces. Floor to ceiling glass doors which glide easily back to a two third opening, bringing the outside in, creating a wonderful spacious feeling.
Much thought has been given to the small things. The full length mirror, hidden inside the wardrobe door, so as not to detract from the room itself. Beautifully soft, luxurious feeling robes. The heavy stone table on the balcony, is not going to be blown around! A microwave in each room, contained within the workable kitchenette. Historical photos cleverly used in each room, and throughout the hotel.
The rooftop area, is the crown atop this complex. Full use is made of the large area, with a pool, bar, cabana areas as well as loungers and tables. Plenty of choice for a comfortable evening drink whilst you enjoy the uninterrupted view, from many angles.
Sydney the Sebel Bear certainly enjoyed his afternoon chilling on the rooftop, whilst reading his travel book! The area up here is totally different to the Beach House restaurant downstairs. You will hear more about the delightful restaurant, in the next story as I believe, it earned its own review.
Only around 25 minutes from Brisbane Airport, this area feels like a world away from city life. During the day and over weekends, this popular area bustles with activity. Parking fills up quickly around here, as people enjoy the sun, sand and surf.
Enjoy a sunrise like this from your own private balcony. Treat yourself, to a weekend away or some previous wind down time, you will not be disappointed.
One of the venues we have visited earlier this year, was the all you can eat buffet at Jayliano’s, Strathpine.
So much to see here, with attention to detail really having been taken into account. The flooring helped to soften the background noise, steel has been used to create some interesting pieces.
Drinks prices were reasonable with jugs of soft drinks available too.
The choice of foods is more than enough to satisfy anyone, no matter what your taste or diet. they really have catered well. Not only that, staff were quick to move any serving spoons customers did not remove and top up dishes as required.
The dessert selection included ice cream, miniature desserts, banana fritters, fruit and, the icing on the cake, marshmallows plus a selected fruit which could be dipped under the fast moving chocolate fountain. 
At $30 for lunch or $35 or dinner, thats pretty good value for the choice you have. A good venue if you have a group of people to cater for, who have varied tastes. At least you know what your meal cost will be.
Life is wonderful thing, but all along the road we are tested. Sometimes you need to take some time to just smell the roses and appreciate the sheer beauty of our extraordinary planet.
There is a lot to see on this road. We took a total of around three hours to drive and stop for brunch and photo shoots. A nice way to spend a weekend morning. The two photos above were taken at the Ocean View Area of Mount Mee. You can feel the cortisone levels dropping as you soak in the sheer beauty.
Watch out for those checkered flags on your left as you drive from Dayboro. Go in and check it out.
Meals were delivered in such a quick time. Not only that, they were, hot, tasty and enjoyable. Add that to the good value price and we have a winner. The meal above was the large Pitstop breakfast.
I opted for a small meal, luckily! This Avocado, bacon and one egg mix was perfect.I could not have eaten any more. Note though, the extra large coffee in the background. Not mine, just saying!
They have pancakes for which you choose your own toppings. This one was strawberries with strawberry jam. Lovely jam by the way, I had a little taste. Not overly sweet, with more of small bite to it.
Or, go Canadian style and pile your bacon and maple syrup on the pancakes.
The venue is a photographers dream. The memorabilia inside, the views outside, where do you start. However, my intention is to return on a clearer day and take some awesome pics. Watch this space.
No one photo can show you the sheer beauty of these views. Take some time, drive Mt Mee, enjoy. If you need to escape life for a few hours and reconnect with nature, this is one of the better places to do so.
DINE LIVE TRAVEL 