RAIN or SHINE Spring is here -- whatever the weather

It's the first day of spring -- can April showers and May flowersbe far behind?

Not to mention relaxing days at the swimming pool or on the golfcourse.

We've assembled some products to get you in the mood.

They're especially designed to celebrate, either rain or shine.

Keeping dry

When we think of rain, we think of Totes -- a company locatedright down the road in Cincinnati. Among its most interesting newproducts are:

The Senz, (pictured at the top) umbrella is aerodynamicallydesigned to cut through and deflect the wind, withstanding a windspeed of up to 70 mph. These umbrellas have an asymmetrical canopyshape that resembles an airplane wing, reinforcing rib configurationand special foam grip handle. ($55)

The Eco 'brella, the company's automatic open/closeenvironmentally responsible umbrella, features a canopy made of 100percent recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles.($30)

The Rihanna collection was created by R&B Grammy-winner Rihannaand inspired by her hit, "Umbrella." The line includes four umbrellastyles that come in metallic color combinations and patterns. Italso includes Rihanna removable charms for a belt, bracelet, keychain or other accessory. They sell for $20.

Totes products are available at Macy's and totes.com.

Puddles beware

Rain boots can be fun and funky, too. These waterproof boots byKamik are made of recyclable material and are available at DSW,Nordstrom and at zappos.com. They retail for $60.

For rainy days

Kids get a kick out of getting decked out for a rainy day. Rain &Shine Boots from Lands' End come in a variety of prints andpatterns. They have rectangular side grips sized for little handsand are anti-microbial to help get rid of stinky odors ($25).Available at Lands' End, (800) 800-5800 or at www.landsend.com.

Waterproof print rain slicker ($38) and matching rain hat($14.50) features chin straps to keep everything secure in windyweather. Available at Lands' End, (800) 800-5800 or atwww.landsend.com.

A sure sign of spring

Leather flip-flops come in blue, pink, green and orange and sellfor $24.50 at Te Gap.

For rain or shine

These clear sunglasses will work on both gloomy ad sunny days. ByFossil, they"re $26-$48 at Elder-Beerman.

Ride in style

What could be better than a sunny spring or summer day on yourtricycle? This Grow-With-Me Trike from Fisher-Price is designed forkids ages 2-6 and features easy-grip handlebars, slip-resistantpedals and durable tires. In the upmost position, the trike can beused as a traditional trike. In the lower positions, the trike canbe used as an older "Low Rider" with the oversized front wheel,which enables the child to pedal at a higher rate of speed.Available soon at toy stores. ($24.99)

Keeping Fido dry

The Ohio State hooded nylon rain slicker has reflective trim soyou can see your dog in the dark. Velcro adjustable straps connectunder the belly and chest. It's $17.95-$19.95 at Moochie & Co. atThe Greene. The store also sells pet sunscreen and sunglasses.

Neoprene boots protect your pets' paws in the rain. A zipper andVelcro straps keep the boot from falling off the paw. Priced at$13.97-$20.97 from Moochie & Co. at The Greene.

Carry-all

A sunny day means toting all your goodies to the pool or thetennis courts. This twill floral tote is $39.50 at The Gap.

Time for a sundress

This multicolor halter patchwork patio dress is designed with themom-to-be in mind. It's $44.98 at Motherhood Maternity at the DaytonMall and the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

Get into the trenches

You'll be seeing lots of oversized floral prints this season. Thelined Gardenia Trench Coat is double-breasted and features longsleeves with buckle detail at the cuffs and an adjustable tie belt.It's $79.95 at Avenue.

Anchors away

Nothing says springtime like nautical themes. This cotton jerseystriped anchor shirt in chili and white, by Nautica, is $44 atMacy's.

Protecting our skin

It's important to protect our skin yearround, but especiallycrucial as we start spending more time in the sun. We askedCosmetics Cop Paula Begoin to choose a few of her favorite drugstore products that do a good job of taking care of our skin. Tolearn more, you can sign up for Paula's free beauty newsletter atwww.cosmeticscop.com.

Drugstore daytime moisturizer sunscreens

Almay Daily Moisturizer for Normal/ Combo Skin with Grape SeedSPF 15 ($11.99 for 4 ounces), Dove Energy Glow BrighteningMoisturizer SPF 15 ($10.99 for 1.7 ounce), Olay Regenerist UVDefense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15 ($18.99 for 2.5 ounces).

Drugstore sunscreens (face and body)

Almay Sun Protector for Body SPF 30 ($8.99 for 4.2 ounces), JasonNatural Sunbrellas Complete Sunblock SPF 26 ($11 for 4 ounces),Neutrogena Age Shield Sunblock SPF 30 ($9.99 for 4 ounces),Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 45 ($9.99 for 3ounces).

Drugstore lip balms with sunscreen

Blistex Clear Advance SPF 30 ($1.89 for 0.15 ounce), Blistex ProCare SPF 30 ($2.49 for 0.16 ounce), Kiss My Face Vanilla HoneyOrganic Lip Balm SPF 15 ($3.50 for 0.15 ounce).

Drugstore foundations with sunscreen

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup SPF 17 ($9.99), RevlonColorStay Active Light Makeup SPF 25 ($12.99), Cover Girl AquaSmoothMakeup SPF 15 ($8.50)

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 ormmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.

RAIN or SHINE Spring is here -- whatever the weather

It's the first day of spring -- can April showers and May flowersbe far behind?

Not to mention relaxing days at the swimming pool or on the golfcourse.

We've assembled some products to get you in the mood.

They're especially designed to celebrate, either rain or shine.

Keeping dry

When we think of rain, we think of Totes -- a company locatedright down the road in Cincinnati. Among its most interesting newproducts are:

The Senz, (pictured at the top) umbrella is aerodynamicallydesigned to cut through and deflect the wind, withstanding a windspeed of up to 70 mph. These umbrellas have an asymmetrical canopyshape that resembles an airplane wing, reinforcing rib configurationand special foam grip handle. ($55)

The Eco 'brella, the company's automatic open/closeenvironmentally responsible umbrella, features a canopy made of 100percent recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles.($30)

The Rihanna collection was created by R&B Grammy-winner Rihannaand inspired by her hit, "Umbrella." The line includes four umbrellastyles that come in metallic color combinations and patterns. Italso includes Rihanna removable charms for a belt, bracelet, keychain or other accessory. They sell for $20.

Totes products are available at Macy's and totes.com.

Puddles beware

Rain boots can be fun and funky, too. These waterproof boots byKamik are made of recyclable material and are available at DSW,Nordstrom and at zappos.com. They retail for $60.

For rainy days

Kids get a kick out of getting decked out for a rainy day. Rain &Shine Boots from Lands' End come in a variety of prints andpatterns. They have rectangular side grips sized for little handsand are anti-microbial to help get rid of stinky odors ($25).Available at Lands' End, (800) 800-5800 or at www.landsend.com.

Waterproof print rain slicker ($38) and matching rain hat($14.50) features chin straps to keep everything secure in windyweather. Available at Lands' End, (800) 800-5800 or atwww.landsend.com.

A sure sign of spring

Leather flip-flops come in blue, pink, green and orange and sellfor $24.50 at Te Gap.

For rain or shine

These clear sunglasses will work on both gloomy ad sunny days. ByFossil, they"re $26-$48 at Elder-Beerman.

Ride in style

What could be better than a sunny spring or summer day on yourtricycle? This Grow-With-Me Trike from Fisher-Price is designed forkids ages 2-6 and features easy-grip handlebars, slip-resistantpedals and durable tires. In the upmost position, the trike can beused as a traditional trike. In the lower positions, the trike canbe used as an older "Low Rider" with the oversized front wheel,which enables the child to pedal at a higher rate of speed.Available soon at toy stores. ($24.99)

Keeping Fido dry

The Ohio State hooded nylon rain slicker has reflective trim soyou can see your dog in the dark. Velcro adjustable straps connectunder the belly and chest. It's $17.95-$19.95 at Moochie & Co. atThe Greene. The store also sells pet sunscreen and sunglasses.

Neoprene boots protect your pets' paws in the rain. A zipper andVelcro straps keep the boot from falling off the paw. Priced at$13.97-$20.97 from Moochie & Co. at The Greene.

Carry-all

A sunny day means toting all your goodies to the pool or thetennis courts. This twill floral tote is $39.50 at The Gap.

Time for a sundress

This multicolor halter patchwork patio dress is designed with themom-to-be in mind. It's $44.98 at Motherhood Maternity at the DaytonMall and the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

Get into the trenches

You'll be seeing lots of oversized floral prints this season. Thelined Gardenia Trench Coat is double-breasted and features longsleeves with buckle detail at the cuffs and an adjustable tie belt.It's $79.95 at Avenue.

Anchors away

Nothing says springtime like nautical themes. This cotton jerseystriped anchor shirt in chili and white, by Nautica, is $44 atMacy's.

Protecting our skin

It's important to protect our skin yearround, but especiallycrucial as we start spending more time in the sun. We askedCosmetics Cop Paula Begoin to choose a few of her favorite drugstore products that do a good job of taking care of our skin. Tolearn more, you can sign up for Paula's free beauty newsletter atwww.cosmeticscop.com.

Drugstore daytime moisturizer sunscreens

Almay Daily Moisturizer for Normal/ Combo Skin with Grape SeedSPF 15 ($11.99 for 4 ounces), Dove Energy Glow BrighteningMoisturizer SPF 15 ($10.99 for 1.7 ounce), Olay Regenerist UVDefense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15 ($18.99 for 2.5 ounces).

Drugstore sunscreens (face and body)

Almay Sun Protector for Body SPF 30 ($8.99 for 4.2 ounces), JasonNatural Sunbrellas Complete Sunblock SPF 26 ($11 for 4 ounces),Neutrogena Age Shield Sunblock SPF 30 ($9.99 for 4 ounces),Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 45 ($9.99 for 3ounces).

Drugstore lip balms with sunscreen

Blistex Clear Advance SPF 30 ($1.89 for 0.15 ounce), Blistex ProCare SPF 30 ($2.49 for 0.16 ounce), Kiss My Face Vanilla HoneyOrganic Lip Balm SPF 15 ($3.50 for 0.15 ounce).

Drugstore foundations with sunscreen

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup SPF 17 ($9.99), RevlonColorStay Active Light Makeup SPF 25 ($12.99), Cover Girl AquaSmoothMakeup SPF 15 ($8.50)

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 ormmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.