The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts

Apr 09, 2024

The First Shipment of Cookie Nip

I am not a numbers person.


That's why when I struck off to create a signature flavor for The Cookie School, I recruited a higher level math teacher to help me get it right.


We did our due diligence. We measured, weighed, blended, tested, collected data, reconfigured, re-blended, and tested again until we had a winning product.


We submitted our product to the FDA for approval, ordered up some bottles and caps, designed a label, secured a commercial kitchen, "cooked" our product, and were ready to give it away.


We had lots of enthusiasm for it close to home but we really wanted to get it in the hands of independent bakers across the country who are constantly trying to bake a better cake! So, we dropped a line in the water....and they BIT.


What we anticipated would be about 100 requests turned into 1,282. Given the cost of mailing that many samples, we had to investigate every possible option for transport.


Did you know that you need about $455 worth of PERMITS just to mail a whole bunch of packages?


Did you know that mailing a liquid requires a HazMat approval from some important guy in New York? Did you know that a liquid must be mailed inside a ziplock bag, inside a padded envelope?


Did you know that your basic, everyday mailing labels don't like to stick onto padded envelopes? Did you know that if you have 2 printers and six ink cartridges, it is not enough to print bulk mailing labels?


Did you know that when you take the large quantity of packages to the Post Office, they have a cart with wheels that will help you get the packages from your car to inside the Post Office but there is a ramp and if the cart is heavy, it will accelerate and (well, never mind).


Finally, did you know that the very tired lady behind the desk will weigh packages that you have assured her contain the exact, same contents and ask you to take them home, open them up and level up each bottle to the precise milligram so all the packages will be the exact same weight?!!

We briefly considered pitching them all in the dumpster behind the Post Office but we really wanted to give people what we promised them. This is where the math gets fuzzy. Forget everything you know about "the sum of the parts." It does not apply here.


The label weighs .75 grams


The bottle weighs 9.71 grams


The cap weighs 2.14 grams


The ziplock bag weighs 2.65 grams


The informational insert weighs .87 grams +/- depending on how close they are trimmed


The padded envelope weighs 8.70 grams


All together, these packages total 91.47 grams or 3.226 ounces exactly.


(For future reference, don't go to the Post office with a thousand packages and tell them that they are all 3ish ounces. That won't fly.


While I was whining about how 1,282 identical envelopes containing a little 2 oz. bottle inside a ziplock bag could vary by a fraction of a gram, Marc was intent on "leveling up" the bottles. Drop by drop by freaking drop.

In times like this, I usually say something stupid like, "well we will know next time!" but I am confident that there won't be a next time because as plans go, this one stinks. But, if "all roads lead to Rome," surely there is more than one way to get Cookie Nip in the right hands.


I would call this a comedy of errors but the whole thing lost me at comedy. There is nothing funny here.


We are mailing these to THE CURRENT RESIDENT at the address you all provided because if one were to accidentally get returned, I might just SNAP. But, when your little bottle arrives, please do a little happy dance, smell it, use it, post a picture of it but most of all appreciate the journey.

 


I can hear my mama's voice saying, "if it was easy, everyone would do it."


By Maya Infosoft 28 Sep, 2024
If you’ve ever admired beautifully decorated cookies and wished you could create your own edible masterpieces, Cookie Nip Studio Kitchen is here to help! Our online cookie decorating classes make it easier than ever to develop your skills, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your techniques. With the flexibility of online learning and expert instruction, our classes offer everything you need to master the art of cookie decorating. Why Choose Online Cookie Decorating Classes? At Cookie Nip Studio Kitchen, we understand that life can be busy, which is why we offer online cookie classes that you can take from the comfort of your home. Our online classes are perfect for anyone who wants to learn at their own pace. Whether you’re balancing a busy work schedule, taking care of a family, or just prefer learning from your kitchen, online classes offer unmatched flexibility. One of the key benefits of online cookie decorating classes is that you can revisit the lessons as many times as you need. This means you’ll be able to pause, rewind, and practice each step of the process until you’re confident in your skills. With detailed video tutorials and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have all the tools you need to create beautifully decorated cookies. What You’ll Learn in Our Online Cookie Classes Our online classes cover a wide range of techniques, from basic decorating skills to advanced designs. You’ll learn everything from piping and flooding to creating intricate patterns and textures. Whether you’re interested in designing custom cookies for special occasions or simply want to improve your decorating abilities, our classes have something for everyone. In the introductory sessions, you’ll learn the fundamentals of cookie decorating, including how to create the perfect royal icing consistency and how to use different types of piping tips for various effects. As you progress through the course, you’ll move on to more advanced techniques, such as creating detailed designs, layering colors, and adding finishing touches that will make your cookies truly stand out. Not only will you develop your decorating skills, but you’ll also learn how to make your cookies taste as good as they look. Our online classes cover tips for baking the perfect cookies that are sturdy enough for decorating but still soft and delicious. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to confidently create your own custom cookies for any occasion. Who Can Benefit from Our Online Cookie Decorating Classes? Our online cookie classes are designed for everyone, whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced baker looking to refine your techniques. We cater to a variety of skill levels, so you can choose the class that best suits your experience and goals. If you’re someone who loves the idea of creating personalized treats for events, our classes will give you the skills you need to design custom cookies that are sure to impress. You’ll learn how to create cookies for birthdays, weddings, holidays, and more, using designs that reflect your unique style. For those located in Atlanta, our online classes provide the same high-quality instruction as our in-person offerings. And while you may not be able to attend a class at our studio, you can still create custom cookies in Atlanta or anywhere you’re based, using the techniques you’ve learned online. Why Cookie Decorating is the Perfect Creative Outlet Cookie decorating is more than just a fun activity—it’s a creative outlet that allows you to express yourself in a unique and edible form. Whether you’re decorating cookies for a family celebration, a gift, or just for fun, the possibilities are endless. You’ll be able to experiment with colors, designs, and techniques to create something that is truly one-of-a-kind. Not only is cookie decorating a great way to relieve stress, but it’s also a fantastic way to make memories. Invite friends and family to join you in a decorating session, either in person or virtually, and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful together. Start Your Cookie Decorating Journey Today At Cookie Nip Studio Kitchen, we believe that anyone can master the art of cookie decorating with the right guidance and tools. Our online cookie decorating classes are designed to be fun, engaging, and accessible for learners of all skill levels. If you’ve ever wanted to create custom cookies that look just as good as they taste, now is the perfect time to start. Sign up for one of our classes today, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a cookie decorating pro. Our online classes make it easy to bring the art of cookie decorating into your home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound skills and delicious creations!
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