I started (a few weeks ago) with the Intermediate Kit from Midwest Supplies. Its the same as the basic kit except it includes two 5 gallon Better bottles. It's a great kit at a great price, in my opinion. As other have said, if you haven't already bought the kit, add a small bottle of Star San to your cart for sanitizing.
Here's a few things I've since picked up that made things a lot easier for my second brew last weekend.
-Star San
-$.96 spray bottle from Home Depot for Star San
-$.96 spray bottle from Home Depot for water to fight the massive foam that can erupt after adding hops (to help prevent boil overs - spray foam with water, foam disappears)
-Fermtech wine thief (for taking samples for hydrometer readings)
-reusable nylon grain bags (also works for hops and dry hopping)
-dial thermometer that will clip onto the side of your stock pot w/12" probe
As for recipe kits, there are tons of them available from several sites. Here are a few that I know of.
www.midwestsupplies.com
www.northernbrewer.com
www.brewmasterswarehouse.com
www.austinhomebrew.com
Also, check out the "Vendor's Showcase" forum on here. A lot of times one of the above mentioned sites will have a special on recipe kits. I think there are a couple in there right now that are running specials.
And last, but not least...HAVE FUN BREWING!
Oh, and tell your hubby happy birthday. Mine is June 3rd and I'm hoping to sample my first carbed brew on that day. It might still be a little green, but it'll me one I made myself. :rockin: