I purchased this item as a birthday gift and the recipient was thrilled! The cups are sturdy, an easy shape and size to hold and a straw can be used through the drinking hole (in the lid) if desired. We used the recipe book as a guide (for liquid to frozen fruit ratios) and the smoothie was fantastic! Great taste with the perfect consistency. You can make the smoothie right in the serving cup so that once blended you simply screw off and rinse the removable blade attachment, then pop on the lid... no mess and nothing else to clean! This is one powerful little blender - the fruit was frozen solid but it only took seconds to do the job. This actually makes a better smoothie than my big counter-top smoothie maker and without the noise and mess! This will travel around with the Birthday Girl on weekends, etc. and replace the expensive specialty shop smoothies she loves so much!