M.L.
I'm a hairstylist, and I do the pony tail thing too. Buns and low ponytails are very popular right now... there are lots of cute ways you can pull it back and still look stylish.
As for color, why not add in some soft and subtle caramel pieces? To help with the frizz, I suggest Sebastion's Potion #9. Love that stuff! I'm in Houston too, so I know about that heat/humidity. You could get the Keratin deep conditioning treatments as well.
I'm did a hair post today actually on my blog, that showcases lots of easy ways to pull the hair back, most of them have tutorials as well:
http://littlelovables.blogspot.com/2011/04/easy-and-simpl...