Smoothie Question

[mangiati_vivi]

Has anyone here had any experience with making smoothies using an immersion blender? I'd like to make myself a smoothie once or twice a week to take with me to school, but we're in the process of saving for a Vitamix (my lady really wants one) and we can't justify getting an actual countertop blender in the meantime, since the immersion blender handles all our blender-y needs handily so far.

Anyone had luck with an immersion blender, or am I stuck?

Also, I'd love to hear your favorite smoothie recipes!