Political Signage and Your Home

As we get closer to the next election, political opinions are being a little more freely discussed no matter where you live in the U.S.  Issues and debates are sure to bring out even more exposure to political discussion and are likely to bring that conversation to your home. You may even start to see signs go up in your neighborhood supporting specific measures, parties, or people.

Did you know that certain governmental jurisdictions have laws in regards to political signage that affect the neighborhood surrounding your home?

In 1994 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that outdoor political signs are protected under the First Amendment speech rights, however, some states have enacted laws to define that protection a little more clearly.

In California, for instance, a law was passed last January that allows renters the ability to display political signs under six total feet without penalty from property owners on elections, recalls, public offices, or community issues in the ninety days leading up to an election.  There are specific instructions relating to multi-use residences, as well, so it’s good to be aware if you plan to place political signs near your home.

In Wisconsin, you can show political signs around your home, but placing signage on highways will result in fines if they are deemed a safety issue for motorists.  In some states, like New York, you may need to file an application or permit prior to placing your political sign. Other states and individual cities, such as Provo, Utah, allow signage on private homes and vehicles with the owner’s permission but restrict the placement of handbills on vehicles, which is good to know if you are involved in a specific campaign.

The point is to be aware and informed.  Use your first amendment right of expression to its fullest, but make sure that you are complying with local regulations when using your home as the canvas.

New Home Sales as per the Nationa Association of Realtors

via economistsoutlook.blogs.realtor.org

Decorating Your Home For Fall

There’s a crispness in the air as autumn approaches, pulling to the mind images of goblins, ghosts and ghouls and memories of sweet and wholesome treats. This time of year is one where cobwebs on your home, be they spun from nearby spiders or purchased from a local craft store, have a tendency to be in vogue. As you think up ways to make your home more festive this season, keep in mind that simplicity and detail can go a long way to creating a look that’s spooky for visitors without being considered scary.

Some easy ways to manufacture a ghoulish look can be found with just a few basic items. Consider taping some dark colored transparent “spooky” fabric to your front door to darken up the look of your home a bit. A few rubber bats or ghosts hung just right in the eaves or a lone creature or skeleton leaning over a balcony can create a spooky element to any home in a flash, too!

If you want to add a little more menacing decor to your entrance, consider webbing, plastic fencing, tombstones or skulls. A crafty and cute touch can be had with an assortment of miniature pumpkins or carved, lit jack-o-lanterns, as well. As you prepare the entrance to your home, consider who your visitors will be and how you can add to their fun. Perhaps a candy jar or motion detecting decoration is just the right touch to add some fright.

On the night of any gathering in your home, consider renting a fog machine or playing a bit of scary music to add to the intrigue and mysteriousness as guests enter your home. Plan for games and stories and use lighting that will enhance the mood in your home, as well. You’ll find that simplicity will allow you to embrace some traditional fright into the decor of your home and still provide for plenty of tricks and treats.

Also stand by for my 31 days to  HALLOWEEN 2013 with ideas of things you and your family can do everyday of the Month of October!