PULSE.

POST-PREGNANCY PLAN: If you're a new mommy adjusting to the demands of parenthood, a supermodel probably isn't the first person you'd think to ask for advice. Yet Vendela, who has posed on covers of more than 100 magazines including the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, has put out a surprisingly down-to-earth book called ``Model Mommy'' (Contemporary Books, $19.95). Vendela, a mother of two, discusses techniques for dealing with the often overwhelming emotions and anxieties that accompany new motherhood. Her fitness routine to get back into shape includes chapters on stretching, cardio workouts, strength training and exercising with your baby. The book provides quick and healthy recipes to lose the pounds, as well as tips on making your own baby food. At the very least, it's a comfort to know that even model mommies sometimes get stressed out.

- Mariko Thompson

FIT FOR MODELING: Ever wonder how those muscle-bound hunks and beauties get on the covers of health and fitness mags? In ``You Too Can Be a Fitness Model'' (Hatherleigh Press; $14.95), Clark Bartram gives the ins and outs of the fitness-model industry. Clark, who has appeared on the covers of Muscle & Fitness and Natural Body Building magazines, gives tips on building modeling portfolios, making an impact at auditions and finding an agent. A few hints: Smile to tighten your abdominal muscles and know which self-tanning products will help you achieve a natural glow. The book includes advice from professional photographers, editors at fitness and muscle magazines, and other fitness models. Clark also shares his training and nutrition regimen. If nothing else, Clark shows he knows quite a bit about the art of self-promotion.

- M.T.

YOU LOOK SO WELL-RESTED: That's what you hear - or hope to hear - after Botox injections or cosmetic surgery, but a stress-free week in the Bahamas could do the trick, too. When you can't travel but want to look like your puffy eyes took a vacation, try ice cubes, cucumbers or a less drippy new product from Avon's beComing collection called Pack Your Bags. The dermatologist and opthalmologist-tested depuffing gel is made with natural botanicals such as soybean, pomegranate and extracts of grapes, sunflowers and cucumbers, and has multireflective mica to soften the dark shadows. It works especially well if you pop it in the fridge before using. Pack Your Bags is $24 and can be ordered at www.ibecome.com or by calling [phone].

- Barbara De Witt

GET SCREENED: Providence Health Systems will provide low-cost mammographies throughout the month of May. The Providence Holy Cross Outpatient Diagnostic Center in Mission Hills is offering mammographies for $65 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The Providence Breast Center in Burbank provides mammography and bone density screenings for $85 from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mention the May special when calling for an appointment: Providence Holy Cross Outpatient Diagnostic Center at [phone], Providence Breast Center at [phone].

- M.T.

OH, GROW UP: Baby boomers are turning 50, but they don't want anybody to know they're wearing bifocals, getting furrowed brows and gray hair. Although they'd like to have the energy of Generation X'ers, most boomers don't want their lifestyle, according to the Varilux Boomer Watch, a nationwide survey of more than 1,000 baby boomers. According to the survey, 86 percent of boomers are concerned about looking good but not necessarily through surgery. Those afraid of Botox and liposuction can check out the free Boomer Image 2002 booklet, filled with all kinds of easy age-defying image tips used by celebrity image consultant Diane Irons on her clients. Among the insider secrets are egg whites for a temporary face lift and hemorrhoid cream to get rid of puffiness under the eyes. To order, call [phone] or log on to www.varilux.com.

- B.D.

HANG TEN: Sandal season has begun (although it's year-round in L.A.) and so has spring cleaning. Not the closet, but your feet. To get your feet looking healthy and well-groomed, Dr. Scholl has a new line of Pedicure Essentials that includes a deodorizing and moisturizing cream, as well as a dual-action nail brush with natural pumice on once side and angled bristles on the other, and also a larger ergonomically shaped pumice stone to smooth callouses and cracked heels. Other pedicure pampering tools include Dr. Scholl's peppermint lotion, self-heating foot mask, cracked-skin repair cream, foot soaks and salt scrub, priced at $3.50 and up at drug stores.

- B.D.

CAPTION(S):

5 photos

Photo:

(1) no caption (``Model Mommy'')

(2) no caption (magazine: ``Fitness Model'')

(3) no caption (Avon's beComing collection called Pack Your Bags'')

(4) no caption (``Boomer Image 2002'')

(5) no caption (Dr. Scholl's Pedicure Essentials)