Hi, Enchantress
There are some on these boards who are a tad, strange. But they're mostly harmless. If they get a bit pushy, tell them "No!" in a clear, firm voice and send them for a time out in their little doggy beds.
No advice regarding stuff to buy. I do have some concerning play.
1. Pay attention to what the DM says, even the "fluff". While most "flavor text" was written by somebody doing a bad imitation of Ben Stein, it will usually mention stuff that you could actually use.
2. When in doubt, improvise. Your PC might get killed, but it's a certainty she'll be remembered. ("Hey, it's Mango Guy!" (long story.))
3. Spells are your strength, use them. Use them even when it seems like the wrong time to do so. Use them in new and creative ways. True Story: My priest of Chauntea and her friends were trapped in a small room with some small fire creatures. On the spur of the moment she cast a
Create Water. The water hit the creatures, flared into steam which filled the room, and snuffed out the beasts. So use your magics in different ways, you might come up with something that works. At worst, you'll provide hours of stories for your friends.
4. There is no "right way" to play a character. There are boring ways, and interesting ways, but no right way. Play your PC in a way that makes her interesting to you, and interesting to your fellow players. Keep your eye on the prize, keep yourself open to opportunities, and remember that no matter what anybody else says, the DM is out to kill you, so you might as well make his job as hard as possible.
5. Hamsters. You won't believe a the chaos a bunch of hamsters can create.
Have fun.