Our volume 7 features Oksana from United States. She lives with her three children and husband on East coast. She homeschools her kids and has a little shop with hand knitted baby clothes. We talked about her favourite music, brands she likes and what book she is currently reading. 

Where do you live? How old are your children?

I live on the East Coast of the United States with my husband and three children. Our son Noah is 9 years old, daughter Emma is 6 and baby Ava is 14 months old. We live in a big city but our house is situated in a small neighbourhood backing up to the woods. It feels like we live out in the countryside and I love that. My kids play in the woods every day, searching for nature’s treasures and ‘perfect’ sticks.

Do you work?

I chose to be a stay at home mom, although I did some contract work for a language solutions company as an interpreter up until I had Ava. Now my hands are full, all day every day. I homeschool our children. I love to knit and have a small shop making hand knit bonnets and blankets for babies. I also love photography and learning it makes me happy.

 How do you relax?

Ha! I feel like I don't get much time to relax, evenings are about the only time when I get to sit down and kick up my feet. I enjoy a glass of good wine, or a cup of hot tea with a sweet pastry, it’s my weakness. Also knitting in very therapeutic for me, plus I love seeing my babe in hand knitted pieces.

 Do you have any tips on coping with being tired?

A good neck or back rub from my husband and an earlier bed time is usually what helps me. Sometimes I just like to sit on the sofa with my husband and watch a ‘feel good’ movie.

 What is the last book/magazine you read?

I honestly can not remember when was the last time I read an entire book from beginning to end. I have a big stack of books in a basket under my night stand that I want to read. Currently I'm reading through a book called “Present Over Perfect” and I’m enjoying it very much. Hope to finish it soon.

 Where do you shop clothes for you and your children?

Since joining Instagram about a year ago I learnt about some amazing shops and brands, led by moms, ethically made, with unique styles and timeless designs, made with quality fabrics and natural fibers. Some of my favourite ones are Rylee and Cru, Fin and Vince, Nobonu, Not Perfect Linen, LueeLuet, Little Cotton Clothes, Sweet Hannah B Desings, Mabo kids. I also love getting my basics and cute dresses for my girls from Zara.

 Your latest favourite band/musician?

I love Jonathan and Melisa Helser, Bethel music and Lauren Daigle. And listen to these on a daily basis. When we take road trips, my husband, who has an amazing taste in music, plays an eclectic mix of songs ranging from modern classical, pop music and classic rock. So one moment we are listening to The Piano Guys and Lindsey Sterling, and the next, we are listening to Aerosmith’s “Dream On”, followed by a county artist from a film my husband directed. I just love that he is introducing me and the kids to all this great music!

 What is your secret to a good photo of your children?

I love natural light, and in the mornings we get the most of it in our house. So I try to plan mini sessions with them during that time. I love “lifestyle” type photography the most and find that it is the easiest to capture my children during their regular play. I like to dress them in cute outfits and pull out our favourite toys and just let them do their thing. I have learned, that when I want to take a more ‘posed’ shot it doesn't usually work the way I saw it in my head. So I just let the kids play, direct them a bit especially with my older ones and then try to snap those sweet moments. But I am by no means an expert at this. I’m learning as I go and I enjoy capturing my children on camera because I am all about making memories.

 Why do you like S&B KIDS?

Since the moment I saw S&B kids toys I fell in love! I admire the sweetest faces of the wooden animals, love the natural wood look and simple design. I also love that they are educational. My older daughter who is in kindergarten uses Bartholomew to help her with simple additions all the while making her think that she is playing. These toys are some of our most favourite and treasured ones in our home.

 What is your favourite toy/item from our collection?

Oh goodness!!!!! I love so many of them! But if I were to choose I’d say the pull along drummer dog and the leaf puzzle! But I also adore Genevieve Duck and Beatrice cat. See I told I couldn't just pick one! 

THANK YOU SO MUCH Oksana! it was lovely having you as part of our inspiring stories. 

Oksana's personal Instagram , her shop Linksandco, Linksandco Instagram

items featured in the blog post from our shop: 

 Hugo - Bear in the car - £14.50, Charlotte - sacking kitten - £11.50, Arthur - pull along drummer - £16.50, Large Personalised Storage Bag - £10.00, Odette - Stacking duck - £11.50, Memory Game - £8.00, Wilbur - stacking dog - £11.50, Beatrice - cat - £12.50, Wooden Leaf Puzzle - £35.00, Bartholomew- rattle  - £14.50, Genevieve - pull along duck - £16.50