I'm interested in a stand-alone, WYSIWYG platform program because I do not know much about blogging/html. However, I want a stand-alone because I want my own domain name. What is your favorite service that combines these features in a cheap and easy yet professional looking way? My budget is about 10 dollars/year for the domain and I am looking for a free hosting and platform service. PLEASE HELP

Wordpress.org is the best one out there. Get a hosting service that uses CPANEL, look for Fantastico and it will walk you through installing Wordpress on your own domain.