Blending Dilemma

I made my first "smoothie" (if I could call it that) yesterday. I did not, however, add any ice; in spite of the fact that the "recipe's" call for it - and even my sister says you really should. And, I admit, it was "sludgy"! I just cannot say I like the idea of adding ice to my "smoothies"! If I could find some alternative that didn't involve ice, but still tasted good, I would be very relieved!