I am wondering if S8 would even be able to make Ciara smaller because of coding regarding collision of objects. She does look pretty. For 4 spaces I could wish for a guaranteed drop of more than 2 energy. Or energy plus rare materials.
When I first started I sort of panicked with the first event. And I wasn't able to even come close to finishing it. Often there are rewards new players can acquire that are helpful even without finishing the full event. Do the faerie atrium quest when it becomes available. Haggy had some good info, and he is right that we have events back to back. S8 knows they get new players all the time so they continue to include resource droppers throughout events. As you play, resources get easier to acquire. It won't take you long to level, despite it seeming so. In a short time you will be able to complete events.
You
need Ivy's hut (this is a priority...follow her quest line) and a magic forge (I recommend two forges). They are used in a lot of events. As far as animals go, I would focus on having a few chickens and cows (you may want a horse or two for monster hunt events). The Baron and goat line does not seem to be linked to events, I'd finish casually. Sheep (adventures) and Pigs (Sir Pigglesworth quest line, reward from adventures or gems in market) seem infrequent in events but are used occasionally.
I would get your Tablet of Tapernum finished and then collect from it every time it is available. It opens more bonuses and is a good source of coin. Strawberries are also.
Spending actual real world money - There is a thread on Barons Tent in the forum. It is your choice how much real money you want to spend, but some items in it are only decorative. I am selective on what I pick. The rewards cycle during a two month period then we get new ones. I highly suggest you work on getting a cabbage hut to help with rewards from the tent. This cycle, I don't think the rewards are as exciting. Sometimes the tent has energy dropping creatures, which are very helpful. I also recommend the wizard's school, two of them, as extremely worth purchasing with real money.
This community is awesome and the forum is extremely helpful. Welcome to Castle Story.