weights vs. resistance

So I want to get more weight lifting-ish activities into my routine.  Currently I am only running 1 mile a day and doing pilates and yoga one day a week.  I'm looking to get toned, not buff.  I'm 5'5" 115 pounds.  I don't have a gym membership now, but will in a month or so. 

Until then, are small weights or resistance bands better?

Big weights!

First off you can't get buff because you're a women. You don't have the testosterone for it. But to get toned you must gain muscle. So lift heavy weights with life reps and you will get toned. Light weight and high reps isnt going to work. you really need to stretch the muscle and tear it for it to grow.

Since you don't have access to a gym right now, I'd suggest using resistance bands until you can get to heavy weights. Light weights won't work for muscle building because the resistance is too light; however, resistance bands allow for progressive resistance (so the first rep is easy but it gets harder as you go).

Read this! Sculpt, tone, build... all the same thing!

 http://www.stumptuous.com/lies-in-the-gym

And just to tell you a little about my experience, since I started lifting "heavy" (20 pound dumb bells for most arm exercises and as much weight as I can tolerate on everything else) I've achieved great results is a fast amount of time! Losing the jiggle in my arms and every where else.  All this talk about women getting "bulky" from weightlifting was started by men who wanted to keep women weak and conquerable!