Mom blogger, Megan Schinella, has her hands full with 3 kids and her blog, Camp by MaMa. She takes a break from her busy schedule to give us a peek into her life.
Here is Camp by Mama, Megan Schinella’s Life in Stamford, CT.
Tell me about your move to Stamford, CT
I moved to Stamford, CT after college. I wanted to work in fashion and Stamford is close to New York City.
I rented a 1-bedroom apartment when I first moved to Stamford. From there my husband and I bought a two bedroom condo in Stamford and we lived there with our oldest daughter Ava until she was 2.
And now, we’ve lived in a house in Stamford for the past 5 years. I never looked in surrounding towns because my husband lived in Stamford his whole life and loves it here.
When you moved to Stamford, did you know anyone? How did you make friends?
When I moved to Stamford I didn’t really know anyone but I’ve made friends through my boyfriend (now husband) who was born and raised in Stamford.
A lot of Joseph’s family still live in Stamford. We come from a big Italian family. Our wedding was 415 people!
How old are your kids?
Ava is 8, Gianna 5, and Nico 1.
Check out our Stamford Cost of Living Calculator (yes, it cost over $10K a month for a family of four to live in Stamford!)
You have a blog for moms in the area. Tell us a little bit about Camp by MaMa
I started Camp by MaMa as a creative outlook into motherhood. I’m always on the go with my three kids.
I wanted to create a blog for moms to relate to. A place to find something to do for their families. Activities, events, fashion and products for your minis.
What do you like to do with your kids in Stamford or in the area?
I love spending time with my family. They are so important to me, my life.
My kids love going to the park, going out to dinner as a family, museums, painting pottery, going to a show or movie, picking fruit at farms or orchards, and my girls love shopping at Claire’s and Justice.
What are the best playgrounds and parks in Stamford and Fairfield County?
My kids love the newly renovated Chestnut Hill Park in Stamford.
We love Mead Park in New Canaan for their playgrounds and great snack bar.
Stillmeadow School in Stamford has an amazing playground for kids of all ages.
What are your favorite restaurants in Stamford or in the area?
My husband’s favorite date night spot is Cafe Silvium in Stamford. Amazing Italian food, and they fill your wine glass right to the top!
I love trying trendy new spots, the Whelk in Westport or Bodega Taco Bar in Darien or Terrain in Westport for brunch.
Kid friendly spots are Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford.
My kids love the Sugar Bowl Luncheonette in Darien, which serves breakfast and lunch daily. Their seasonal decorations is always a big hit!
My girls love the pizza at Fortina. We also love Crab Shell Restaurant in Stamford, it is on the water.
Love the outside seating at Capriccio Cafe in Stamford. Bar Taco in Wesport.
Elm Street Diner in Stamford for milkshakes. Gofer Ice cream.
What are your go-to places in Stamford or in the area?
To burn energy: Chelsea Piers Connecticut for Ice Skating, Get Air Trampoline Park in Stamford, My Gym for open gym, Kaia Yoga
For Shows: Bow Tie Cinemas and Curtain Call
For shopping: Pink Lemon Blue Lime in Westport, Target, and Kirby Girl in Darien
For a day at the beach: West Beach in Stamford
For arts and crafts: Hands on Pottery and Chocolate Works in Darien for decorating chocolate molds
For carousel rides: Mill River park
Museums: Stamford Museum & Nature Center to visit the animals, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk and Bronx Zoo
For apple picking: Silvermans Farm
For strawberry picking: Jones Family Farm
Are you a member of a country club?
We are not members of any clubs yet, hopefully eventually.
We joined the Italian Center one summer before our son Nico arrived. The girls loved the pools and playground there.
What has your experience been so far with schools in Stamford?
I think the public schools in Stamford are good. The teachers and staff are very educated and experienced, they don’t get the credit they deserve.
We did choose Catholic school for our girls because we wanted them in a smaller family environment. I toured many public and private catholic schools in Fairfield County. There is so much to offer in our area.
Do you or your spouse commute to New York City form Stamford?
I used to commute into New York City from Stamford when I worked for Camuto Group. The commute into NYC wasn’t every day but just for weeks at a time for a shoe show or showroom meetings.
I’m thankful I didn’t have to commute every day as it takes a toll on you.
What are some things you don’t like about Stamford?
I feel that Stamford has way too many high-rise buildings going up everywhere. It takes away from the beauty of the city.
How would you describe Stamford residents?
I’ve lived in Stamford since 2004 and I’ve made some great friendships that will last a lifetime. Overall the people are nice and friendly.
Can you describe your social life?
My social life since becoming a mom eight years ago has definitely changed, but for the better.
I play tennis at nights, once a week at a clinic. I love trying new places to dine for date nights with my husband or with girlfriends for brunch or dinner.
I enjoy being very involved in our kids’ school, volunteering. I always make it a point to attend moms night out.
I love spending time with my friends for coffee, lunch, dinner, or perhaps a movie, yoga class, a Yankees game, or getting our nails done together. It’s important to share the time together without kids.
Any tips/advice you can give to someone looking to move to Stamford?
I didn’t realize Stamford, CT is a small city in itself. It’s a great place to raise a family.
There’s certainly no shortage of things to do.
Stamford has a lot of offer… beaches, art, culture, theater and food! It has a big city feel, but with small, cute neighborhoods in between.
About Megan Schinella
Megan Schinella is the founder of Camp by MaMa, a creative motherhood blog. She married her college sweetheart Joseph. Before kids, she worked in the fashion industry. Now a stay at home Mom in Stamford of three: two girls, Ava, age 8 and Gianna, age 5, and a son Nico, age 1. Her family is complete since his arrival; no more kids she says! Website: www.campbymama.com. Instagram: @campbymama
You may also be interested in:
Insider’s Guide to Country Clubs in Greenwich, CT
Matteo Pozzi- Move from Italy to Stamford, CT
Living in Stamford and New Canaan, CT- Laura Anne Barbosa
Jasmine Hodgson’s Life in Darien, CT
Irene Ng- Manhattan to Greenwich, CT
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