Yes! It reallly reeally looks like the photos on the site. I am not kidding you! I was shocked (and delighted of course!) when I saw mine. Some of mine...were exactly like those disc-shaped ones all attached by a thin 'rope'...totally crazy looking! I loved it. In January I will get out more! Yes, increase the number of shakes...just make sure you're drinking lots of water and you'll be fine...