Hi, friends! TGIF! I am particularly excited that it’s Friday because I am going to see the Nutcracker tonight!! I think I might be the only person who danced in the Nutcracker for ten years and still LOVES everything about it, including the music. LOVE it.

(New York Times)

Also, just a reminder to any of you who are thinking about joining me in the 101 in 1001 challenge on January 1: be thinking about your list! I’ve got 87 challenges so far on mine. If you need some inspiration, consider checking out these lists:

Brooke from Claremont Road
John from John Takes a Hike (partial)
Ashley at Our Little Apartment
Melissa Jill
Danni from Oh, Hello Friend
Kerri from Your Wishcake

Happy weekend!

(Martha Stewart)

Many thanks to all who participated in the first annual P&P Christmas CD Swap! J and I have had so much fun listening to all of your mixes as we drive around town completing errands and Christmas shopping. Of particular note? We think Brooke wins for prettiest packaging, Melissa wins for sweetest note, and Maria wins for best themed mix (Dixie Christmas, y’all!).

I was pretty proud of the CD I sent out, and wanted to share it with any readers who weren’t able to participate. Click here for the link to my Grooveshark mix!

Have you seen the 2010 holiday collection from JL Designs? SO chic and so original. I especially love the succulent Christmas trees and the balsa wood snowmen. Check out the rest of the designs here.

Ever since my friend Katharine showed me her holiday card, I’ve been thinking about a black and white Christmas.

Turns out there’s plenty of lovely inspiration to be had! Take these Christmas card designs from Tiny Prints:

Altogether chic. Wrapping inspiration? Check.

Martha Stewart

Black and white striped ribbon (love this stuff) looks so sharp paired with fresh greens. I also love the fresh, simple combination of white tulips and paperwhites tied with a velvet ribbon. (They’d look equally as good in a vase as in a bouquet.)

Country Living

Jose Villa

The Inspired Room

What do you think? Is a black and white Christmas for you?