Using the Repository Pattern - example 1 - http://www.slashnode.com/why-use-repository-pattern/

PostRepository.php

<?php

class PostRepository
{
    public function getRecent()
    {
        return Post::where('date', '>', Carbon::now()->subDays(7))->get();
    }

    public function getRecentFor($user_id)
    {
        return Post::where('date', '>', Carbon::now()->subDays(7))
            ->where('user_id', $user_id)->get();
    }
    //...
}