Australians Born In May

This month's Australian birthdays include a gold medallist marathon winner, America's Cup skipper, Miles Franklin Award winners, ARIA Hall of Fame member, gold medal rhythmic gymnast, actors, singers, comedians and politicians. For those no longer with us, it's a way to remember them too.

My list of over 50 Aussies born in May includes ...

03 May 1879 – Fergus McMaster
One of the founders of Qantas airlines.
04 May 1960 – Andrew Denton
Australian TV personality and comedian.
12 May 1980 – Lisa Frances Martin
Australian marathoner, 1st place NY City Marathon 1992
13 May 1988 – Casey Donovan
Singer, won Australian Idol 2004 at age 16.
27 May 1954 – Pauline Hanson
Australian politician, former leader of One Nation.
28 May 1968 – Kylie Minogue
Australian actress, singer, Logie award winner
See 50 more May Birthdays

Mother's Day Cards

Mother's work is never done, but her little joey (above right) is doing his best to help. Wish that special lady in your life a Happy Mother's Day.

From Everything Roo Do cards to traditional Australian Flower cards, you're sure to find a card she'll like for Mother's Day Sunday 12 May.

Share a smile and say hello with our free Greeting Cards today.

Australian Blog

Just for Fun

Motherisms

How many of these did your mother use and if you're a mum, have you used them too?

• Why? Because I said so, that's why!
• Don't make me come in there!
• Just wait until your father gets home.
• Just scrape off the burnt part, it's still good.
• I hope someday you have kids just like you.
• Don't run with scissors. You'll poke your eye
out.
• Watching TV too close makes you go blind.
• Would it hurt to call once in a while?
• If everyone else jumped off a cliff, would you
do it too?
• Just remember, I love you no matter what.

Honouring Mums Who Have Died

Trees for Mum program is a wonderful way to create a growing legacy for mums who have died and those still with us. They help you to plant a commemorative native tree in your mum's honour.

In their first year over 150 people planted a tree at Manly Lagoon Park in Sydney. Since then over 20,000 people have participated in the Mother's Day Trees for Mum events at over 100 planting sites across Australia over the past several years.

Trees for Mum was started in 2002 by Lauren Adlam and Deena Raphael who had both lost their mums to cancer. We invite you to visit Trees For Mum to learn more.

Did You Know ...

Australians will spend around $1.4 billion (yes, billion with a 'b') spoiling their mums in 2013. That's almost 3 times as much as Aussies spend on Father's Day.

Where does that money go?

Chocolates and Sweets

Hard to find a woman that doesn't like chocolates. This year mums might find their clothing growing a bit tight as sales of chocolates and confectionary is expected to be around $44 million. Anyone not wanting their share can send it to me.

Eating Out

It's become traditional to treat mum by dining out with the family and avoid the cooking and dishes for the day. Cafes and restaurants are expected to take in almost $300 million for Mother's Day.

Flowers and Plants

What man hasn't rushed out to buy flowers at the last minute? If he can't find a flower seller on the street, then it's into Coles or Woolies. The more organized man drop into the florist or nursery. No matter where the flower bouquets or living plants come from, Aussies are expected to spend over $190 million for Mother's Day.

Perfume, Jewellery, Clothing, Homeware

Women are better at buying these items for their mums. Today many men have learned how to avoid the pitfalls by asking another woman what not to get. Big hint ... if it's something to do with cleaning, give it a miss even if she needs one.

Mums will receive almost $132 million worth of perfume, cosmetics and toiletries. Jewellery gifts will top $120 million for Mother's Day 2013. Gifts of clothing and accessories will total around $106 million. Homeware gifts are expected to total over $50 million.

Coupons and Gift Certificates

Can't think of what to buy? Gift vouchers are often a safe bet for the hard to please mum. Today you can buy all sorts of gift certificates online as well as at traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Mums are set to receive around $134 million in vouchers for 2013.

Feel like spoiling mum a bit? Almost $124 million will be spent for Mother's Day 2013 on coupons for day spas, massages, facials and other pampering options.

What's New

In our Forum

This week in our Forum, we salute our Mums.

We have a Mother's Day video for you along with the history of this special day. Did you know the woman who invented Mother's Day was arrested. Learn why.

Till next time ... Max

Australian Charity Events in May

The following are a few of the charity events taking place in Australia in May.

Mothers Day Classic – 12 May

National walk and run fundraiser to support the work of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. 2013 marks the 16th year the annual event has taken place. More than half a million Australian have participated over the years and you can too. Walk, run, cheer, fundraise or volunteer to help raise money for breast cancer research. Mothers Day Classic

Million Paws Walk – 19 May

Fundraising event for the RSPCA to support their work to help stop the annual 50,000 reports of animal cruelty and neglect in Australia each year.
Million Paws Walk website

Wear a Bear Day – 24 May

The even has raised nearly $1 million since 1998. Fundraising to support children and adolescents who visit the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (PMH). It's Western Australia's only specialist children's hospital. Wear A Bear Day website

Kiss Goodbye to MS – 1-31 May

Put on your red lipstick and help kiss goodbye to MS. The events taking place this month across Australia will to help fund vital research into the cause, cure and to improve treatments of MS.
Kiss Goodbye to MS website

Miracle Babies Month – 1-31 May

Fundraising and awareness campaign highlighting the struggles faced by premature and sick newborns and their families. Miracle Babies website

Jelly Baby Month – 1- 31 May

Fundraising event to support research into type one and type two juvenile diabetes.
Jelly Baby Month website

Biggest Morning Tea – May - June

Make a cuppa and make a difference. Host or attend a fun morning tea at home, work or online to help raise vital funds for the work of the Cancer Council.
Biggest Morning Tea website