Connect with us

Fashion

Inside the Pennsylvania Bakery Whose ‘Cookie Count’ Called the Last 3 Elections

What can we glean from the crowds flocking to Lochel’s in Hatboro—30 minutes outside of Philadelphia—for Trump cookies?…

It’s not even 2 p.m. in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, on the day before Election Day, and Lochel’s Bakery is all sold out of Trump cookies. “We’re out for today,” owner Kathleen Romano Lochel calls to the crowd of people—mostly women, almost all white—who have been lining up outside the cozy, teal-painted bakery since well before its 6 a.m. opening time.

Lochel’s has been a local favorite ever since it opened its Hatboro location in 1984 and is best known for its elaborate, multitiered wedding and confirmation cakes. This level of attention, though, is something nobody—least of all its owners—could have predicted. Customers are driving in from New Jersey, Virginia, Delaware, and beyond; orders are coming in from all over the country; members of the press, including a pair of Russian TV reporters from Moscow, circle the line hungrily.

The reason for Lochel’s sudden celebrity? The cookies. In 2008, the Lochel family, who has owned the bakery for three generations, experimented with selling sugar cookies iced with the names of Barack Obama and John McCain, inviting customers to buy their preferred candidate’s cookie and tallying up the results. The winner was Obama, and two months later, he was sworn in as president. The same thing happened in 2012, and soon Lochel’s “cookie count” became as accurate a bellwether as any for the results of the presidential election. (More so than some polls, even; when national polling had Hillary Clinton leading in 2016, Lochel’s cookie count correctly pointed to Donald Trump.)

The notion of an iced, liberally sprinkled cookie predicting the results of an American election might sound bizarre, but as in all things, context matters. Lochel’s is in Montgomery County, a region just 30 minutes from Philadelphia that has traditionally skewed blue. The county, though, sits squarely in Pennsylvania, a state whose battleground status cannot be overestimated; just a few hours north lies Luzerne County, whose 2016 swing toward Trump was the subject of a 2018 book.

Jean, a Lochel’s employee, shows off two of the bakery’s signature cakes.
Image may contain Human Person and Food
Cailin, Lochel’s store manager, with a fresh batch of Trump cookies

Superstition and sugar aside, there’s plenty to be learned from the people lined up outside Lochel’s just 24 hours before the polls open in Pennsylvania. “If I were to put on social media that I support Trump, I feel I would lose friends,” says Megan, 32, who lives just 15 minutes from Lochel’s. “I’m not embarrassed, but I’m not going to make myself a target; I’m more of the silent majority.”

Advertisement

Fashion

Keke Palmer Saves The Day At Tina Knowles’ Book Event

Honk Magazine

In a scene that felt like something straight out of a movie, Keke Palmer became the evening’s hero at Tina Knowles’ book event in Los Angeles this past weekend. Just as Knowles was about to share insights from her new memoir, “Matriarch,” her strapless gown unexpectedly started slipping down. This moment could have turned awkward very quickly, but thanks to Palmer’s quick thinking and sense of humor, it became one of the night’s most memorable moments. As everyone held their breath, Palmer sprang into action, stepping in to help Knowles while keeping her calm.

A video that’s now trending on TikTok captures this incredible moment, showing Palmer supporting Knowles and catching her dress just in time. With the crowd still in shock, Palmer lightened the mood with a funny comment that turned their gasps into laughter. She joked, “They were acting like it was a whole murder show!” before referring to the teleprompter as if it were demanding help. This incident showcased Palmer’s natural talent for handling tricky situations with grace and humor. Knowles, ever so elegant, adjusted her gown and smiled, showing why she’s known as a fashion icon.

Look this up: Tina Knowles Speaks Out About The Heartbreaking Rumors Surrounding Beyoncé’s First Pregnancy

After the mishap, Palmer expertly shifted the focus back to the book, quipping, “They was gonna give me a heart attack,” and then seamlessly transitioned back to discussing “Matriarch.” Her blend of care for Knowles and comedic timing saved the day. This was about fixing a wardrobe malfunction and was a shining example of how to handle unexpected moments with laughter and warmth. In an industry where things often go wrong, Keke Palmer proved that sometimes, a little kindness and quick thinking can turn a potential disaster into a highlight that everyone remembers.

Continue Reading

Fashion

Cardi B’s $60K Birkin Bag Gets The ‘Mommy Treatment’ As Daughter Unleashes Her Creativity

Honk Magazine

In a moment of relatable frustration, Cardi B took to Instagram to share a funny yet surprising story about her expensive $60,000 Birkin bag, one of her favorite items from her luxury collection. Known for her bold personality and honest social media posts, Cardi revealed that one of her daughters had turned the fancy purse into a makeshift canvas, drawing a heart on it without permission. “Look what my daughter did to my purse,” Cardi said dramatically in her Instagram Story, showing off the iconic bag to her followers. “I literally spent $60,000 on this purse,” she exclaimed, still amazed by the unexpected ‘artwork’ from her little girl.

Although she was frustrated, the mom of three tried to take it all in stride, at least for the moment. Cardi values her hard-earned luxury items, especially her growing collection of high end bags. However, as any parent knows, kids have a skill for creating chaos even in the most cherished parts of life. For Cardi, that chaos includes her high-priced accessories. The post quickly gained attention online, with fans sympathizing with Cardi’s situation. Many found humor in the irony of the event, while others offered support, pointing out that such moments are just part of the unpredictable journey of parenthood. Cardi has previously emphasized that family is her top priority, even if it means dealing with some messiness.

Check out this article: Offset Calls For Peace As He Pursues Truce With Cardi B’s Fans After Drama

But Cardi’s frustration didn’t stop there. She later took to Twitter to respond to comments made by Kanye West regarding her staying power in the spotlight. While she didn’t mention him directly, her tweet, “7 years 1 album… STILL being a topic and STILL being asked about my music!!!” sent a clear message. She confidently asserted her spot in the entertainment world, clarifying that her fans, known as “The Brim,” are not going anywhere. In the end, whether it’s a damaged Birkin bag or dealing with critics, Cardi B repeatedly shows that she remains unfazed by the ups and downs of fame, always staying true to herself and her family.

Continue Reading

Video Of The Week

Trending