Any gardeners in the audience?

I'd like to try some container gardening -- maybe for some herbs or simple vegetables. The problem is that I don't have a balcony, so everything would have to be on my windowsill, amidst my other plants. While my current plants are mostly quite happy, I know absolutely nothing about container gardening at all. Does anyone want to come on a shopping trip with me to help me get started? I'll buy you coffee or lunch as thanks.

On a semi-related note, does anyone want a plant that, while the leaves are green and happy, has completely refused to flower for the last 4-5 months? When I got it in October, it was in full bloom, but all the flowers fell off within weeks of putting it in my apartment. I think I just don't have the right lighting conditions or something.