Help!

Ok, so I'm trying to edit and update my blog, but I'm having trouble. Any people out there who can help? I changed my background, but now I want to change my text colors so that they show up better with this background. I used to be able to find this easily, but today I can't find it at all! Where do I go to do this? Also, is there any way to be notified when you receive comments? I found comments today from last June that I never knew were there! Also, I added a list of blogs that I read, on my right sidebar. However, when I click on them, it doesn't go to the blog. Any suggestions?