After having some bad experiences with domains and hosting, I will never go anywhere but GoDaddy for these services. Their prices are reasonable and I have had zero problems while using them for multiple domain names, hosting, email, and more.

Naturally, I recommend using WordPress for blogging software. If you want to have your own domain name and also have access to different themes and plugins, you’ll want to check out wordpress.org. If you want something a little simpler, head over to wordpress.com. If you do go with wordpress.org, I highly recommend getting a copy of WordPress for Dummies. It’s been a lifesaver, especially when working on my husband’s site!

Randa Clay has some lovely themes.

So does Thea Espinoza.

I am using several plugins, so here’s a quick run down of my current ones:

Add to Any Subscribe button This one is that little button you see in the far left column. You can click on it and add my feed to pretty much any feed reader. Handy if you like to read blogs in a feed.

Akismet Blocks SPAM comments.

WordPress.com Stats Handy little tool that tells you where people are coming from, what they’re searching that leads them to your blog, and more. Can’t live without this one!

Drop Cap First Character I use this one because I like the way it looks.

cforms II I use this contact form on my husband’s blog and though it took me a while to configure it and get it right, it has loads of features. The guy who wrote it is also very helpful if you have a problem you need help solving.

Official StatCounter Plugin I use this one on my husband’s website and it provides a lot more information that the WP StatCounter above. They can be used in conjunction with one another to provide lots of good info on where visitors are coming from and how they’re getting to your blog. You’ll need a StatCounter account.