Pregoli; online maternity, children’s wear and accessories boutique, still going strong one year on.

Pregoli boutique was founded in September 2009 by Belinda Simon, a mother who recognised a gap in the online market for stylish, good quality maternity wear, children’s clothing and accessories. She also understood the challenges involved in shopping while pregnant or with children in tow.

The boutique offers a wide range of fantastic products from multi-functional maternity wear, maternity lingerie, designer babies and children’s wear, books, bikes and more from brands such as; Ripe Maternity, HOTmilk, Cake Lingerie, SOOKIbaby, SOSOOKI, Sudo, Mocka, Babu  and WeeGo Glass Bottles.

As well as stocking some of the finest quality products available in maternity wear, children’s clothing and accessories, Pregoli is also the exclusive New Zealand stockist for two of Australia’s top maternity labels, ‘Stephanie Schell’ (A favourite of singer Dannii Minoque’s) and the strapless, convertible feeding bras by ‘Bling Angels’.

Customers of Pregoli enjoy the benefits of shopping from the comfort of their own homes as well as receiving invitations to their monthly product evenings, a full returns policy, gift registry service and a 5% discount is offered on all products to those who choose to become members.
  New this season-Adorable SOOKIbaby and SOSOOKI clothing.
Gorgeous items from Ripe Maternity, HOTmilk lingerie, Huckleberry Lane pajamas as well as delectable pieces from Cake Lingerie, the sleek new range of baby accessories by b.box, drink bottles by Contigo and the inspirational ‘You Sexy Mother’ books.

Pregoli have this week launched an online Forum, where parents and Mums-to-Be can discuss a variety of topics from fertility issues, to reflux, shopping tips and recipes.

Pregoli provides support to families affected by the Earthquake.

Pregoli in conjunction with Child Psychologist Clare Tatterson, held a successful Community Evening on 15th September at Riccarton Park.  Families from Christchurch & Kaiapoi came to listen to Child Psychologist, Clare Tatterson speak about how the Earthquake has affected children (and adults) and learn’t simple strategies to help them through this difficult time.
While children played with toys and coloured in bright, happy pictures, Clare spoke about the Trauma some Children may have experienced. Clare mentioned some key behavioural signals were: irritability, tearful for no apparent reason, unusually clingy, changed eating habits.

Some suggestions on dealing with this were to spend more quality time with your children, to limit media coverage of the earthquake, turning the TV off one hour before bedtime, and instead reading books or colouring in. Massage was also suggested as a wonderful way to wind down before bed. Clare also mentioned some relaxation exercises, which can be performed throughout the day as well as before bed. More information is available at www.pregoli.co.nz <http://www.pregoli.co.nz>

Promoted through the Pregoli website, a request was also made to the public to help provide clothing and toys to those in need.  “We’ve received almost a trailer load of babies, kids and adult clothing, baby toys, blankets and books from customers around Christchurch and throughout New Zealand” said Belinda Simon, Co-owner of Pregoli. One supplier in Auckland, Nature Baby sent a large box of organic baby food and teething rusks. The clothing, toys & food will be distributed to those families in need and to Salvation Army stores around the city in the coming days. “The support and generosity of New Zealander’s has been amazing” said Belinda.

Pregoli is an online Maternity & Children’s Boutique, based in Christchurch, New Zealand. www.pregoli.co.nz <http://www.pregoli.co.nz>

Huge 7.1 Earthquake Hits Christchurch

At 4.35am this morning, a huge 7.1 earthquake hit Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand.

The centre of the earthquake was 30k west of Christchurch (close to Darfield), and 10k deep – which is very shallow. The quake was felt throughout the South Island, and as far North as Wellington. There was no indication that this earthquake was coming.

UPDATE: 12 midday

John Key is on his way to Wellington then to Christchurch.

The Mayor of Christchurch has declared a state of emergency in the city of Christchurch.

The inner city has been closed.

Please stay in your homes so emergency services can get to the people who need help.

The damage is more extensive than they first thought. Burst water pipes throughout the city, and in Brighton have caused flooding.

Residents are advised to reserve water, and watch out for electrical issues when your power does come back on.

There has not been looting in the city despite earlier reports.

Flights could be taking off as early as this afternoon.

On our arrival at Christchurch Airport at 6am this morning, we were told that Air Traffic Control (based here Christchurch) was down, and therefore there were no flights nationwide.  There was also expected damage to planes and the runway. The Airport is now closed and they are re-assessing the situation regularly.

Many members of the public have reported ceilings caving in, paintings falling from walls, items from cupboards strewn across rooms.

There was more substantial damage to older buildings in the city, with Victoria St & Manchester St some of the more affected areas. It’s been reported the Christchurch Cathedral bells rang for 7 minutes after the first earthquake, which shows the extent of the shake.

Residents are being advised to stay indoors, and not to leave unless its an emergency. Any minor injuries should be treated at home or in the first instance at the 24 hour surgery. The emergency department at Christchurch Hospital is busy, but in control.

It is hoped the power will return to 90% of Canterbury homes by dark today. Water could be off for days.

There is no risk of tsunami.

There have been several after shocks, measuring around 3.9-5.3

Here is a link to a site which shows all the earthquakes in NZ

I'm pleased to say that although the Pregoli Shop is in quite a mess, the Life Factory WeeGo Glass Bottles from Pregoli survived the fall & are in one piece, so that something to say for a glass bottle!

Credits to www.press.co.nz for these images, we've got more to come.