erica danielle

I stayed true to my plan and took a sleeping pill last night. CHECK. Went to bed at 10:15 and woke up at 8:57. Love those long sleeps. Sten and I made breakfast and then ran a couple errands before he was off, and I got down to baking business.  I used a box for these cupcakes because I was lazy... But this frosting is high-class and makes up for my lack of effort on the cakes... It's the same one I used for Sten's golden Birthday cake, it's so good, I couldn't resist making it again.  Let the Super Bowl began!  dreamy, creamy, yellow butter batter. Fluffy, rich, chocolate butter cream frosting I saw this on Pinterest and thought it was so clever and easy. How did I ever live without Pinterest?? If you have a cake mix box in your cupboard you can whip these up quick for the SB tomorrow! I went to the gym this afternoon with the intention of a quick run and some weight lifting. I got so into my run that I stayed on the tred for 60 minutes while...

So glad it's Friday. Doesn't it seem like 4 day weeks take longer than 5 day ones sometimes?? Why is that? Sten is at NP Basketball practice, I can't wait for him to get home. I just need that "the weeks over, it's time to do weekend stuff and have fun" hug. I think that's my favorite thing about Friday's... coming home and seeing Sten and having a happy hour Cribbage drink. It's a small tradition that we've started, and I love it! In college I babysat for the most wonderful family and since moving back have been able to see them a few times. The boys are all grown up now and so mature, but they will always be 3yrs and 5yrs old to me. Sten and I were invited to their house for dinner tonight! Can't wait to see them and catch up. I am planning on sleeping in late tomorrow (with the help of my small little sleeping pill I am going to take tonight) So I wake up on Saturday ready to take on the day. I have to get ready for the Super Bow...

Last year today we were snuggled into Mim's house watching "Snow-ma-gedon 2011" happen outside the window. It was the perfect time to be snowed in because Bryce, Ryann and Drake were in town and we had so much time just to hang out and be together. This year today it was 47 degrees and sunny, with no snow on the ground. I think that classifies as a Wednesday Wow! Other Wow's include: Our small group: which has slowly formed into a tight-knit group of friends. I look forward to our meaningful conversations and laughter each week. I think about each and every person in our group throughout the week, and am abundantly thankful that God chose to bring us together. Yoga. Happy baby, downward dog, plank, triangle, half moon-- i love it all. Passing up: Dunkin Donuts munchkins, chocolate cake, mini cheesecake, candy, and lemon cake. Day 1 of no-sweet February: CHECK! xo. e

Sten and I had a great afternoon. We finished our grocery shopping and I went to spin class then came home and made cauliflower pizza. It's a healthy alternative to processed/carbohydrate loaded pizza crust without substituting flavor. Pizza is a "Carlson home staple"and I think with a few more tries it will be perfected and I will be whipping up this pizza at least once a week- obsessed with pizza? YES! Fresh out of the oven.  Main ingredient in the crust.   ready to be pressed a perfect circle. Looks legit! crispy edges This is about the easiest pizza crust you could ever make. No kneading, no rising, no rolling. Just grating, warming, mixing and baking! Here's the crust recipe: 1 cup "riced" cauliflower* 1 cups mozz cheese  1 egg Italian spices to taste Preheat oven to 450. Mix riced cauliflower, cheese, egg and spices. Pressed onto (very) well greased pan into a 9' circle. Bake for 15 mins.  Add desired...

With last week behind me, I am ready for February. New month. New goals, and lots of chances for adventures.  My weekend started Saturday after work and included: - homemade goat cheese, mozzarella and pepperoni pizza, bulls game and the most WONDERFUL surprise from Kate = Lululemon yoga pants! - bringing Elin to the NPU basketball game and watching her yell, cheer, smile and snuggle. Doesn't she melt your heart? - Geneva on Sunday. - sleeping in today, running errands with my man, re-decorating, running outside, Bach! February is only 29 days, and nestled in there is Valentine's Day and my Birthday.... Inspired by another blogger, I have decided it's the perfect month to give up my sugar addiction (making an exception for the current months holidays, of course) So, starting February 1, I will be pushing away the cookies, chocolates, cupcakes and everything associated with my sweet tooth. Please join me!  Cheers to a 4 days week and the Super Bow...

Today I did myself a favor and had a warm, healthy and fulfilling breakfast stuffed of whole grains, antioxidants, and flavor. I was on the treadmill the other day and had forgotten my headphones... woof. I was switching between trying to read captions from Dr. Oz and the snowboarding "Dew Games"( weird, but awesome... ). Suddenly I became fascinated by Dr. Oz's exclamation of the new superfruit: LINGONBERRY! I was immediately disinterested in the Dew Games. After a little research on my own, here are some health benefits of these little morsels of joy that normally I only eat on my Swedish Pancakes from Tre Kronor and Swedish Meatballs from IKEA: Animal studies have shown how the lingonberry can lower inflammatory molecules, block oxidants from destroying tissue, and also help the body replace important antioxidants.   Lingonberry has also been shown to increase red blood cell and liver enzymes needed for antioxidant protection. Lastly, they are  found to...

There was something about today that can be summed up in this drawing. Sten and I have been talking so big picture lately that it feels overwhelming. I'm not good at big picture. I'm good at what I like now, and if what I like now doesn't make sense, then I want to get on our bicycles with all our valuables and peddle to greener pastures. I feel a little trapped in my work, and wonder if there's anything else out there. I feel like my creativity and my love for adventure is just getting stuffed to the bottom of the barrel of life. At what point do I just make a serious move? Is that stupid and irresponsible? At camp we always did "highs" and "lows" during devo time if the conversation wasn't flowing. Sometimes I lay in bed and think about my high and low of the day as a reminder to always end the night on a good note. Today my low was what I described above. Feelings of being trapped and watching my life be the same as it was a year ago... Bu...