=IF(FIND(ers, keepers), "", "weepers"). In other words, using text functions to make sense of lists. Plus, gifs and my pet turtle, Prince!
breadcrumbs trail / matzo meal
I think it's a best practice to design ALL spreadsheets as if they will be manipulated by other people, which means leaving a strong "breadcrumbs trail" of your assumptions, formulas, variables, data sources, and more. In my case, it's a matzo meal trail until tomorrow evening when Passover ends and I will devour pizza with all my might!
shape shifter
From a downloaded file with weird fonts and titles, wacky colors, no wrapped text, superwide columns, and repeating header rows, I was able to create a useable, sortable, shareable, printable, filterable, not-make-you-want-to-throw-your-computer-out-the-window spreadsheet. And you know what the best part is? You can too!
If only
Slicers, Subtotals, Tables, Ranges, Sort criteria, OH MY. We've got it all in this post about dealing with frustration, solutions, and spreadsheet empowerment.
validation rules!
Ahh, nothing like a good pep talk to make you feel validated. When I can't cheer you on, try data validation tools to add "dropdown menus" inside of your spreadsheets. Google Sheets and Excel users will both find something of value here. Read more for useful tips and tutorial videos.
expand, contract
Spreadsheets or life-in-general bringing you stress? Here's a tutorial about how to wrangle your spreadsheets with the "Group Rows" function. Plus, a mindfulness exercise!
my people
My Rabbi asks for help sorting a spreadsheet, which pairs perfectly with my evolving plans to offer a Spreadsheet Chevruta program. Tune in for banter, reverence, tips, and .gifs!
How to save “versions” in Google Drive
How to save multiple versions of a doc in Google Drive... to the tune of "How to Save a Life" by the Fray. Come for the spoof, stay for the tips!
consistency is everything
What does cookie decorating have to do with spreadsheets? Consistency of course! Come for the Royal Icing recipe and stay for the tips about standardizing your data.
know one nose it all
A treatise on mystery, learning, and shame. A joyous reflection on NPSP Day Philadelphia. And a spreadsheet tip you might not know you needed.
