If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a huge collection of MP3s, audio books and podcasts loaded on your MP3 player just waiting to be heard. The challenge I’m having is finding the time listening to everything on my iPod — including programs and audio books I’ve paid good money for!

I usually bring my iPod with me when playing outside with the kids. But, Zach, who’s almost 4 year old, is increasingly demanding my constant listening attention for his numerous observations and many more questions (the other day he asked “Mommy, how do we get hiccups?”).

So I’m either:

1. nodding my head while not really hearing what my kids are saying (how do they KNOW when you’re not really listening??) or
2. constantly pausing my iPod to hear or comment on what they’re trying to say.

And now, Jasmine (who’s 10 months old… can you believe it?) has a new hobby — yanking the ear buds out of my ears.

So the whole multi-tasking-while-caring-for-the-kid-thing is not working so well anymore.

Then I tried listening to my iPod as I made supper. In theory, this is an awesome idea. Not so much in practice — not for me, anyways.

First, I’m a butter finger and a grease magnet — NOT a good combination in the kitchen. No matter what I’m making, if it’s gonna splash, you know it’s going to splash on me. That being said, I don’t want to accidentally drop my iPod in boiling water or in my tuna casserole.

Second, when I make supper, it’s usually during the worst part of the day — you know the witching hour? Yeah, we get that at our house. Jasmine is literally at my ankles begging to be picked up and the other 2 are either getting into things they shouldn’t or quarreling. So having my iPod plugged in my ears, while giving me a much-needed break from the chaos, is not a good idea.

What’s a busy Mom by day & moonlighting coach to do?

Enter Livespeakr! It’s an ultra portable sound system for your iPod or iPhone. I LOVE it!!! The sound quality is AWESOME, the battery lasts up to 16 hours and I can listen to it while it’s recharging. (Here’s my Livespeakr in the kitchen).

While I don’t bring my Livespeakr outdoors, I play it in the house (usually in the kitchen) while taking care of the kids — giving less of an impression I’m ignoring them.

I have a few kids books on my iPod, so during breakfast, I’ll place it on the kitchen table with one of their stories while I clean up or feed Jasmine. Ditto for snack or drawing time (like Zach’s doing in this picture during his sisters’ nap time today).

While the kids are playing nicely (yes, it happens from time to time!), I’ll go in the kitchen and continue listening to one of my audio books.

This weekend, I carried it from room to room while housecleaning. Hubby took the kids outside, so I had peace and quiet to (finally) listen to my Enneagram podcasts AND clean at the same time. Talk about multi tasking!!

Last weekend, I placed my Livespeakr next to my printer (see the picture below) and listened to Brain Audit 3.2 while organizing my office. It was great not having my bulky iPod in my pocket or getting tangled up in my ear bud cord!

Those are some of the ways I’m using it.

I interviewed inventor/co-founder, Erik Groset two weeks ago, and he shared some other VERY COOL ways busy entrepreneurs are using Livespeakr to increase their productivity (and boost their coolness factor). But I’ll save that for another post! (Stay tuned to find out how you can snag one in an upcoming contest).

In the meantime, check out the Livespeakr site for all the dirt on this hip product from a hip company. Get one for yourself while you’re there. At only $85, it’s a great gift idea for your favorite client!