She is testing limits, but you also have to remember that she is too young to really be manipulative. She just wants you to carry her, plain and simple. And she has no frame of reference, so when you won't carry her, it really IS the worst thing she can think of, you know? She doesn't know about the economy or a sore back or losing a loved one--she only knows that her favorite person won't carry her. Kids this age feel things so strongly. Sometimes if you can put yourself in her mind, it helps.
Often she's just going to have to suck it up, but being flexible at this age is important or you wind up getting into ridiculous battles where you just want to scream, "If you had picked up the toy when I asked, you could HAVE the book!" Her brain just isn't mature enough to understand all of that.
Right now she needs less discipline than she needs guidance and gentle refusal when what she asks is truly unreasonable. My son refused a high chair when he thought he was big enough, so we didn't force it. Now he's almost 2 and will sit in it again. A previous poster suggested offering two choices, and that often does help defuse the issue. Pick up "The Happiest Toddler On The Block" too.
If you're going to be carrying her, I recommend you pick up a mei tai soft carrier, where you can put her on your back. I did that with my older child throughout my pregnancy with the younger (I never used a stroller with either) and it is SO much easier.
It WILL pass, I promise. She's at an age where she's learning so much about her place in the family, and just try to remember that she's not capable of real malice and manipulation at this age. She just wants her way, and be as gentle as possible when denying her so you don't get caught in a battle of wills. There will be enough of that when she's three. :)