My heart was broken this January 7 when I turned on the TV to see terrorists waging war on the country I loved as much, if not more, than home, writes Juliet Rowan.

It was an absolutely stunning day at Papamoa Beach on New Year's Day. The sun was gloriously warm, beating down from a deep blue sky on to the 1000 or so beachgoers, who were having a fabulous time in the water.

With summer in full swing, it is often difficult to turn down that evening beer or wine.