Price Points: Dog water bottles

Dog water bottles

As Barley has been getting older – he’s now 10 months – we’ve been taking him on ever longer walks. If we go to the beach for the day, for instance, we tend to pack a bottle of water and bowl especially for him. This can be bulky and heavy in our day backpack – especially if we’re walking for miles.

Check out the three dog water bottles below that we’ve short-listed. The cheapest one is our favoured option. It’s ‘4-in-one’; a water bottle, feeder, food container, poo bag dispenser and pooper-scooper. Surely that makes it ‘5-in-one’!

The most expensive example, at double the price, is a mere ‘3-in-one’. In addition, I don’t like the lettering on the body and lanyard. The mid-range model is the most attractive, but it’s only a water bottle.

Give me the one that keeps our rucksack lightweight and slimline!

  1. 4 in one 300ml portable dog water bottle: £15.00, eBay
  2. Portable dog water bottle: £19.99, NOTHS
  3. 3 in one dog water bottle: £29.99, Etsy

shop dog water bottles

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

3 in one dog water bottle
3 in one dog water bottle
£29.99
Portable dog water bottle
Portable dog water bottle
£19.99
4 in one 300ml portable dog water bottle
4 in one 300ml portable dog water bottle
£15.00
3 in one dog water bottle
3 in one dog water bottle
£29.99
Portable dog water bottle
Portable dog water bottle
£19.99
4 in one 300ml portable dog water bottle
4 in one 300ml portable dog water bottle
£15.00
3 in one dog water bottle
3 in one dog water bottle
£29.99
Portable dog water bottle
Portable dog water bottle
£19.99
4 in one 300ml portable dog water bottle
4 in one 300ml portable dog water bottle
£15.00
3 in one dog water bottle
3 in one dog water bottle
£29.99
Portable dog water bottle
Portable dog water bottle
£19.99
4 in one 300ml portable dog water bottle
4 in one 300ml portable dog water bottle
£15.00
3 in one dog water bottle
3 in one dog water bottle
£29.99
Portable dog water bottle
Portable dog water bottle
£19.99
4 in one 300ml portable dog water bottle
4 in one 300ml portable dog water bottle
£15.00

7 ways you can transform your garden on a budget: our savvy tips

7 ways you can transform your garden on a budget: our savvy tips

We’re right on the precipice of summer, and the beautiful weather characterising the season. However, after a long and miserable winter, a lot of people often find that their gardens are a little neglected. You don’t have to break the bank to get your garden summer-ready; there are several things that you can do to transform your garden that don’t require much money. So, let’s take a look.

Deep cleaning

First things first, you should begin by giving your garden a deep clean. You can start by dead-heading and de-weeding your flower beds. You should also sweep all the debris off of your patio or decking. Depending on which one you have and the state of it, you might want to get the pressure washer out too. Your outdoor furniture is also likely to need a clean after the winter too. Giving your garden a good clean is a great first step to transforming it and making it look a lot better.

A great way of making your garden deep clean more effortless in the future is by using Custom Perspex Sheets on tables and chairs (where possible), which will make it easier to wipe away any mess as well as protect the furniture.

Garden structures

If your garden is empty or devoid of structures, then you might want to think about what you could build. A lot of people tend to avoid this because they think it’s one of the more expensive garden improvements – and it can be – but this isn’t always the case; it’s entirely possible to build a structure in your garden on a budget. You have a lot of options. There are greenhouses for those who enjoy gardening, a deck – like the one from ClearAmber Shop – for those who like to relax or entertain and sheds, cabins, Wendy houses or other garden rooms for those who need more space. When it comes to building a structure, you need to think about your wants, needs and budgets.

Repaint

Repainting the fence, shed or decking can help spruce up your garden, requiring very little money. Obviously, you’ll need to find outdoor, weatherproof paint for the project, and there are many options. You don’t have to simply stick to one colour either. You can create a design for your garden. Your garden should be viewed as an extension of your house, and therefore your interior decorating style can be brought into your outdoor space too. Allow yourself to be creative!

Replant

After you’ve tidied the garden and removed all of the dead flower heads and weeds, you might want to think about sowing some flowering plants. The winter can do a lot of damage to your flowerbeds; some flowers simply cannot survive the winter. Overhauling your flower beds by replanting flowers can really help to freshen up your garden. To create more visual interest, do your best to vary the flowers. Choose plants in a variety of colours, sizes and textures.

Lighting

Summer nights are lighter for longer, but if you plan to take advantage of your garden or host get-togethers, you might want to think about your lighting options. Lighting your garden well doesn’t have to cost much, but it can really make a difference to the overall look and experience of your garden. Your choice of lighting will depend on your preferences; you can choose from tiki torches, lanterns or string lights. They can work off mains electric, solar-powered or battery operated.

Garden decorations

The next thing to think about is garden decorations. There’s a whole subsection of decorations that are just for the garden. For example, hanging trinkets, laying garden rugs, cushions or garden mirrors can help to add little touches of your personality to your garden. Decorating your garden makes it more fun, homier, it creates more visual interest and it makes your garden more inviting too. Some serve a practical purpose too. For example, incorporating garden mirrors into your design bounces sunlight around your garden to open it up and make it feel larger.

Create zones

Finally, dividing your garden into zones can also help to transform the overall look and feel of your garden. You can have a seating area, a planting area, lawn space, decking or whatever other areas you need to include, which might vary depending on whether you have children, pets etc. Dividing your garden can make it easier to tackle when it comes to overhauling it, and it can help to maximise your space and make your garden look more appealing.

In conclusion

Transforming your garden doesn’t have to be a costly experience. All of the ideas above can be completed on a budget. Use the resources that you have available, whether this means upcycling things that you already have, buying second-hand or shopping from budget stores. Think about how much space you have and how much time you have to spend on the space. Remember to think about what you want from your space; this will help you to narrow down your design choices.

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Auction alerts: Antiques & Collectables sale, Stamford Auction Rooms

Six pairs of late 19th / early 20th century glasses and pince nez

This week, we’re sharing information about the upcoming Antiques & Collectables sale at Stamford Auction Rooms. It happens on Saturday 30th July 2022, from 10am.

There’s an eclectic mix of all sorts; vintage enamel advertising signs, Scandi glass, Belgian studio pottery, beautiful antique brass and more. Everything we’ve picked out below we’d happily give house room… if we had any left!

The buyer’s premium stands at 24% of the hammer price. There’s an added 3% commission if you bid via SARoom LIVE, the auction room’s own online bidding service.

Online bidding is also available via the-saleroom.com and EasyLiveAuction. If you bid via the-saleroom.com you’ll be charged an extra 4.95% on top of the 20% (+VAT)  buyer’s commission. Alternatively, if you bid via EasyLiveAuction you’ll be charged an extra 3% or £3.00 flat fee on top of the 20% (+VAT)  buyer’s commission.

Stamford Auction Rooms Ltd offers a delivery service. Please note that while we offer to post and pack for the convenience of our bidders, most items are uninsurable by the Royal Mail and we take no responsibility whatsoever for the items once they have left our premises.
Prices start at £12 +VAT.
We advise all our clients to use a professional packing service such as Mailboxes Etc. for ceramics/glass/breakables. Please contact the office for more information.

Holmgaard smoky glass mid century ice bucket
Lot 24: A Holmgaard smoky glass mid century ice bucket
With rattan handle and matching brushed steel pair of tongs, engraved Holmgaard 8715 to the base, 16cm high.
Estimate: £40-£60

19th century oil lamp

Lot 28: A 19th century oil lamp
With a light reflective dome over a glass inner shade.
Estimate: £50-£80

French brass antique coffee percolator

Lot 40: A French brass antique coffee percolator
On stand with burner and cover, 25cm high.
Estimate: £20-£40

Ceramic lamp attributed to Georges Pelletier

Lot 63: Attributed to Georges Pelletier (Belgium b.1938): a ceramic lamp
With pierced and applied decoration in the Cubist abstract style, mark not apparent, but may be incised under baize base, 41cm high, complete with original lampshade, 81cm including shade.
Estimate: £600-£800

Castol GTX steel and enamel sign

Lot 78: A Castol GTX steel and enamel sign
30cm by 60cm.
Estimate: £100-£150

Steel and enamel Golden Shred marmalade sign

Lot 79: A steel and enamel Golden Shred marmalade sign
60cm by 40cm
Estimate: £200-£300

Six pairs of late 19th / early 20th century glasses and pince nez

Lot 112: Six pairs of late 19th / early 20th century glasses and pince nez
Together with a leather collar box.
Estimate: £20-£40

A Wall's glass counter top display cabinet

Lot 124: A Wall’s glass counter top display cabinet
Estimate: £120-£150

Le Corbusier style white leather chaise longue

Lot 221: A Le Corbusier style white leather chaise longue
With polished chrome frame base / stand.
Estimate: £800-£1,200

Is it cheaper to build a shed rather than buy one?

Is it cheaper to build a shed rather than buy one?

When it comes to sheds, there are a few things you need to consider. The first is whether you want to build your own shed or buy one pre-built. Both options have their pros and cons, but building your own shed can often be cheaper. In this post, we’ll compare the cost of building a shed versus buying, so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Overview of building a shed

One important factor to consider when building a shed is the cost of materials. The price of lumber and other building materials has been on the rise in recent years, so it’s important to factor that into your budget. The size of the shed is also an important consideration. If you’re planning on storing large items in the shed, you’ll need to make sure it’s big enough to accommodate them. Finally, the ease of construction is another important factor to consider. If you’re not experienced in building, it’s probably best to hire a professional to do the job for you.

Quality control

When building a shed, it is important to ensure the quality of the construction. Poorly constructed sheds can be dangerous, and may not last as long as those that are built correctly. There are a few things to keep in mind when building a shed:

  • Make sure the foundation is solid and level
  • The walls and roof should be made of strong materials that will withstand the elements
  • Ensure the shed is well-ventilated to prevent moisture build-up
  • Inspect the shed regularly to ensure that it’s in good condition

Budget control

While building a shed may be cheaper than buying one, it’s important to consider all the costs involved in building your own shed. Labour, materials and tools can add up, so make sure you have a realistic budget in mind before beginning your project.

Less expensive

To decide which is the best option for you, consider your needs and budget. If you have the time and money to build a shed, it can be a great option. However, if you need a shed quickly or don’t want to spend the time building one, buying a shed is probably the better choice.

Ideal design

When building a shed, it’s important to plan the design carefully. This will help ensure that the shed is not only functional but also looks great in your garden. Here are a few tips on how to design the perfect shed:

  • Start by measuring the space where you want to position the shed. This will help you determine the size of the shed you need
  • Decide what kind of shed you want. Do you want a storage shed, garden shed or something else?
  • Choose the material you want to use for your shed. Wood is a popular choice, but there are also metal and plastic sheds available
  • Make sure to get any necessary building permits from your local council before starting construction

Overview of buying a shed

Advantages

When it comes to storage, a shed is a great option. They’re durable and can last for years with proper maintenance and care. They’re also a good investment, as they can add value to your home. If you’re thinking of adding a shed to your property, you may be wondering if it is cheaper to build or buy one.

Disadvantages

Building a shed can be a cheaper option, depending on the size and type of shed you want. However, there are some disadvantages to building your own shed. First, it can be time-consuming – especially if you’re building a custom shed. You’ll also need to purchase all the materials and have the necessary tools on hand.

Bottom line

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether building or buying a shed is the cheaper option. Overall, it seems that building your own shed can be more economical in the long run – but there are some caveats. If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, or if you don’t have access to the necessary tools and materials, then it might be better to just buy a shed. Do your research and figure out what option is best for you.

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