To domain or not to domain?

I'm currently trying to decide if I want to get a domain name for myself and break from the blogger platform. I think I could possibly do some more interesting things with the blog like having a three column design and having different sub-pages so things like my recipes weren't located on a separate blog. But I got a little overwhelmed when I went to look at places to purchase a domain name and hosting site. So, if you have your own domain name could you please let me know where you purchased it and who hosts it and if you think it's worth it? Or, if you know some tricks in blogger like how to do the things I've mentioned could you let me know about those?!?! Thanks in advance for your help!