One of my favourite things to do (ok apart from making a recipe with chocolate!) is to make spice blends.   Since owning my Thermomix I have experimented with so many different spice blends.  They all taste so fresh and have no anti-caking agents.
Hints and tips about dried herbs and spices:
Spice Storage Tips

Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.  These elements hasten the loss of flavour and aroma of spices and herbs.  Avoid storing over the stove, dishwasher, sink or near a window.
Spices should not be stored in the freezer.  Freezing does not extend the shelf life of regularly used dried spices and herbs. If stored in the freezer, and repeatedly removed for use, condensation will form in the bottles and accelerate loss of flavor and aroma. Always close spice containers tightly after each use.

How to Optimise Freshness

Spices and herbs that are whole maintain their freshness longer than those that are ground.
Spices and herbs do not spoil but they do lose their strength. Old and weak seasonings will not deliver the taste they should.
Spices and herbs will keep for a long time if they are stored in airtight bottles.  The shelf life of properly stored spices and herbs is approximately 4 years for whole spices, 2-3 years for ground spices and 1-3 years for leafy herbs, depending on the herb.
There are three checks to use when verifying freshness – look, smell and taste.  A visual check for colour fading is a good indicator of flavour l...