Helpful Hair Tips

We all know that being a Pres student leaves us with zero time to think about our appearances at school. The following quick and simple hairstyles can take the thinking out of styling your hair during the school week.

Monday: You’re in a beginning-of-the-week slump, and there are still five more days of school left before your next time to breathe. Start your week off with the traditional Pres bun. Some variations can include: a low bun, top-of-head bun, or a braided bun.

For a twist on your everyday bun, try the braided bun. Place small, random braids throughout your hair, then collect it all into a bun. For another variation of a braided bun, gather your hair into a ponytail (high or low), then separate the ponytail into two sections. Braid each section separately. You can choose to secure them or not. Then, wrap one braid in a clockwise direction, and the other counterclockwise. Secure each braid underneath your bun with a few bobby pins.

Wednesday: You’ve made it halfway through the week, but you’re super tired from staying up until unbelievable hours of the night trying to finish that crazy load of homework you were assigned. Stay collected on the outside with a cute and easy fishtail, which will make it impossible for anyone to guess the exhaustion you feel inside. It will give you a casual, put-together look, keep the hair out of your face all day, and is a nice alternative to the normal everyday braid.

Simply separate your hair into two even sections. Hold both sections in your left hand, but keep them separated. Grab a thin section of hair from outside of the right side, and cross it over to the left side, joining it to the left side. Then hold the two sides with your right hand. With your left hand, take a thin section from the left side and cross it over to the right side, joining it to the right side. Repeat this all the way down until your hair is all braided. Then secure with an elastic.

Friday: It’s Friday! You have the weekend to look forward to, but still have a million tests to take care of. Keep your cool with this fun twist on braids. “The Waterfall Braid.” It will keep your hair out of your face in a pretty way so you can focus on acing those tests.

First, collect a small section of hair at the top of one side of your head, close to your part, and begin by braiding the strands three times like a French braid. Once you’ve French braided the left section of hair (now in the center) drop the right strands and let them fall along the side of your head.

Pick up a new piece of hair in the dropped section’s place, as well as a new piece on the left side like a traditional French braid, and braid the three sections again, dropping the right portion after you’ve completed the braid. Continue this process, wrapping the waterfall braid toward the back of your head as you go.

Once you’ve passed the back of your head with the waterfall braid, end with a traditional braid and secure the end with an elastic. If you’re feeling really up for it, braid in a pretty colored ribbon for an extra pop of color or add some style with a flower or jeweled clip where the waterfall braid and traditional braid meet.

 

Black and White is coming up. You’ve got the date, the dress, the shoes, but you’re having a dilemma over how to style your hair. Don’t worry, the Voice has you covered.

Rolled Up-do—Part your hair to the side, then roll the front section of one side upward into a twist, pinning it against your head as you go if needed. Then repeat this on the opposite side. When both sides are completely twisted, grab the twisted ends of your hair and wrap one twist in a clockwise direction, and wrap the other twist in a counterclockwise direction. This will then look like a bun, and use bobby pins to secure it. Use hairspray to prevent flyaways from slipping out. Secure your hair with bobby pins, then use a pretty headband to accessorize the look.

Curled Side Pony—Curl your hair (as loosely or tightly as you wish). Then simply gather your hair into a low ponytail, slightly to one side. Secure with a clear elastic. You can put a cute hairpin or flower (something to go with your dress) to cover the elastic.

Curled bun—Work volumizer mousse throughout your hair. Separate the back and front sections of your hair (sort of draw a line from ear to ear). Separate the back section into two parts: right and left. Tie a knot with the right and left sections, and fasten them with bobby pins. Begin curling each individual strand, and then fasten them to your hair. Repeat this until all of your hair is curled and fastened. Curl the front section of hair with some looser curls. Finally, either braid or clip your bangs and remaining hair to the bun in the back. You can choose to add a headband to complete your look.

So now your only worry should be which style to choose! With these fun styles, Pres girls can break their messy hair reputation, both at school and at Black and White. Even if you don’t wear these styles out of the house, I know at least half of us will try them out as a new outlet for procrastination. If this is the case, procrastinate away ladies.

 

Black and White: Why October?

As you walked down the hallway mid-September there was one complaint that could be heard above all others—”Black and White bids are this week?!”

Black and White is a time to dance, get ready with all of your friends before the dance and raise money for Sacred Heart. However, all of this won’t happen if Black and White is too early in the school year for girls to find dates–let alone find dates they actually want to take.

Since Black and White is so early in the school year, many girls find themselves stuck in the situation of having to take a friend or not going at all instead of taking a boy that they are excited to spend a night with.

“It’s always awkward when taking a guy I don’t know so I’m just taking a girlfriend because it will be more fun,” said Nicole Capobianco, junior.

Some Pres girls are just deciding not to go at all because of the extra back-to-school stress and not having a guy that they really want to take.

“I feel like taking just a guy friend would be awkward because it’s more of a couple’s dance—not a place to take friends. I also don’t want to pay $80 to just take a guy friend,” said Cynthia Hara, junior.

In September most Pres girls are just getting used to the new school year and are meeting new guys at all the events such as mixers and football games that are just starting to happen when the bids go on sale. This year the first Bellarmine football game was the Friday after bids went on sale which was one of the first events to meet new boys. Since the Black and White bids go on sale mid-September, it puts an extra stress on girls at the beginning of the school year to try to find a date out of the guys that they just met.

All girls from every class level are stressed out about trying to find a date, but freshmen have an even harder time finding a date because they are new to everything and don’t know as many guys. My freshman year I had a date that I barely knew, but then decided not to go with him because I was just getting used to everything and didn’t want to take a guy that I just met.

A simple solution to this problem is that Black and White should be switched with the winter mixer so we have more time to meet guys and not be as stressed out about finding a date. This will create a more stress free environment at Pres because we will have more time to prepare for Black and White. It will come as less of a surprise at the beginning of the school year if it is moved later to when the winter mixer is. This is the best time for Black and White to be moved to because not many other things are happening during this time of year to conflict with the date.

If Presentation moves Black and White to later in the school year, we will be able to raise more money for Sacred Heart because more girls will attend and therefore more cans will be donated.

“If [Black and White] is a little later and the tickets are sold later than it would be easier to find a date,” said sophomore, Lindsey Allen.

By December most of the major projects are done and college apps are also finished so moving Black and White later would help make the night more fun for everyone. Pres girls can relax instead of being stressed and exhausted from tests, projects and the SAT.

The main goal of Black and White is to raise as much money as we can to help Sacred Heart, so Presentation should be doing everything it can do to get more girls to come to this night full of corsages, dresses and extravagant make-up. This will be accomplished by simply moving the event a little later than when it is originally planned to be on October 22.

Black and White Restaurant Recommendations

Black and White is coming.  You’ve got your date and your dress, but where will you eat?  Check out our recommendations for some great pre-dance eateries. 

BJ’s Bar and Grill

Looking for an All-American restaurant with every variety of food but at a price that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket? BJ’s on “restaurant row” in the Westfield Oakridge mall (facing Blossom Hill Road) fits this description quite nicely. American classics suiting anyone’s needs are served, from family sized pasta, to a plain cheeseburger or even mouth watering red-meats for your dates. Most entrees are under $10 with the average dish at about $8, so the proportions they serve at the price they name is well worth it. The waiters are friendly and ready to help, plus most are older teenagers and people working through college, so that means that your experience is all the better and more fun.

If you have a large crowd that is up for anything, heading over to BJ’s with a group of friends before Black and White is a great idea. They can accommodate very large groups, but since they only take reservations for groups of 8 or more only, prepare to wait at least 30 minutes if the place is busy. If you have a party of ten, you must make reservations beforehand. BJ’s is great when you want a ton, and I mean, A TON, of choices. Plus, nobody can ever pass up that famous pizookie that everyone wants at the end! For reservations, call (408) 284-4260.

Maggiano’s

A restaurant for those looking for a classic Italian restaurant complete with those “home-made” dishes and an unlimited amount of food that’s catered to your needs, Maggiano’s Little Italy, located in Santana Row, is the place for you. On a weekend night, there are sure to be parking issues in this busy shopping center, so arrive early.

The restaurant itself looks pretty grand, and inside it is usually a crowded place of many families. The restaurant almost has the feel of a giant version of your grandma’s house. There is a lot of noise, lots of spirit and, most importantly, lots of great food. Service is wonderful – glasses are always filled and there is always food on the table because of the unlimited amounts being served by your cheery waiter. The extensive menu features classic Italian pastas, plus salads, fish, and even great red meats, so everyone in your group is sure to be satisfied. The menu can get pricey if you go for the fanciest dish, but for a decently delicious plate of any kind of pasta, the price is right for the quality with dishes being about $12. When ordering this pasta entree, you even get to take home a whole other dish, compliments of the chef. Something that is always enjoyable is that your waiter repeatedly refills your empty food plates free of charge!

Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you have a large group because the wait is much longer on the weekends. If you’re willing to spend a little extra money – and even some extra time – on a worthwhile dinner for you and your friends, you are sure to walk away with a smile ready to move on to the rest of the night at Black and White. To make reservations, please call (408) 423-8973 at least 24 hours in advance to reserve your spot.

P.F. Chang’s

In the mood for some tasty Asian cuisine? P.F. Chang’s is the perfect dining destination for spending an evening with your date and your friends before attending Black and White.

A casual, Chinese influenced atmosphere is filled with the sweet, spicy smells of mouth watering food being prepared. Conveniently located only fifteen minutes from Presentation at the Westfield Oakridge Mall in San Jose, P.F. Chang’s offers a variety of delicious food. They have many entrees that can be shared with your date, such as Mongolian Beef or Kung Pao Shrimp for about $13-$15, as well as appetizers and small plates. Soups and salads, noodles and traditional Chinese entrees are also served.

Their menu includes many vegetarian and gluten-free options. Be wary of using the chopsticks unless you’re a pro… you don’t want to ruin your dress! And of course, the meal is not complete until you eat a fortune cookie.

P.F. Chang’s food is very reasonably priced, costing from about $10 to $30 an entree. The generous portions served are perfect for large groups and the restaurant can accommodate parties up to 60 people.

The waiters and waitresses are very polite and helpful, and the dinner itself only takes about an hour. In order to make your reservations, call no more than a month before, but at least one or two weeks in advance to reserve your seating. Larger parties are held on the patio outside the restaurant.

Make sure to arrive early to claim a parking spot, as the Oakridge Mall can be very crowded on Saturday nights. However, plenty of parking is available in the nearby parking garages. In order to make reservations, call (408) 960-2940.

McCormick and Schmick’s

If you’re looking for a fancy, sophisticated restaurant to dine before Black and White, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, located in downtown San Jose near the Fairmont Hotel, is the place to go.

Walking into McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, you can instantly smell the delicious fish being prepared. With a fresh new menu every day, McCormick and Schmick’s Restaurant offers something for everyone. Seafood is their specialty with over thirty different kinds of fish to choose from, but they also have many other options: steak, chicken, burgers, salad, soups and sushi, among others.

McCormick & Schmick’s Restaurant is a more formal dining option and a little bit pricier. Their meals range from $10 to $35. However, if in the mood for a lighter meal, they do offer small plate options on their menu, starting around $7.

When making reservations, they ask that you call two to three weeks in advance in order to secure the space. Large parties are held in their banquet room and they have room for up to fifty people. If going with your date to Black and White, ask to be seated with a view of the Plaza de Cesar Chavez when you make your reservation. Located in the middle of busy downtown San Jose next to the Fairmont Hotel and across from the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, it is about a twenty-five minute drive to Presentation.

A parking lot is conveniently located within a short walking distance from the restaurant, especially for all the girls wearing super high heels, but there is a small fee for parking.  To make a reservation at this sophisticated seafood restaurant, call (408) 283-7200.

A Collection of Thoughts from Black and White

By Tanya Padgaonkar, Special Sections Editor

A Perspective from a Chaperone…

Hey everyone, Mr. Mumper here. I’ve dreaded it for all of October, and now it’s finally here. Black and White. Someone please rescue me? Actually, no, it’s alright. I can do this, with this handy-dandy checklist in hand. Okay, so…

Flashlight: check.

Detention slips: check.

Protective gear…? Er, check?

I think…I think I’m ready.

But the moment I walk into the Hollywood themed gym, I know I’m in for a long night filled with sweaty teenagers, but (hopefully?) maybe a little bit of fun for myself too. I’d have to say though, the coolest thing I’ve seen all night was the crowd of boys and girls jerking and break dancing to the song “You’re a Jerk.”

Well, I guess people seem to be having fun. Standing atop a large ladder with a flashlight isn’t exactly my ideal Saturday night… I wish there was some Hawaiian music on. But at least the kids seem to like the DJ since they are singing along with almost every song. I’m not sure why the majority of the people seem to be in the middle of the gym though, since the foyer has spiffy looking card tables and there are refreshments outside. CI and NAHS really managed to incorporate the Hollywood theme into everything, from the decorations to the movie of old Hollywood films in the background, they thought of everything.

But apart from that, the whole experience is making me a little bit sad. I’m not in high school anymore! I can’t dance or even go to these things without a legitimate alibi. You know, I’m actually pretty impressed with all of these girls though. I’m supposed to be checking for drugs, alcohol, etc. and I haven’t found anything! Hey, these are actually some pretty good quotes. I’ll have to be sure to keep these and other positive Pres-related thoughts in mind in case one of those yearbook or newspaper students comes to interview me. Mr. Case warned me about them before I left. Now, where’s that checklist of mine?

By Angelia Tran, Business Manager

A Perspective from a Pres girl’s date…

Name:  Jonathon Stutchman

High school:  Saratoga High School

Grade: 12

Mission: Black and White Charity Ball at Presentation High School

Thoughts: Presentation is a typical private school, small, only females, and not too exciting.  The dance will be kind of boring, not many people will be dancing, and there will be chaperones patrolling. But I told Ivy Nguyen I would go since she’s a senior and it’ll be her last Black and White.

October 24^th 2009: It begins…

Preparation: 30 minutes to get ready and dressed. I must remember to wear something that matches lots of things to be safe since Ivy isn’t sure which dress to wear.

Mission begins: We are meeting at one of Ivy’s friend’s house for pictures and such. Perhaps I will meet other dates. I have a feeling I’ll be with them for the rest of the night. Then time for dinner! Ivy says we’re splitting the bill at Pasta Pamadora.

7:45 PM: Dinner is done and now at Presentation. The beginning of this dance is awkward since no one is dancing. This is typical of dances though, so, hopefully, things will improve. For now there are other things to do, like take professional pictures and play blackjack. How nice.

9 PM: For the most part, the music is pretty good.  The DJ isn’t too amazing, but I’ve been to dances with much worse. Actually, this dance isn’t too bad and not too different from the ones I have gone to before.  The only difference is, typically at schools like mine, there aren’t so many cops…and the chaperones usually aren’t so strict about the dancing.

11 PM: Time to leave. Wow, they really want us off campus fast. That’s different.

Notes: I didn’t think that the gym would be so big, and didn’t know that the school was really nice looking.  Also there was a lot more sports awards in the gym than I thought would be at a private girls school.  I really like the people though; they weren’t at all how I pictured.  They seem a lot more real and fun than previously thought.  Also there were more of them than I had thought.

A Perspective from a Police Officer…

Matt Christian and his brother are police officers, but their high school alma mater is Mitty. Still they came to Presentation, teenage stereotypes put aside, to chaperone the Black and White Charity Ball, the first for Matt who has only chaperoned other Presentation events such as the Mother-Daughter Breakfast. Unlike his experiences at Mitty, Matt found the Bellarmine boys to more well-behaved than he had thought and the Pres girls pretty decent. He was even further impressed with the charity aspect of Black and White as the proceeds of the night are given to Sacred Heart. Also, there were no incidents as he checked the parking lots and the rest of the campus for any criminal activity, critical or minor, to keep those on campus that night safe. The only safety breach came when some local neighborhoods kids hiding out at St. Chris managed to soak some students with water balloons as they were leaving the dance. While he and the other officers had rushed over, there was no one there. So, sadly, while the night had gone well otherwise, there was a casualty that night – a girl’s chic dress.

Eating With Five Stars: Black and White Restaurant Suggestions

The Black and White Ball is coming up! Date? Check. Dress? Check. Shoes? Check. Dinner? Um…good question. One of the most important parts of Black and White is making sure you and your friends are energized and ready to dance the night away. Are you in a food rut? Check out some of these restaurants for some pre-Black and White food that definitely come with a good time.

Kyoto Palace:
Party of 8? Right this way. Party of 16? Even better. Kyoto Palace is always kicking with people, but never backed up. Parking is not a large problem unless it is during dinner hours of 6:30-8 p.m. Up on the second floor of the Pruneyard, the waiters keep you satisfied with constant water and green tea upon request. This is the perfect restaurant for pre-Black and White dinners for you because you are kept entertained by the talented chefs tossing food around the burning stove hoping a guest will catch a piece of chicken from mid-air. The price is around $20 or $30 per dinner, but the servings are very large. Once one orders, the wait is around 20 to 30 minutes, and eating takes another 30 minutes. Make sure to get a reservation to the most poppin’ Japanese restaurant in Campbell by calling (408) 377-6456. One last tip is to bring a cover-up. A breeze blows through the restaurant throughout the night.

Elephant Bar:
Feeling adventurous? The Elephant Bar in Campbell is a great place for you, your friends and your date to eat before the big dance. The restaurant has a “safari” theme circulating throughout with model animals, bamboo fans and fake trees. The menu is a never-ending list of exotic foods, from Japanese to Italian to American. There is surely something for everyone to eat, no matter what their taste buds please. This is all for a reasonable price as well! Your date will not be empting his pockets to pay for your meal and you do not have to choose the smallest item on the menu. However, one downside to this restaurant is the parking lot. The lot is small with tight parking spaces; prepare to squeeze your vehicle in a spot, park a little farther, or get dropped off. 499 E. Hamilton Ave (408) 871-8401.

Yo Yo Sushi:
Get your mood up like a yo-yo prior to Black and White by choosing the right restaurant. At Yo Yo Sushi, you are guaranteed  great service, affordable prices, and perhaps the best sushi in Santa Clara. The waiters and waitress are incredibly friendly and generous. There is a bar where you can get sushi served right in front of you. It is a great place to go if you want to go with your date and a group of friends because there are individual booths and it’s fairly private. There are all kinds of foods ranging from appetizers to sushi. The prices range from $4 to $12. The interior is decorated with lanterns hanging down from the ceiling as well as vivid colors. It is sure to bring up your excitement and mood for Black and White. Yo Yo Sushi is opened from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and it would be a great idea to make an appointment to avoid waiting. It is located at 3958 Rivermark Plaza in Santa Clara. Call (408) 236-9696  if you want to get more information or make a reservation.

Bucca di Beppo:
Looking to join a traditional Italian family? More realistically, looking for some “mama-styled” delicious Italian food? Then head over to Bucca di Bepo in the Pruneyard with a huge group of people for some Pre-Black and White fun. With exotic statues and funny pictures covering every wall and filling up every corner, you’ll never run into a dull conversation. The mismatched plates, forks, and chairs all jammed together gives you the feeling of a traditional Italian home. Your mouth waters as the smell of the delicious food permeates the room. The servers treat you like family, making sure you have everything you need. Also, all the food is served family style, with each $10 plate big enough to serve 4 or more people. For reservations, call (408) 377-7722 ASAP! So stop by for a meal you’re sure to remember!

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse:
If you’re looking for a chill place to hang out for some pre-Black and White fun and food, head over to BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse on Blossom Hill. You’re immersed in a relaxing and “chill” atmosphere. With sports stations on every TV screen, you and your friends can cheer on your favorite teams or recap on the day’s Shark’s game. No need to worry about a long wait as the friendly staff is quick and efficient. Plates are around $10 to $20. Some of the most popular dishes are the Balsamic Glazed Chicken, served with veggies, mashed potatoes, and crispy onion strings; and the Barbeque Chicken Pizza. Whatever you order for a main dish, it’s absolutely necessary to order the one-and-only Pizookie for dessert! A delicious, freshly baked giant cookie piled high with vanilla ice cream is the most amazing treat you will ever taste. If you are sensitive to cold, autumn breezes, make sure you’re at an inside table. Even though you have a great view to people watch and the heat lamps are set up, it can get chilly sitting on the patio. Call 408-284-4260 for reservations! And because this restaurant is right in the middle of Oakridge Mall, be prepared to valet, park a fair walking distance from the restaurant, or get dropped off.