'chelle - What I've been looking at for strobes is the Speedotron Brownline Series (there is also the high-end Blackline Series for pros). I think for a starter set, their 802B pack (800 watt/seconds) with a couple MW3U lights will work nicely.

When I was looking at hot lights (continuous lights), one of the kits that caught my eye was the Everlight Kit from JTL Corp. Three (3) 500W (3200K) quartz heads, three 24" softboxes with connectors, 3 stands and a case for under $600.

As for metering, it's really simple if you also pick up a flash meter (a nice ambient/flash one is best). Will add another $100-200 to your total costs, but is worth it. Metering itself is simple. With an incident meter, you set the meter to the ISO and shutter speed your camera is set to, you stand where the subject will stand, fire off each strobe individually and it will tell you the aperture required. You vary the intensity and/or position of your lights for certain effects - there are all kinds of lighting "recipes".

-=>Donald