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Last month, working mothers took a hit on the chin when the results of a new study on childhood obesity were released by the U.K.-based Institute of Child Health. The study of more than 12,500 5-year-olds found that those with working mothers were less physically active and more likely to eat unhealthy food. Or, as the BBC so provocatively summed it up: "Working mothers' children unfit."

Want to create an eye-catching kitchen that adds value to your home, too? Let there be light, but not too much, according to kitchen-design and lighting experts.

Here are some dynamite tips from Frankie Cameron, national account manager for Bellacor Lighting based in Mendota Heights, Minn., and Mark Lambert, owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in Bellingham, Wash.

Do you feel drab when dishing up dinner? Bored during breakfast? Here're nine hot trends to spice up your kitchen.

LIGHTING TECHNIQUES

It's no wonder that "do-it-yourself" has become the weekend mantra of today's homeowners. Countless how-to classes, articles, books, Web sites and television shows make home improvement look simple, fun and inexpensive. Even first-time home buyers should be able to conquer plenty of projects, right?

Wrong! DIY, unfortunately, doesn't always equal do-it-right.

Dear Helaine and Joe: I've enclosed photographs of an 1889 silver dollar in my possession. I would like to know its value. Can you help? Thank you. -- C.R.

I was recently watching one of the major network morning shows, and they did a story on old, crusty showerheads and how it may be a good idea to replace your present, dirty old showerhead with a new, clean, high-quality showerhead.

So, how does a professional designer design a room? They all have their own ways, but the basics are generally the same. I'm going to let you in on some professional methods.

In my hometown of Atchison, we have all the ingredients for a chilling Halloween celebration, from creepy Victorian mansions to so many spooks we've been declared the Most Haunted Town in Kansas.

Q: I just read your article on crawl-space humidity and am hoping you could provide some advice. We just purchased a super-old home (1734) in Boston. This week, I discovered rot under a side porch. I ended up dismantling the porch and tearing out all the rotted wood from the house.