Powering Arduino Pro Mini + Driving LED Strip Just looking for a second opinion on my circuit below. Wired up everything works great, but last night as i was unplugging the FTDI programmer something seemed to have happend, and the mini was bricked. 

I'm not sure if it has to do with my wiring below, or if it was me unplugging the cable in a haphazard manner.

What I'm attempting to do is run my arduino from 12v wall supply, but also drive an LED strip with it. I'm just unsure if this is the best way to go about it, any advice is welcome. 

Thanks
Justin
According to the schematics, the Pro Mini uses the MIC5205, which is a linear regulator.
Using it directly with 12V is not a very good idea, in terms of power efficiency, as it will dissipate 35mW vs 25mW provided to the ATMega board.

From this perspective, I'd recommend a step-down converter for powering the Arduino.

However it will not cause any damage, at least at room temperature, as the power dissipation is well within operating margins, see calculation at page 8 of the MIC datasheet.

Edit: detailed pros and cons, power wise.