While the previous replies are good, they change the format away from
date format and can no longer be used with other functions (like tryin
to find elapsed time between two dates). If you want to keep the cel
formatted as a date go to format/cells and select the number tab
Scroll down to "Custom" and in the "Type:" field type in:
d-m
This will format the day (1) a dash and then the month (7). Now whe
you type "1-7" into the cell, it will stay as 1-7, but will retain th
date format and can be used in other functions.
Note: you must have your regional options in control panel set to rea
the day-month