I'm done with being a mighty Redguard and have started a new game as a sweet blonde Breton girl, out to be the greatest mage of all time. I have sided with Raloff and therefore Ulfric and the Stormcloaks. What's the best way to learn about alchemy (which I've shied away from until now). The list of ingredients for potions goes on and on and how do you figure out which ones are best for, say, healing for example? Strictly be experiment? Until now, I've just collected ingredients and sold them to merchants and bought potions in exchange. I'm assuming I should head for the College right away? Any hints for a beginner mage would be greatly appreciated. I have one non-mage question: what is stamina? I know it's good for helping me carry things but would you lean to health and magicka over stamina to be an effective mage?

Sorry to be so long-winded.

Wheat and Blisterwort make a healing potion and are pretty much everywhere. And I think Arcadia in Whiterun sells about 4-8 of each consistently. For a decent supply of Deathbell and Nightshade (for poison) there's the http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Alchemist in the Rift which also gives you a roof over your head.

Salmon roe + chicken eggs will give you the best potions. Every one you make will raise your alchemy skill a level. It also helps to activate the thief stone and get a good nights rest before going to the alchemy table.

Thanks to you both! I don't think I know about the Thief Stone.