NEWSWORTHY: NOVEMBER 2025

LITTLE ELM OPENS IN WINNETKA

A stylish new children’s boutique is arriving in downtown Winnetka, just steps from Dwyer Park. Little Elm, founded by local mothers Kitty Brandtner and Kristi Jensen, will offer luxury and essential clothing and accessories for little ones. Every label carried in the shop will be women-owned, a purposeful choice by the founders. “This is not meant to be misandrist,” says Brandtner, who is also the founder of March Fourth, the nonprofit working to end mass shootings. “We are thrilled to take advantage of the opportunity to uplift brands founded by women and celebrate their inspiration and craftsmanship.” Jensen, whose career spans retail roles at Crate & Barrel, Anthropologie, Aerie, and more, emphasizes the store’s mix of practicality and polish. “Our mission is to offer elevated basics and standout pieces for life’s most memorable moments—from school picture day to birthdays, and everything in between.” Little Elm will also feature year-round resort wear for traveling families and a PJ Bar showcasing distinctive sleep and loungewear. For more information, follow @littleelmshoppe and visit littleelmshoppe.com.

VIVID CREATURES

36 Sandhill Crane By Heather Begaetz And Fez Begaetz — Whimsical sculptures representing animals important to Illinois ecosystems comprise the newest outdoor exhibition, Vivid Creatures, at The Morton Arboretum.

36 Awhite Tailed Deer By Heather Begaetz And Fez Begaetz — Whimsical sculptures representing animals important to Illinois ecosystems comprise the newest outdoor exhibition, Vivid Creatures, at The Morton Arboretum.

Five massive, whimsical sculptures representing animals important to Illinois ecosystems comprise the newest outdoor exhibition at The Morton Arboretum. Vivid Creatures—created for the Arboretum by Portland, Oregon-based artists Fez and Heather BeGaetz—will include renditions of white-tailed deer, dragonfly, sandhill crane, fox squirrel, and brittle button snail that range up to 23 feet tall. The exhibition is included free with general admission to the Arboretum and will run through spring 2027. For more information, visit mortonarb.org.

36 Fox Squirrel By Heather Begaetz And Fez Begaetz

36 Dragonfly By Heather Begaetz And Fez Begaetz

SNACK SMARTER

Moll’s Balls & Moll’s Muffins are gluten-free, “clean” treats locally crafted by certified integrative health coach Molly O’Neil. Perfect for a quick snack, workout fuel, healthy breakfast, or back-to-school snack. Made with gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free ingredients and packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3s, they’re perfect for active kids and adults, and come in flavors the whole family will enjoy. For more information, visit mollsballs.com.