Broken throttle cable question
A stock unit should snap like that. It should be just fine as a replacement. If it needs to be "Correct" to the car, thats another story.
Reguardless, did the pedal feel stiff to push on?
Is the carb stock to the engine? On the bog of the carb, besides a good cleaning, or rebuild if that bad, a simple tune up, clean filter and such may be inorder. Tuning a carb is trail and error for newbies and not a big deal. It'll just take a little time. O2 sensors are great for this if the expense is OK with you.
and I'm a mechanically challenged female, any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thats what were all here for. Female or not. Believe me, I've meet alot of guys that fit that description help and school by the girls. Consider this and other things you do as "Cutting your teeth" on it. Gotta learn somehow. We were all there once.
Have faith and keep an even temper. You can do it.