When making a cake, or any recipe that calls for mixing dry ingredients together then adding them at a later point, put them all in a paper bag or plastic bag and shake to mix. You have no separate bowl to clean and no fuss or muss either.
A small container of vinegar left in any room of the house keeps the room smelling fresh, even if the house is closed for a while. Add vinegar to the water in humidifiers occasionally - it will keep the air fresher.