Part II in a holiday series: As a child with four other siblings, my homemaker mother (a nurse until her fifth child) dragged us through the shopping centers of dreary, cold Nottingham, England, where we were raised for a part of our childhood, to pick up Christmas cards, holiday decorations, groceries and presents. My favorite moments were when we stopped for hot tea and cookies to warm up and relax. We were tired and found comfort together when our mother’s attention was focused solely on us. Thus, our inspiration for this week’s smattering of ideas: where to take a break after a hectic, nippy evening while shopping or running errands in the village. We have a few ideas for making memories, alone or with a loved one: Tonight, Thursday, Nov. 19 Make it a point to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) in La Jolla, which opens its doors for free from 5 to 7 p.m. the third Thursday of every month. The exhibition “Automatic Cities: The Architectural Imaginary in Contemporary Art” sounds technical and daunting but is breathtaking and exhilarating. To find peace of mind and inspiration, this is the place to go for a few hours of undisturbed rapture. MCASD, 700 Prospect St., (858) 454 3541 Friday, Nov. 20 If your day ends early, visit Roppongi for a truly happy hour: half-price off the entire Asian tapas and sushi roll menus from 3 to 6 p.m., daily. Roppongi restaurant and sushi bar, 875 Prospect St., (858) 551-5252 Saturday, Nov. 21 After a long week, relax in the La Valencia Hotel lounge and listen to Rick Ross play jazz on the piano and saxophone from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Meander over to the hotel’s restaurant for a scrumptious dessert or to the famed Whaling Bar for a nightcap. The “Fuzzy” Rankins Jazz Trio plays on Thursday nights from 6 to 10 p.m. La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., (858) 454-0771 Sunday, Nov. 22 Awake on a sleepy Sunday with a fresh strawberry, bouquet of sunflowers or glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. The farmer’s market is the preferred stop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Browse the crafts, artwork, jewelry and clothes for holiday gift ideas. La Jolla Open Aire Market, La Jolla Elementary playground, Girard Avenue and Genter Street. Monday, Nov. 23 The Prepkitchen is a good stop for a quick bite or casual dinner after a weary Monday, open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. A spin-off of the restaurant Whisknladle, you can find the same sort of fare: seasonal dishes using local, organic produce prepared by cooks on-site. Their comfort entrees include slow-roasted Jidori chicken, beer-braised Niman Ranch beef with sides like sautéed collard greens or Farro risotto. Beer, wine and artisan cheeses and cured meats are also available. Prepkitchen, 7556 Fay Ave., (858) 875-7737 Tuesday, Nov. 24 A tea break with a good friend or good book may be in order for some stimulation on this afternoon. The Pannikin café is a cozy spot with its wooden floors, outdoor porch and gigantic chessboard, open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. To feast your eyes, visit the Pannikin gift store across the street — a mini market of international fare like teapots, coffee makers, Buddha statues and frames, open until 5 p.m. Pannikin Coffee & Tea Café, 7467 Girard Ave., (858) 454-5453 Wednesday, Nov. 25 It’s the middle of the week and you need to let your mind wander. Visit D.G. Wills Books for some mind candy on a variety of stimulating topics you rarely consider. Plus, owner Dennis Wills’ quirky antique collection is a sight. Open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. D.G. Wills Books, 7461 Girard Ave. (858) 456-1800.