This week we wanted to bring you a soundtrack that will get your summer started off right. Our only requirements for this list were happy beats and lighthearted lyrics so we combed the latest releases to find some great selections for your listening pleasure. The result is a super-fun roundup of female voices and electronic instruments that are sure keep you grooving all summer long. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Shiny Toy Guns – Major Tom

We’re taking you back to the 80s with this sparkling new cover of the classic “Major Tom” (originally recorded in the mid-80s by Peter Schilling, it was a retelling of David Bowie’s classic 1969 song “Space Oddity”.) The chorus and dance-worthy beats conjure up images of sublime space travel. itunes.com/shinytoyguns

Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream

This is summer in a song. The only male vocalists on our playlist, these two Aussies are a hypnotic duo, as displayed in this retro disco/futuristic pop track. Just listen, we promise you will enjoy.  itunes.com/empireofthesun

Tamar Kaprelian – A New Day

The requisite chic song, we first heard this one on the season finale of The Hills when LC drove off into the sunset and said goodbye (or so they claim) to reality TV and hello to a life with a little less paparazzi. Well, maybe. Like the show’s original theme song, this one’s got staying power.  itunes.com/tamarkaprelian

Santigold – Shove It

Not a new song, but Santigold is new to MKIA and we want to make sure we share the good stuff with all of you. Santigold is the poo so take a big whiff and check out her entire debut album (released last year) before her next one hits. (The proof ? She toured with Coldplay and Jay-Z sampled Shove It on his hit “Brooklyn Go Hard.”) Her punk/reggae style is so unique we want to make sure she’s on your radar. Get to know her…the tracks L.E.S Artistes and Starstruck are equally down-load worthy.  itunes.com/santigold

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Zero

Soaring, pulsating, and full of energy is the only way to describe the first single of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ synth-showered third album, Its Blitz! You won’t listen to this one sitting-down. itunes.com/yeahyeahyeahs

Vistoso Bosses – Delirious

After some serious sass we wanted to end with a little sweet. If you want to remember what it’s like to have a teenage crush (in the summer), turn on this song. A sleeper that will most likely be the bubbly jam of the summer…download it now before everyone’s playing it.  itunes.com/vistosobosses

I hate, HATE thong underwear. I’ve never understood why women wear them at all much less exclusively. In my opinion – comfort is paramount and women’s suffrage should have ended with the girdle!

I know what you are all thinking…what about panty lines? Well, finally we can have it all ladies. Commandos are like the second skin of underwear – they are so light and seamless that you can toss that dental floss currently riding up your bum and trade it in for some super-comfy hiphuggers. Don’t worry, these are no granny panties – Commandos are both comfortable and sexy with a great cut that shows off your assets.

For those of you who just can’t quite quit the thong, Commandos come in a variety of styles and will certainly be the most comfortable version of a thong you will ever wear. At $26 – $29 each, these can be a little pricey for the everyday so I found the next best thing is the Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Hiphugger (they have thongs too!) which are about 2 for $30 and can be found in most of the stores. You can buy Commando at Barenecessities.com and at Neimanmarcus.com. So get comfortable ladies and go commando!

Ever feel like your apartment or house needs a change? Just a little something to shake things up a bit without doing anything too drastic (or expensive!)? Well you can follow in Melina’s footsteps who changes her couch pillows and bedding every few months! These types of small adjustments are refreshing and can really change the look of your place!

One of our favorite sites for affordable pillows that has a broad selection is Pillowsandthrows.com. They have everything from bright, Moroccan style prints to peaceful and sophisticated solid neutrals. It’s definitely a one-stop-online-shop for anyone craving a pillow-fix.

Minor adjustments to your home’s decor can make a major impact so knock yourself out (while getting more bang for your buck!) and try something new!